In the past few years there has been a seismic shift in the manner in which we collect and disseminate information. New resources such as digital magazines, electronic buyers’ guides, microsites, product showrooms, webinars, eNewsletters, blogs, RSS sponsorships, e-blasts and conference sponsorships can allow you to remain better informed about your areas of expertise.

"How can I match an auto manufacturer’s paint code to a RAL number for powder coating?"

Metal buildings comprise almost half of low-rise, non-residential construction, and a large number of these buildings use prepainted galvanized steel sheet for both the roof and wall panels. With the proper selection of the paint system, careful building design and regular maintenance, prepainted galvanized steel sheet can provide a long and trouble-free service life.

The variability of important environmental factors such as temperature and humidity in the industrial application of coatings can be challenging for both coatings formulators and applicators. Trial and error is costly, slowing research and development, in addition to incurring lost time and valuable resources. A new paint spray facility that simulates real-world conditions is allowing both coatings formulators and OEMs to bring new products to market faster.

In some companies, management is unaware that its typical behavior limits profits. Many typical executives give most of their attention to the outside world, where many opportunities for increased business and profitable returns may be available. But asking the right questions and finding answers about the prosaic elements in plant performance is the only way to achieve true success.

Constantly searching for improvement opportunities, CNH Wichita recently embarked on a project to improve the operational efficiency of its paint system. A new spray booth airflow control and filter management system is helping the company achieve its goals.

NASA’s Corrosion Technology Lab at the Kennedy Space Center is evolving to provide a better understanding of the corrosion processes affecting NASA’s redesigned launch sites, structures, facilities and launch vehicles. Such knowledge will undoubtedly help benefit the future finishing industry as a whole.

Using the right tools can make all the difference in optimizing oven performance.

There are many reasons that a coater may wish to purchase a used rectifier, including lower cost, an immediate need or the desire to have a spare unit. Although the initial advantages may make this approach attractive, it is important to use the same care in purchasing a used rectifier as with a new one. Key considerations include the manufacturer, control type, size, input and output amperage and voltage, cooling method, efficiency, ripple, age and condition, warranty, and price.

New electrodeposition clear coatings have been developed to meet the needs of a variety of markets. These coatings can be tinted with dyes, traditional pigments and specialty pigments to provide a substantial range of colors and effects, and new pigments can allow for effects and finishes that were previously only achievable with powder or liquid coatings. With these new options, finishing professionals in a range of markets now can consider e-coat as a viable technology.