http://www.organicfinishing.com/ Copyright Elsevier Ltd Intuitiv Ltd (www.intuitiv.net) Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:05:01 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/_common/img/template/organic-finishing/site-logo.gif http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/10027/preventing-leaks-improving-looks-increasing-profits/ Read how the Surface Matrix Sealing System (TM) from IMPCO can lower parts rejection rates via a technique known as "filling porosity." Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:18:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/10027/preventing-leaks-improving-looks-increasing-profits/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/9411/innovative-spray-booth-technology-for-the-green-paint-shop-/ Reducing energy usage and emissions via a regenerative, dry-filtration method that separates wet paint overspray from spray booth process air. Wed, 12 May 2010 19:22:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/9411/innovative-spray-booth-technology-for-the-green-paint-shop-/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/9198/selecting-cartridge-filters-for-powder-coating-operations-/ The article discusses the range of filters available and the effect that different conditions and circumstances have on filter performance. Tue, 04 May 2010 21:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/9198/selecting-cartridge-filters-for-powder-coating-operations-/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/6702/case-study-analysis-of-coating-failure-on-hinged-steel-boxes/ An investigation was performed to determine the cause of coating failures on several large hinged steel boxes. These boxes were constructed of sheet steel and were allegedly coated with corrosion-resistant coatings. However, after exposure outdoors, much of the paint delaminated and severe corrosion occurred. Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:18:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/6702/case-study-analysis-of-coating-failure-on-hinged-steel-boxes/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/6310/current-trends-in-cold-spray-technology-looking-at-the-future/ Cold spray is one of the many names for describing a solid-state coating process that uses a high-speed gas jet to accelerate powder particles toward a substrate whereby metal particles plastically deform and consolidate upon impact. The term “cold spray” refers to the relatively low process temperature involved—which is typically much lower than the melting point of the spray material. Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:24:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/6310/current-trends-in-cold-spray-technology-looking-at-the-future/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/5180/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? Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/5180/the-clean-energy-race-pew-center-sees-greenhouse-gas-regulation-as-all-but-inevitable/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/5019/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. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/5019/national-voc-emission-standards-for-aerosol-coatings/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4536/nondestructive-testing-for-protective-coatings-implementing-a-lifetime-corrosion-prevention-program/ During the 20th century cheap and abundant energy made corrosion a manageable problem. This era is coming to an end. Soon, industry will find there is less funding available for corrosion prevention after adjusting for rising energy costs. At this time, management will be forced to decide whether to continue with traditional corrosion control practices or change to something new with a greater potential for energy savings. For many, this will be an extremely difficult decision to make. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4536/nondestructive-testing-for-protective-coatings-implementing-a-lifetime-corrosion-prevention-program/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4490/evaluating-overaged-powder-coatings/ Powder coatings need to be stored under controlled environmental conditions to avoid deterioration or “thermal aging.” In particular, temperatures exceeding typical manufacturer-recommended storage conditions of 25°C (77°F) must be avoided, as significantly exceeding these temperatures for just a few days can lead to permanent damage of the product. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4490/evaluating-overaged-powder-coatings/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4240/painting-problem-solver-coldrolled-steel-and-phosphate-pretreatment/ Ron Joseph, Metal Finishing's organic coatings editor, delves into the tricky situations regarding pretreatment, painting of steel, and phosphate, among other related issues. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4240/painting-problem-solver-coldrolled-steel-and-phosphate-pretreatment/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4222/ensuring-optimal-spraying-via-routine-spray-gun-maintenance/ Responsibility for spray finishing equipment is an ongoing task. Many end users only address the issue of maintenance when the spray equipment fails to operate. As the old adage goes, “time is money.” The wise person would agree that it would be prudent to invest some time and effort into their spray finishing operation to ensure that it is properly maintained. In some cases that is easier said than done. Because the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step, my goal is to demonstrate how that task can begin with basic and sound procedures. Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4222/ensuring-optimal-spraying-via-routine-spray-gun-maintenance/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3961/improving-surface-prep-through-air-blasting/ Air blasting contributes to more productive cleaning and pretreatment by making short work of otherwise time-consuming and labor-intensive tasks. For many metal finishers, particularly shops that rebuild parts, prep work often represents more than half the battle. Success depends on maximizing surface receptivity to whatever procedure follows and, in many cases, maintaining part dimensions during cleaning or profiling. Because of its versatility and dexterity, air blasting excels in many challenging pretreatment and cleaning jobs. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3961/improving-surface-prep-through-air-blasting/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3689/platerspainters-profile-tucker-industrial-coatings-embraces-the-entrepreneurial-spirit-/ Bernie Tucker, owner of Tucker Industrial Liquid Coatings, saw a niche opportunity—and he seized it. