Nanotechnology, which is rapidly conquering an increasing number of application areas, has now found its way into industrial paint shops, and specifically the pretreatment process. A new wafer-thin coating applied to metal parts before they reach the paint shop is eliminating heavy metals and phosphates, reducing equipment contamination, and lowering energy consumption. The coating is compatible with all commonly used powder and wet paint systems and can be used with existing equipment with only minimal modifications.

FIN-X ’07 will include a technical conference packed with more than 55 technical presentations in 25 different sessions and an expo floor filled with more than 100 exhibitors that provide products and services to industrial finishers.

In today’s environmentally conscious society, all finishing operations are searching for ways to minimize their environmental impact while also reducing their costs. One solution that achieves both goals is a closed-loop recycling program pioneered by Gage Products Co., headquartered in Ferndale, MI. The program allows solvents to be reclaimed and reused instead of wasted, thereby allowing more efficient use of natural and company resources.

In the fall of 2004, British Columbia’s Advanced Light Rail Rapid Transit system, known to area residents as Broadway Station, was cleaned and recoated. The high-solids polysiloxane finish chosen for the job is delivering new standards in performance, aesthetics and safety.

"Is it possible to powder coat plastics? If so, what are the limitations? I have a part that I am trying to have molded, but getting the different colors I need will mean a separate molding operation, more assembly, more inventory, etc. My hope is to have this part molded from polyethylene, and then do either a coating or some other process. Any help would be appreciated."

Our time in the limelight is temporal. The only way to innovate and advance technology is to pass knowledge to the next generation of eager and inquisitive minds.

Nordson Corp. has named Ken Kreeger global director of business development, finishing systems, for the company’s Industrial Coating and Automotive Systems segment.

Enthone Inc., a business of Cookson Electronics, is building an advance plating applications laboratory. Located at 350 Frontage Rd., West Haven, CT, the laboratory is scheduled to be completely operational in September.

BASF Corp. has implemented a new distributor network to support customers of its Performance Chemicals for Coatings, Plastics and Specialties business in the U.S.

Andretti Green Racing, a leading race team that competes in both the IndyCar Series and American Le Mans Series, has chosen Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes as its official paint and automotive finishes provider.