Surface Finishing Sheet-Metal Assemblies When Using Self-Clinching Fasteners Surface Finishing Sheet-Metal Assemblies When Using Self-Clinching Fasteners

This article provides a basic understanding about self-clinching fastener technology and the issues associated with surface finishing can help guide the way toward best practices
15 May 2012

The Importance of High-Quality Copper Anodes The Importance of High-Quality Copper Anodes

Well-made anodes are critical to any plating process as they: extend bath life; have less metallic contamination; produce parts without roughness; and require less maintenance.
03 May 2012

Implications of OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard Implications of OSHA’s Revised Hazard Communication Standard

John Durkee, Metal Finishing’s “Cleaning Times” columnist, provides an overview of OSHA’s recently revised HCS as it relates to those who use cleaning chemicals.
26 April 2012

The Operational Benefits of Delisting of Hazardous Wastes Generated by the Metal Finishing Industry The Operational Benefits of Delisting of Hazardous Wastes Generated by the Metal Finishing Industry

Managing hazardous wastes at a metal finishing plant is a very resource-intensive activity. For operations generating a significant amount of hazardous by-products, it might be wise to look at a hazardous waste delisting as a way to avoid high disposal costs.
16 April 2012

Ensuring Readiness for Phosphate-Free Conversion Coatings Ensuring Readiness for Phosphate-Free Conversion Coatings

Successful implementation of transitional metal conversions can save both time and money—but only if the processes are executed properly.
10 April 2012

An Alternative Approach to Plating of Titanium and Ti Alloys Using Carbon Foam Substrate An Alternative Approach to Plating of Titanium and Ti Alloys Using Carbon Foam Substrate

3C Technology has developed—and proposed for commercial applications—a method for electroplating titanium alloys in the form of a coating on plastic and carbon foams.
29 March 2012

The Challenge of Thickness Variation in Plating and Anodizing The Challenge of Thickness Variation in Plating and Anodizing

Metal Finishing columnist Leslie Flott discusses the critical role that coating thickness plays in product quality and process/cost control.
21 March 2012

On The Surface: Intended Consequences

Barbara Kanegsberg and Ed Kanegsberg Ph.D., a.k.a the “Cleaning Lady and the Rocket Scientist,” discuss both the positive and negative aspects of metal cleaning and surface preparation.
08 March 2012

Sealants Aim to Reduce Noise Levels in Automobiles Sealants Aim to Reduce Noise Levels in Automobiles

Ed Petrie, Metal Finishing’s “Adhesion & Bonding” columnist, reviews noise-dampening sealants that have created a niche market for automotive applications.
01 March 2012

Everyday Statistical Process Control Everyday Statistical Process Control

Metal Finishing columnist Leslie Flott describes how shop managers might use statistical process controls to test operational theories.
22 February 2012

Dry Cleaning as a Predictor for Change Dry Cleaning as a Predictor for Change

The pattern of use of perchloroethylene suggests that reductions in its use in parts cleaning will be slow due to trends in other industries.
01 February 2012

An In-Situ Phosphating Coating Catalyzed by Phenylphosphonic Acid on AA6061 An In-Situ Phosphating Coating Catalyzed by Phenylphosphonic Acid on AA6061

In order to solve the problems that exist in traditional multi-stage phosphating, a novel coating system was developed by predispersing an optimum amount of in-situ phosphating reagent into the paint formulation.
19 January 2012

Conversion of Plating Line Rinses to a Closed-Loop Deionization System Conversion of Plating Line Rinses to a Closed-Loop Deionization System

Case study looks at how a New York-based metal finisher adopted new wastewater treatment capabilities, resulting in plating process improvements and electricity reductions.
02 January 2012

Powder Coating With Robots and Dense Phase Technology Powder Coating With Robots and Dense Phase Technology

A critical blend of advanced technologies.
15 December 2011

Designing an Automotive Paint Shop for Optimal Flexibility and Efficiency Designing an Automotive Paint Shop for Optimal Flexibility and Efficiency

This article examines the pros and cons of two different auto body paint scenarios.
08 December 2011

In-Place Repair of Worn or Damaged Mold Components

Portable, high-speed process reduces repair costs and downtime.
17 November 2011

Specialty Metals Plating—Part I

Reviewing the fundamentals of palladium-nickel, platinum and rhodium plating.
02 November 2011

The Importance of Wet-Chemical Testing and Control in Surface Finishing and Treatment Operations The Importance of Wet-Chemical Testing and Control in Surface Finishing and Treatment Operations

Utilizing the right type of process analytical equipment in your plating operations can maximize finish quality, parts coverage, and overall efficiency.
18 October 2011

Osmotic Blisters in Coatings and Adhesives

Metal Finishing's adhesion and bonding expert discusses how blistering can be reduced or even eliminated by the proper selection of coating materials and substrate surface preparation.
12 October 2011

Medical Devices and Critical Cleaning Medical Devices and Critical Cleaning

Understanding the goals and requirements and using well-defined, effective cleaning processes goes a long way to increasing the value of your product to current and potential customers.
27 September 2011