Metal Finishing - Industry Trends & Happenings

Latest News

Countdown to SUR/FIN: Automotive Issues High on the Conference Agenda
With Grand Rapids, Mich., serving as the backdrop for SUR/FIN 2010, it’s only fitting that the conference programming reflect the major issues facing the domestic automotive industry. To that end, the National Association for Surface Finishing, NASF, has tapped the Center for Automotive Research, or CAR, to present a timely panel discussion focused on this key bellwether sector.
Nordson Corporation Names New President & CEO
The board of directors of Nordson Corporation recently named Michael F. Hilton president and chief executive officer, effective Jan. 16, 2010. Hilton, who will also join Nordson’s board of directors, will succeed retiring president and CEO Edward P. Campbell, who will continue to serve as Nordson’s chairman of the board until the company’s Feb. 16, 2010 annual meeting of shareholders.
Process Cleaning Expo Slated for May
The Process Cleaning Expo (PCx) 2010—the only event in North America dedicated to cleaning in the industrial manufacturing process—will be held in Louisville, Ky., at the Kentucky International Convention Center May 4–6, 2010.
Many Automotive Manufacturers Report December Sales Increases
Ford Motor Co., Honda, Toyota, Volkswagon, BMW, Hyundai, and Kia were among the major automotive manufacturers reporting December sales growth. Increases ranged from the high single digits all the way up to 44%
2010 Manufacturing Outlook: Slow & Steady
As manufacturing goes, so goes metal finishing—that’s a given. What remains somewhat of a mystery, though, is forecasting the precise point in 2010 when we can expect manufacturing employment and output to return to more respectable levels.

Podcasts

Metal Finishing Audio Newscast--February 8, 2010
NASF Announces Washington Forum Updates
Metal Finishing Audio Newscast February 2, 2010
People in the News...Awards & Certifications...Plant Expansions
Metal Finishing Audio Newscast: January 25, 2010
Online registration is now open for SUR/FIN 2010! The event is set to take place June 14–17 at the Devos Place Convention Center in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Rectifiers but Were Afraid to Ask
This special podcast presentation, sponsored by Process Electronics Corporation, will explain the importance of making the right decision when purchasing a rectifier. More importantly, it will clue buyers in on what to look for when partnering with a particular rectifier supplier.

Webinars

Zirconization™ Update: Introducing DuBois Chemicals, DuraTEC 110 Nonphosphate Cleaning and Pretreatment Solutions for Ferrous and Nonferrous Parts
Nonphosphate pretreatment systems are gaining broader acceptance in the market place. Public opinion, regulatory compliance, and environmental stewardship are moving manufacturers away from phosphate-based chemistries.
Alternative Pretreatment Technologies for Steel and Aluminum Surfaces
This informative webinar program will cover current environmentally acceptable alternative pretreatment processes for steel and aluminum surfaces. It will: identify and define conversion coatings; discuss the basics of a zinc phosphate process for ferrous and aluminum surfaces; outline the advantages and disadvantages of zinc phosphate; and delve into the pros and cons of alternative technologies, such as zirconium, titanium, and silane. Ron Joseph, Organic Coatings Editor for Metal Finishing, moderates.

Ron Joseph

Ask The Expert

Painting, Coatings, Coating Analysis, Coating Failure Analysis
Ron Joseph is the organic finishing editor for Metal Finishing magazine. He is also the paint and coating consultant with Exponent, Inc., of Menlo Park, Calif.

Features

SFCHINA ’09 Shows Resilience in the Wake of Global Recession
More than 11,000 visitors converged on the Shanghai New International Expo Centre Nov. 18–20 to attend SFCHINA ’09, billed as China’s foremost exposition and conference for electroplaters, suppliers of surface finishing chemicals and equipment, as well as coating formulators and manufacturers of paint delivery systems.
Members' Content
Compliance Requirements of New EPA Regulations on Area Sources in the Plating and Polishing Industry
The U.S. EPA has developed new requirements to reduce air pollution from plating and polishing facilities. Shaikh Tayeb and Tapan Das, from the Delaware Dept. of Natural Resources & Environmental Control, discuss the new compliance and reporting requirements, in addition to providing suggestions on how to cost-effectively minimize your facility's emissions. Links and downloads to helpful compliance documents are also provided.
Members' Content
The Clean Energy Race: Pew Center Sees Greenhouse Gas Regulation As All But Inevitable
Drew Amorosi, managing editor of Metal Finishing, recently caught up with Dr. Manik Roy and Dr. Janet Peace of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change to discuss the climate change legislation making its way through Congress. One fact is clear from the conversation: Whether it’s via Congress, the states, or the EPA, the regulation of greenhouse gasses is very much on the horizon here in the United States, if not already upon us. The question for the business and manufacturing community is by which method and from what source will regulation emerge, and what system will be the least harmful to business conditions?
National VOC Emission Standards for Aerosol Coatings
In June of 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established national reactivity-based emission standards for 170 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) used in aerosol coating products. This aerosol coatings reactivity rule aims to encourage reformulation of aerosol coatings to reduce ground-level ozone formation. The rule specifies reactivity limits for 36 aerosol product categories. The 170 VOCs are ranked by their reactivity factor (RF, units in grams of ozone per gram of VOC). VOCs with a high RF are more likely to form ozone, an air pollutant, than VOCs with a lower RF.

Downloads

Gold Post-Dip to Improve Corrosion-Resistance Properties
Comprehensive test results have been presented for a new, patented gold post-dip treatment that significantly improves the corrosion resistance of nickel/gold deposits and contributes to the reduction of gold costs.
Trivalent Chromium for Enhanced Corrosion Protection on Aluminum Surfaces
A promising alternative to chromate conversion coatings on aluminium is the trivalent chromium–based environmentally friendly conversion coating. This new trivalent chromium process provides high corrosion protection and good paint adhesion while meeting the stringent requirements of military specifications

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