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9 Sep 2024 Parts Cleaning
Cleaning for Plating Success
A quick guide to surface preparation prior to electroplating.

28 May 2024 Powder Coating
From TGIC-Based Polyester Powder Coating to TGIC-Free Alternative
Users should be aware of differences in application performance, cure response and coating performance before making the change from a traditional TGIC polyester powder coating to a TGIC-free alternative.

1 Mar 2024 Ask The Expert
10 Anodizing Best Practices
Following this list of guidelines can help to increase the performance, cost effectiveness and quality for your anodizing operation.

30 Jan 2024 Ask The Expert
10 Ecoat Best Practices
Following this list of guidelines can help to increase the performance, cost effectiveness and quality for your ecoat operation.

25 Nov 2025 sustainability
SMART Water: A New Wave in Water Management
Intelligent approach to water management leverages real-time data to optimize water as a strategic resource.

15 Aug 2024 Parts Cleaning
Solvent Versus Aqueous: Busting the Myths
Is aqueous cleaning “greener” than solvent cleaning? Is solvent a more effective cleaner than aqueous? These and many other questions are answered here to debunk the misconceptions that many manufacturers have held onto for years.

20 Mar 2024 Powder Coating
‘Warming Up’ to the Truth about Ovens for Surface Treatment
Understanding the different types of oven heat technology for surface finishing, including how they work, and their advantages and disadvantages, can help determine the best heating solution for an application.
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On Demand
Using Advancements in XRF Technology to Optimize Your Process Chemistry Control
Do you know what is in your electroplating bath? While X-ray fluorescence (XRF) has traditionally been used in electroplating facilities to measure the thickness and composition of plated coatings, many in the industry are now recognizing its value for monitoring the elemental composition of plating baths as well. XRF enables simultaneous multi-element analysis with significantly reduced sample preparation time and cost compared to conventional techniques. This enhanced visibility into bath chemistry allows for more consistent process checks, enabling operators to maintain bath stability and respond proactively to changes before they result in process disruptions. Advancements in automation and inline measurement now make it possible to integrate XRF directly into plating lines — facilitating real-time analysis and automated bath adjustments for optimized performance. Join Fischer Technology to explore the latest innovations in how electroplaters can leverage XRF to improve efficiency, quality and control in their operations. Agenda: How XRF technology can analyze plating bath chemistry How this analysis can improve your plating quality, efficiency and costs How this compares to alternate methods How to improve control and quality traceability with continuous monitoring using inline XRF

On Demand
Beyond Clean: How Surface Prep Chemistry Drives Powder Coating Performance
In powder coating, performance starts long before the powder ever hits the part. This session takes a closer look at the role of surface prep chemistry and how it shapes coating outcomes — from adhesion to corrosion resistance and overall durability. Attendees will hear real-world examples of how shops are adjusting their pretreatment process based on part geometry, metal type and soils — from cold rolled and hot forged steel to extruded and architectural aluminum. Hubbard-Hall will explore the role of cleaner-coaters, deoxidizers and derusters — and how to work through issues like stearates on drawn steel or paraffin-based lubricants. Whether you're running a five-stage washer or working through inconsistent results, this session shows how looking beyond time, temperature and concentration — and toward chemistry, process flow and substrate condition — can lead to more consistent, higher-performing finishes. Agenda: Understand how surface prep chemistry interacts with different metals and soils Learn how cleaner coaters, deoxidizers and derusters fit into a modern pretreatment process See how real shops have improved performance by adjusting their surface prep approach Gain troubleshooting tips for resolving common coating failures tied to inadequate prep

On Demand
Choosing the Right Pretreatment Prior to Phosphating
Dealing with sludge, poor adhesion or patchy phosphate coatings? The real issue may be pretreatment. In this webinar, learn why proper cleaning and descaling are critical to coating quality and process efficiency. Haviland will cover two-stage cleaning, the role of alkaline descalers, safer pickling options and simple ways to reduce rework and equipment wear. If you’re looking to improve consistency and cut downtime, this session is for you. Agenda: Welcome and overview Understanding the pretreatment process Cleaning and degreasing Alkaline descaling: key to better coatings Risks of strong acid pickling Safer and more effective alternatives Final considerations for a strong pretreatment program

