The preliminary categories established by the NASF are as follows:

Technical

Aerospace Surface Finishing
Alternative Coatings to Electroplating: PVD, CVD, HVOF
Anodizing
Automotive Surface Finishing (Decorative & Functional)
Coatings Removal (lasers, alternative media blast, etc.)
Corrosion Management
Decorative Surface Finishing for Plumbing & Hardware
ECM of Smaller Components/Designs Electroforming
Electronics Plating
Electropolishing
Emerging Technologies
Environmental Issues
Fastener Plating
Filtration Methods
Functional Coating/Plating
Light Metals Finishing
Life-Cycle Risk Assessment of New Materials/Technologies
Medical Device Surface Finishing
MRO Surface Finishing
Nano Plating/Nanotechnology

Quality Control

Alternative Cleaning Methods
Characterization Methods
Energy Management & Conservation
Ventilation & Air Pollution Control
Visual Inspection Methods
Process Modeling
Lab Management

Management

Best Practices
Finance for Managers
Global Market Trends
Information Management
International Competition
Lean Manufacturing

Potential presenters are encouraged to share their latest discoveries, gain recognition, and possible grants from the AESF Foundation to further their research. In addition, the primary author/presenter of the accepted paper will receive a free registration for the show. This includes a proceedings CD, exhibit pass, access to conference sessions and show floor receptions, and a copy of the show directory. Lastly, all papers presented and included in the conference proceedings are eligible for the newly established “Best of Conference Presentation” and “Best of Proceedings Paper” designations.

The deadline for abstracts, which should not exceed 100 words, is Thursday, Oct. 15, 2009. Please submit your abstracts for consideration to: Cheryl Clark, director of events, NASF, or Reginald Tucker, editor, Metal Finishing. For additional information, you may also call the NASF at (202) 457-8404.