basics

How to Choose Between Sulfate and Chloride-Based Trivalent Chromium

There are several factors to consider when choosing between sulfate and chloride-based baths for trivalent chromium plating. Mark Schario of Columbia Chemical discusses the differences and what platers should keep in mind when evaluating options.

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Prevent Plating Problems with Critical Inspections

Tanks and their contents should be regularly inspected visually and analytically. When a quality issue arises, it is important to quickly pinpoint where the main problem is by checking which parameter is out of line.

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Powder Coatings vs Energy-Cure Coatings

Examining the basic differences between powder coatings and energy-cure coatings can help answer the question of whether or not one of these technologies might be appropriate for a specific application.

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Curing Oven Basics

Simply heating up the substrate does not cure the coating. There are many variables to consider when choosing the best cure oven for your application...

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An Overview of Electroless Nickel Plating

By definition, electroless plating is metal deposition by a controlled chemical reaction.

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Mocap Masking Caps Plugs Tapes
At-line and in-line instrumentation.
New Acid-Free Bright Nickel Process
More blasting. Less part handling.

Preparation for Electroplating

What you should know about cleaning and electrocleaning.

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Alkaline Cleaning Guide

Gregg Sanko, Senior Chemist, Oakite Products, Inc. provides an overview of the alkaline cleaning process.

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Can You Afford to Not Use Custom Masking?

Are you weighing the costs of a custom masking solution vs. an off-the-shelf solution? Christy Schulthess of Custom Fabricating & Supplies discusses the overall savings that can be realized with custom masking.

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A Chromium Plating Overview

An overview of decorative and hard chromium electroplating processes.

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Choosing the Right Powder Booth Technology

Is your powder coating operation experiencing an increasing number of color change requirements? Nicolas Gervaise of Carlisle Fluid Technologies discusses fast color change single booth configurations for powder coating. 

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Understanding PEO Coatings

Using high-speed cameras and back side illumination (BSI) sensor technology to analyze plasma electrolytic oxidation. 

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Pretreatment Washer and Finishing Equipment
The Finishing Industry’s Education and Networking Resource
Bulk Chemicals, Inc.
Non-Cyanide Silver Plating, AMS 2411J

Conveyors and Paint Systems

Choosing the right conveyor system, coating technology, and ancillary equipment.

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Understanding and Managing White Spots on Anodized Aluminum

Having trouble with spotting defects when anodizing? Taj Patel of Techevon LLC offers a helpful overview of the various causes of white spots and potential solutions.

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How to Maximize Nickel Plating Performance

The advantages of boric acid-free nickel plating include allowing manufacturers who utilize nickel plating to keep up the ever-changing regulatory policies and support sustainability efforts.

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Installing an Ecoat Line

Thinking of investing in electrocoating capabilities? George Lovell, coatings plant manager for Lippert, discusses considerations you should keep in mind as you add your ecoat line.

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How to Build a Powder Coating Brand

Maui Powder Works, a 2022 Products Finishing Top Shop, shares the story behind how it grew from an island job shop to a recognized voice in the finishing community. 

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Top Reasons to Switch to a Better Cleaning Fluid

Venesia Hurtubise from MicroCare says switching to the new modern cleaning fluids will have a positive impact on your cleaning process.

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SURFIN 2024
More blasting. Less part handling.
CFS
CFS

Anodizing for Bonding Applications in Aerospace

Anodizing for pre-prep bonding bridges the gap between metallic and composite worlds, as it provides a superior surface in many applications on aluminum components for bonding to these composites. 

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Zinc Phosphate: Questions and Answers

Our experts share specific questions about zinc phosphate and pretreatment

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Calculating the Cost of Powder Coating

How can you calculate the cost of powder coating a component if you only know its surface area? Powder coating expert Rodger Talbert has the answer.

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Education, Networking, Insights at 2023 Parts Cleaning Conference

Attend the Parts Cleaning Conference in Cleveland, Ohio on April 19th, 2023, for a comprehensive look into all things having to do with cleaning technology.

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ERP for Finishing Companies

Robert (Bobby) Haggard, consultant for TrinSoft LLC, discusses the growing need for all-inclusive ERP solutions for finishing operations.

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When to Introduce Automation Into Your Finishing System

Looking to increase productivity for your liquid coating operation? John Owed of Carlisle Fluid Technologies provides examples of how automation can help improve quality and efficiency for paint spray equipment.

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Filtration
FABTECH 2024
Fischer Technology, Inc.
At-line and in-line instrumentation.