Understanding Paint Atomization
BASF coatings development expert Tim December explains how paint atomization works for both pneumatic spray applicators and high-speed rotary bell applicators.
Reducing Waste in Your Powder Coating Facility
Finising industry consultant Rodger Talbert explains ways to reduce waste, heat in your powder coating facility.
Troubleshooting Bright Nickel Processes: How to Identify the Problem
For bright nickel process troubleshooting, Doug Lay of Coventya suggests narrowing the scope with a checklist.
Controlling Quality of Zinc Flake Coatings on Steel Fasteners
Scott McEuen, North American business development manager of zinc flake coatings at Atotech, explains how the quality of zinc flake coatings depends on good adhesion and bonding to the substrate of the fasteners.
Silane-based Multimetal Pretreatments for Powder Painting
When looking to switch from phosphate conversion coatings, Stewart Tymchuk from Dynamix suggests looking at silane-based products for powder coating pretreatments.
Electric vs. Pneumatic Agitators: What Makes Sense?
When determining the need for an agitator, says Mike Elberson from Autoquip, you must look at budget versus long-term energy conservation.
Fixing Dull Parts From Alkaline Zinc-Nickel Bath
A lack of expected brightness is a common malady affecting many alkaline zinc-nickel platers, and MacDermid Enthone’s Adam Blakeley provides some answers to fix it.
Phosphorus Copper Anodes for Acid Copper Plating
Copper anodes produced from pure copper cathodes will result in a copper purity of greater than 99.99% copper, including silver and the alloyed phosphorus, according to Univertical’s André Depew.
Using Alternatives in Pretreatment Baths for Degreasing
Effective cleaning at low, even ambient temperatures, is possible, says Atotech’s Brandon Lloyd, and creates a safer work environment and reduces energy demands.
Improving Standard Operating Procedures for Powder Coating Operations
Expert Rodger Talbert says be sure to use instant feedback to let the operator know when a problem first appears.
Finding What Causes Defects in Ecoat Systems
The first step in solving defects in ecoat, says Axalta’s Joe Subda, is to determine if the defect is on all parts, one part, or a certain type of part or substrate.
Summary Report on USCAR Field Test for Trivalent Chromium
Mark Schario from Columbia Chemical explains USCAR’s multiyear project to determine how various trivalent chromium systems would perform in the real world.
Why Temperatures Change Between Liquid Circulation System and Point of Application
Mike Bonner with Saint Clair Systems says a specialized control system is required to eliminate temperature changes between a liquid circulation system and point of application.
Determining the Proper Material for an Electroless Nickel Plating Tank
The stability of your electroless nickel (EN) bath may require one type of tank over another, says Mike Aleksinas of MetalChem.
How To Reduce Steps Required In Nonferrous Surface Finishing
The finishing of parts made from various copper and aluminum alloys traditionally require many distinct and separate process steps, and Hubbard-Hall’s Mike Valenti explains how both come with their own unique needs .
Developments and Trends in Powder Coating
New solutions for powder coating centers combine powder preparation, conveyance, dosing and color changes into a fully automated, closed system.
Automate Your Brush Plating Operation
Derek Kilgore from Sifco ASC says the brush plating operation can be mechanized, semi-automated or even fully automated.
Powder Coat Systems with the Best Long-Term Performance
The best protection against corrosion and UV exposure, says Axalta’s Mike Withers, is electrocoat and a super durable powder coating.
Designing Spray Booths by Applying the Right Airflow Design
Spray booth solutions are varied, Spray Systems’ Bob Hauck says, so use key performance objectives to arrive at the best airflow option for you.
Benefits of Recycling Vibratory Finishing Effluent
Recycling vibratory wastewater can be very advantageous and cost effective, says Dean Bell of Precision Finishing, but only if done properly.
Improving Transfer Efficiencies in Coating Operations
There are many methods for addressing electrostatic grounding in metal painting processes, and Tim Ulshafer from Mueller Electric says the best method for your process is a simple and worthwhile exercise.
Preventing Anodizing Cathodes from Turning Red
While the red color may not be desirable, anodizing expert Drew Nosti says it poses no particular problem to a successful anodizing process.
Measuring Hardness and Wear in Electroless Nickel Coatings
Rich O’Brien from Bales Metal Surface Solutions says advances in coatings science have led to the development of multiple choices for surface finishes beyond hard chrome and electroless nickel.
Steps for Automating Your Paint Booth with Robots
Graco’s Bill Heuer explains the important considerations to think about before investing in a system with robots.