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3689/platerspainters-profile-tucker-industrial-coatings-embraces-the-entrepreneurial-spirit-/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3667/improved-transfer-efficiency-through-powder-equipment-design/ Improving transfer efficiency is a hot topic that is only getting hotter. First-pass efficiency has long been a top priority for those powder coating operations trying to maximize their profits and produce better parts. But with today’s soaring energy costs and the increased awareness of the environmental impact of wasted energy, the idea of generating greenhouse gases solely to spray powder that falls on the spray booth floor is less acceptable than ever. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3667/improved-transfer-efficiency-through-powder-equipment-design/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3668/nondestructive-uv-inspection-of-coatings-based-on-enhanced-fluorescent-response/ The use of fluorescent materials to provide a non-destructive method for on-line inspection has been an area of increased importance to the coatings industry. Significant improvements in productivity have been realized by employing ultraviolet, UV, light curing to produce conformal coatings for computer boards. Mon, 31 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3668/nondestructive-uv-inspection-of-coatings-based-on-enhanced-fluorescent-response/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4369/the-economics-of-sustainable-uv-coating-technology/ Sustainability is the new “green” and will continue to gain influence in the global marketplace. A major movement is under way that includes efforts by environmentalists, government agencies, manufacturers, consumers, and others to improve worldwide sustainability. The UV coatings marketplace, consisting of raw material manufacturers, equipment suppliers, and formulators, are using UV coating technologies to lead the sustainability effort and positively impact manufacturing, especially in the U.S. This movement is called “Sustainable UV.” Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4369/the-economics-of-sustainable-uv-coating-technology/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4247/when-the-dust-settles-a-tutorial-on-dust-collection-and-explosionproof-vacuums/ Because traditional methods like sweeping and compressed air hardly combat fine dust, powder coating facilities often meet OSHA standards with shop-style vacuums. Although these vacuums might be acceptable for general cleaning of dust and debris outside of coating booths, using them to collect combustible metal dust can not only be deadly, but it may also violate the requirements set forth in OSHA’s Combustible Dust NEP, which calls for electrical vacuums used in dusty areas to be approved for the hazard-classified location. Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4247/when-the-dust-settles-a-tutorial-on-dust-collection-and-explosionproof-vacuums/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3797/court-of-appeals-upholds-oshas-hexavalent-chromium-pel/ Surface finishers nationwide were recently provided an opportunity to exhale a great sigh of relief—at least, for shop owners and managers to be certain. On Feb. 23, the U.S. Third Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the revised hexavalent chromium permissible exposure limit established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in 2006. The suit was brought forth by, among others, interest group Public Citizen, which sought an even lower PEL for operations subject to hexavalent chromium exposure. The plaintiffs in this case contended that the OSHA PEL established in 2006 did not go far enough in limiting workers’ exposure to hexavalent chromium, a known carcinogen. Fri, 15 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3797/court-of-appeals-upholds-oshas-hexavalent-chromium-pel/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3561/zirconization-the-future-of-coating-pretreatment-processes/ Zirconization, an alternative, phosphate-free, eco-friendly coating pretreatment procedure, addresses energy and chemical consumption while improving product quality. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3561/zirconization-the-future-of-coating-pretreatment-processes/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3540/one-on-one-with-steve-houston-pcis-outlook-on-coating-is-bright-/ Metal Finishing magazine recently caught up with Steve Houston, executive director of the Powder Coating Insitute, to get his take on the state of the powder coating industry. Read excerpts from the discussion. Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3540/one-on-one-with-steve-houston-pcis-outlook-on-coating-is-bright-/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3657/ftir-spectroscopy-for-coating-characterization-and-failure-analysis/ This article focuses on the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, FTIR, which can serve as an important “first-line” analysis tool for the identification of coating types and drying mechanisms via monitoring of the functional groups on the chemical compounds inherent in the formulation. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3657/ftir-spectroscopy-for-coating-characterization-and-failure-analysis/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4344/selecting-the-appropriate-coating-thickness-measurement-probe/ Much has been written about coating thickness measurement methods and gauges. The probe, however, is the most important component of the coating thickness gauge. Proper selection of the coating thickness measurement probe will determine the accuracy and reliability of the measurement results. This article discusses the factors that should be considered when selecting a probe and its common applications. In addition, new technology and probes for non-standard applications will be addressed. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4344/selecting-the-appropriate-coating-thickness-measurement-probe/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4269/beta-backscatter-for-coating-thickness-measurement-still-viable-after-all-these-years/ The beta backscatter method of measuring plating and coating thickness was originally introduced nearly 40 years ago. Nearly everyone who has been associated with electronics or metal finishing for any length of time is most likely familiar with this technology, as the use of beta backscatter systems has been extensive within these industries. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4269/beta-backscatter-for-coating-thickness-measurement-still-viable-after-all-these-years/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3656/extolling-the-advantages-of-uv-curing-processes/ Proponents of UV curing technology cite higher return on investment (ROI) as well as excellent environmental benefits. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3656/extolling-the-advantages-of-uv-curing-processes/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3555/new-federal-regulation-affecting-paint-stripping-activities-and-surface-coating-operations/ Environmental regulations regarding surface coating operations have existed since the 1970s. The early years of surface coating regulations primarily consisted of federal New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) and state and local agency standards. These standards typically restricted the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a coating (e.g., pounds of VOC per gallon of coating) and often prescribed add-on air pollution control technology requirements (e.g., thermal oxidizers) to reduce VOC emissions. Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3555/new-federal-regulation-affecting-paint-stripping-activities-and-surface-coating-operations/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3759/platerspainters-profile-professional-plating-strives-for-repeatable-results/ Professional Plating could dazzle you dizzy with its deep range of finishing services—rack zinc plating, barrel zinc plating, acrylic e-coating, epoxy e-coating, custom powder coating, and specialty ceramic coatings, to name a few. But it’s not just about diversity for diversity’s sake. The real hook, company principals note, is doing all of these things on a level of quality that’s repeatable and consistent—every time. Mon, 15 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3759/platerspainters-profile-professional-plating-strives-for-repeatable-results/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3913/platerspainters-profile-meeting-tough-times-head-on-cadon-plating-coatings-adapts-to-survive/ Alan Ensign, vice president and general manager of Wyandotte, Mich.–based Cadon Plating & Coatings, is no stranger to trying times. When the company abandoned the commodity-driven rack plating business years ago, revenues took a 30% hit. Then in in 1994, government regs forced its exodus from the cadmium plating market and, much later, the olive-drab business. As a result of that move, 25% of sales vaporized—just like that. If those setbacks weren’t enough, the company lost once-steady business when the U-bolt suppliers for several major auto suppliers installed their own paint lines, essentially cutting out Cadon completely. Tue, 15 May 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3913/platerspainters-profile-meeting-tough-times-head-on-cadon-plating-coatings-adapts-to-survive/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4245/why-coatings-unexpectedly-fail/ There are many reasons why coatings fail. Generally speaking, the problem often lies at the interface. Often, failure can be related to an extended aging process, such as thermal, photolytic, or hydrolytic degradation. These types of failures are due to the service environment and the ability of the coating or adhesive, for that matter, to resist it. Thu, 15 Feb 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4245/why-coatings-unexpectedly-fail/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3717/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nitric-oxides-/ Controlling and minimizing pollutant emissions is critical for meeting air quality regulations. This article provides a basic primer on an important pollutant emission referred to as nitric oxides, or NOx. This regulated contaminant is formed in nearly all combustion reactions. This includes fired equipment such as heaters, dryers, and furnaces. Fri, 10 Nov 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3717/everything-you-need-to-know-about-nitric-oxides-/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4160/the-art-and-science-of-paint-deformulation/ Deformulation, or reverse engineering as it is sometimes called, refers to the breaking down of a formulation into its basic components. The idea is to be able to take the formulation generated by the deformulation work and reconstruct the original formulation to be able to achieve all the physical properties associated with the original formulation. Wed, 06 Sep 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4160/the-art-and-science-of-paint-deformulation/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3708/robotic-uv-curing-of-coatings-saves-time-and-money/ The UV world is getting bigger every day—and that includes the size of the parts being coated and cured. New developments in UV curing have enabled faster and cost-effective coating of large and complex parts. From boats and cars to bathtubs and snowmobiles, the once miniature world of applications that focused quite literally on optical fibers and CD-ROMs has grown up. And the parts have changed from flat sheets of paper to the beautiful curves of guitars and bumper facias. Tue, 11 Apr 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3708/robotic-uv-curing-of-coatings-saves-time-and-money/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3693/is-there-turbulence-in-your-spray-booth/ It is not difficult to spot a turbulent spray booth. Simply walk into the enclosure and look at the walls and ceiling. Painters generally do not point their spray guns towards the ceiling or high up on the walls. If you find that a disproportionate amount of overspray has settled, especially in areas that are fairly remote from the painters' spray guns, you can be reasonably sure that the deposits are the result of turbulence. Tue, 07 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/3693/is-there-turbulence-in-your-spray-booth/ http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4564/nanoceramicbased-conversion-coating/ In industries such as office furniture, home appliance, automobile, or electrical components construction, metal pretreatment is currently used before paint application. Its purposes are the adhesion of the future paint coat and anticorrosion properties. The state of the art consists of applying phosphating salts over the surface during a complete process. Thu, 08 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT http://www.organicfinishing.com/view/4564/nanoceramicbased-conversion-coating/