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Are you looking to explore the latest surface finishing technologies, share knowledge, network with industry peers and gain insights into manufacturing trends that will help you prepare for what's on [...]

Finishing processes such as grinding, sanding, painting, polishing and buffing can be highly repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Yet, despite its repetitive nature, most surface finishing work has traditionally been [...]

Based in the West Side area of Chicago since 1947, Chicago Anodizing Co. (CAC)--a third-generation, family-owned metal finishing business--has emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships as a [...]

The fall trade show season offers numerous opportunities, such as the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS), to explore where areas of manufacturing intersect. Increasingly, manufacturing professionals in all areas of [...]

Every year, major coating and finishing shops across North America participate in Products Finishing's Top Shops program, a program designed by Gardner Business Media to help finishers identify optimal shopfloor [...]

As business leaders look to AI to solve some of their biggest technological challenges, including cost reduction, productivity improvement, and driving competitive differentiation, CIOs leading their company's AI digital transformation [...]

On Tuesday, May 7, Products Finishing attended the Metal Finishing Association of California (MFACA) legislation day, an event coordinated by the California chapters of the National Association for Surface Finishing [...]

In the frenetic pace of today's world, keeping up with projects and responsibilities can sometimes seem daunting--here are a few multitasking strategies that may help. Do you ever have one [...]

Over the past few months, Products Finishing has embraced a wealth of travel opportunities, spanning conferences, trade shows, facility tours and legislative events, all aimed at engaging with the finishing [...]

About this time of year in 2020, I was starting a new job. I had decided to take on a new role at Gardner Business Media as editor-in-chief of Products [...]

Welcome to the March issue of Products Finishing. It's hard to believe that spring is almost here. This time of year, schedules are packed with plenty of travel for industry [...]

The New Year offers a chance to reset, but make sure to embrace the opportunity to learn lessons along the way. Happy New Year. Some people regard January as a [...]

The article focuses on the growing use of powder coating for nonmetallic substrates such as plastics and composites, which presents unique finishing challenges. Topics include the benefits of powder coating, such as durability and environmental advantages, considerations for heat-sensitive materials, and the development of low-temperature and UV-cured powder coating solutions.

The article focuses on the transformation of Greenwood, South Carolina, from an economically depressed area to a potential site for Teijin Ltd.'s new U.S.-based carbon fiber production facility, highlighting the impact of the closure of six major textile mills in the area and the subsequent decline in median income and rise in poverty levels within a short span, leading Teijin to invest in the region due to increasing export challenges and shipping logistics.

The article focuses on the use of powder coating for composites, an area experiencing growth due to the need for durable and visually appealing finishes. Topics include the advantages of powder coating such as uniform finishes and environmental benefits, the challenges posed by high curing temperatures on composites, and innovations in low-temperature and UV-curable powder coatings developed by Keyland Polymer.

The article focuses on the challenges of automating surface finishing processes in the composites industry, highlighting the efforts of GrayMatter Robotics, a startup dedicated to developing solutions. Topics include the complexities of high-variability manufacturing, the development of autonomous robots capable of adapting to diverse part geometries, and the application of these solutions in improving productivity and quality while reducing consumables in surface finishing operations.

The article discusses the evolving use of carbon fiber composites in aerospace applications, emphasizing their shift from simple lightweighting to becoming a preferred material for intricate structural components. It highlights Arcadia Aerospace Industries' role in addressing the need for automated nondestructive testing (NDT) in the aerospace industry, particularly for complex components, and outlines the company's focus on customization and innovation in ultrasonic inspection methods.

The article informs about SolCold, an Israeli startup developing a solar-powered coating for passive cooling, potentially reducing energy consumption for cooling systems in various applications such as automotive, construction, and electronics. Topic include SolCold's Glacier 110 coating, based on passive radiative cooling, reflects sunlight, emits thermal radiation, and absorbs photons to lower material energy, offering significant cooling benefits without requiring electricity.

The article focuses on the state of infrastructure in the U.S., particularly the discussion surrounding bridge repairs and the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. It explores the role of composite materials, such as fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), in infrastructure rehabilitation projects, including bridges and waterfront structures, amid initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law's investment in infrastructure.

The article discusses Mark Hyman's innovative GreenPOP solution for plating on advanced plastics, aiming to revolutionize traditional methods by eliminating toxic chemicals, improving adhesion, and reducing costs. Topics include the evolution of metal finishing, advancements in plating on plastics such as PEEK, and the environmental and cost benefits of GreenPOP's technology, marking a significant shift in surface coating approaches.

The article discusses the importance of selecting the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for electrical workers to improve arc flash safety. It emphasizes the need to ask the right questions during the selection process and conduct annual audits of the PPE program. The article also highlights the challenges of balancing cost, comfort, and safety when choosing PPE. It suggests that feedback from end users and collaboration with decision makers can help identify areas for improvement and enhance worker health, safety, and satisfaction. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the importance of industry awards in recognizing excellence, innovation, and dedication. Topics include the benefits of winning awards, the history of PF's recognition programs, and the launch of the "Champions of the Industry" award to celebrate leaders in the surface finishing sector.

The article focuses on an upcoming CAMX event, North America's largest gathering for composites and advanced materials. Topics include the event's 20th anniversary and its evolution, the integration of industry conferences reflecting growing convergence in composites applications, and the expanded focus on sustainability and technological innovation in the sector.

The article presents an interview with Andy West, Chief Chemist at Sonichem, who discusses the company's innovative process for converting biomass into lignin and its applications in the composites industry. Topics discussed include Sonichem's ultrasonic process for lignin production, its suitability as a precursor for carbon fiber, and the sustainability benefits of utilizing biomaterials in composites manufacturing.

An introduction is presented which discusses an article on several topics including sustainability, electrification, and mobility, highlighting ECOAT 2024 as a key indicator of manufacturing trends focused on sustainable practices, electric vehicles, and environmental responsibility.

The article focuses on SolCold, an Israeli startup's innovative coating technology called Glacier 110, designed to passively cool various surfaces by reflecting sunlight and emitting thermal radiation, potentially reducing the need for energy-intensive air conditioning. Topics discussed include the technology's working mechanism, current applications on metal substrates, and its potential benefits in diverse industries, such as construction, transportation, and electronics.

The article presents an interview with Alan Banks, an innovation and industrial engagement supervisor at Ford Motor Company's Dunton Technical Center in the United Kingdom. He discusses the EMPHASIZING project, which focuses on upcycling glass fiber using graphene to enhance mechanical properties for structural components. Topics discussed include the project's goals, the selection and properties of graphene as a sizing agent, and potential applications in the automotive industry.

The article informs about the essential role of component cleaning in industrial manufacturing, highlighting the increasing complexity of cleaning requirements due to diverse product types and industries. Topic include Ecoclean GmbH offers tailored cleaning solutions, including wet-chemical processes and modular systems, to meet specific cleanliness specifications efficiently and sustainably across various sectors such as automotive, medical, and general industry.