On Demand
Enhancing Paint Adhesion: Sustainable Solutions for Metal Surface Treatment
Facing strict regulatory standards and growing demands for sustainability, the metal treatment segment needs innovative solutions that guarantee excellent paint adhesion and corrosion resistance while relying on less toxic chemicals. Organic boosters stand out as a versatile additive that meets these challenges, compatible with various inorganic chassis such as zirconium (Zr), titanium (Ti) and trivalent chromium (Cr III). This webinar will explore how to enhance performance across substrates like aluminum (Al), hot dip galvanized steel (HDG) and cold-rolled steel (CRS), offering a sustainable path forward. Agenda: Navigating current regulations and the need for eco-friendly solutions Why Addibond improves paint adhesion and corrosion resistance across different substrates Examples of organic boosters’ application and effectiveness in different metal surfaces and industries

On Demand
Reshoring Excellence: Achieving Superior Finishes Through American Craftsmanship
Join this webinar on Lockers Manufacturing's dedication to reshoring and U.S.-based production. In partnership with Hubbard-Hall — a 176-year-old, woman-owned chemical manufacturer — and distribution partner PSI, Lockers Manufacturing will share how a collaborative supply chain built on innovation, sustainability and resilience is making U.S. manufacturing stronger. Lockers Manufacturing stands out with domestically produced lockers, using U.S.-sourced materials for superior craftsmanship and a more responsive supply chain. Hubbard-Hall and PSI bring deep technical expertise and tankside support to help manufacturers like Lockers stay competitive, compliant and customer-focused. Discover how reshoring, high-quality materials and local partnerships are reshaping the future of American manufacturing. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from industry leaders working together to build a stronger, smarter supply chain. Agenda: How reshoring and U.S.-based production create a more agile, reliable supply chain The impact of innovation and sustainability on the growth of small, family-owned manufacturers Why quality materials and a customer-first approach are key to long-term success in American manufacturing

On Demand
From Frustration to Efficiency: Tech That’s Changing the Game for Finishers
Struggling with outdated systems and inefficiencies? You’re not alone. The finishing industry is evolving and companies that embrace the right technology are gaining a competitive edge. Most ERP solutions weren’t built for surface finishing, leaving businesses stuck with inefficiencies and missed opportunities. Join TrinSoft as they explore how automation, cloud-based solutions and data-driven insights are helping finishers reduce costs, increase efficiency and take control of their growth. Don’t let outdated tech hold you back — discover how the right tools can transform your operations.
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12 Feb 2026
Connecticut Chapter of NASF Meeting
Part of the Connecticut Chapter of NASF meeting schedule for 2025-2026. Contact Sgt. At Arms Larry Ryan at RYANL46@cox.net for reservation.

24 Feb 2026
Additive Manufacturing Strategies 2026
Additive Manufacturing Strategies is a 100% in-person event February 24-26, 2026 in New York City. This industry touchstone conference brings together AM stakeholders from all over the world. AMS includes panels and keynotes on topics most critical in the fast-growing world of additive manufacturing. Bringing together the industry’s leaders in a contained networking environment makes AMS the place for startups to access capital, for financial institutions and investors to sharpen their radars, and for the AM industry to focus on the business of AM.

2 Mar 2026
Powder Coating Week 2026
For more than 30 years, the Powder Coating Institute has hosted an annual event that focuses on providing education for all those using powder coating and those interested in learning more about the technology. Over the years, the event has taken many forms. With a strong commitment to continuous education of the powder coating industry, PCI will again host its Powder Coating Week 2026 from March 2nd – 4th in Indianapolis, IN. Powder Coating Week 2026 consists of four separate events: Powder Coating 101 Workshop - Powder Coating Done Right: The Basics Custom Coater Forum Technical Conference Tabletop Exhibition All four events will be held at the JW Marriott Indianapolis in Indianapolis, IN. Learn more: https://conference.powdercoating.org/

4 Mar 2026
National Surface Finishing Day
Products Finishing partners with thousands of surface finishing operations in the U.S. annually to celebrate National Surface Finishing Day (NSFD) on the first Wednesday in March. NSFD was created to celebrate the industry and share success stories with trade schools, businesses, officials and media, and to recognize the hard work of finishing industry employees. Facilities are encouraged to host events and work with local media to build awareness about the contributions made by the surface finishing industry. NSFD 2026 will be held on March 4, 2026. Share your story, photos, celebrations and tell the world about the important work you do using the hashtags #NationalSurfaceFinishingDay or #NSFD. Learn more: https://www.pfonline.com/zc/nsfd

7 Apr 2026
ECOAT 2026
ECOAT26 is excited to deliver a high-quality industry event complete with a loaded educational schedule, the industry-famous Exhibit Night, and other exciting networking opportunities — all in a location that can't be beat! You can't miss the ECOAT Conference.

9 Apr 2026
Connecticut Chapter of NASF Meeting
Part of the Connecticut Chapter of NASF meeting schedule for 2025-2026. Contact Sgt. At Arms Larry Ryan at RYANL46@cox.net for reservation.

13 Jan 2026 New & Upcoming
NASF Wisconsin Chapter Meeting: "Discussion on PFAS" Register Now
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Top Shops
Features stories and news on the adaptations of top shops, good habits, beneficial practices and successes that make a finishing shop a "Top Shop."

40 under 40
Young professionals are a vital asset to the finishing industry, and it is important to acknowledge those who are making great strides in shaping the industry's future.

Champions of the Industry
Products Finishing is proud to announce a new awards program that recognizes individuals in the industry that are making important contributions to forward the surface finishing industry.
Videos See All

14 Nov 2025
Best Technology Automates Passivation System for High-Volume Metal Finishing
Introduction of a rail-mounted gantry automation for passivation and surface finishing provides consistency and efficiency for regulated manufacturing environments.

17 Sep 2025 marine
Functionalizing Surfaces for Sustainability
Riblets reduce drag, fuel consumption, CO2 emissions and noise while boosting power output, flow rates, speed and efficiency.

20 Jun 2025
Engineering an Easy-to-Use, Explosion-Proof Cobot for Painting
The 20XP incorporates a UR20 cobot that’s modified to be explosion-proof and an innovative programming system to create a safe, easy-to-use method for automating liquid painting processes.

26 May 2025 automotive
ABB PixelPaint Delivers Paint Finish Precision, Exclusivity to Mercedes-Benz Models
ABB’s PixelPaint technology, deployed at the Mercedes-Benz Sindelfingen plant, delivers precise application and eliminates overspray, reducing material use and emissions.

30 Apr 2025 Electrocoating
Custom Material Handling Boosts Finishing Shop's Efficiency
Therma-Tron-X designs custom materials handling system for a customer running cathodic electrocoat and coating systems.

1 Apr 2025 40-under-40
40 Under 40 Class of 2025
PF honors some of the finishing industry’s emerging leaders nominated for its annual 40 Under 40 program, highlighting their passions and motivations.
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Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes
10 Point Checklist to Improve Your Parts Cleaning Processes

Automotive Coatings
A collection of four PF features that delve into the technologies, processes and people working to provide protection for the automobiles of today.

The Case for Cleaning
Survey and analysis, with Hubbard-Hall, of Products Finishing Top Shops benchmarking attitudes and practices concerning parts cleaning.
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ACT Test Panels LLC

ACT Test Panels LLC

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273 Industrial Dr.
Hillsdale, MI 49242 US
517-439-1485
sales@acttestpanels.com
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analytical X-Ray software and hardware for material analysis

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Steelman Industries Inc.