When comparing two samples with the same pigmentation, but different degrees of gloss, the one with the higher degree of gloss is visually perceived as darker and more saturated than the matte sample. For this reason, it is very important to measure both surface effects separately.

[Read the rest of this article...]

This edition of Technology Interchange is all about calculations. In our daily life as powder coating professionals, it is essential to quantify everything from quality to cost to color to size and beyond. A wise person once said (probably more than once), “if you can’t measure it, you don’t know it.” Let’s get started.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Founded in 1896, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is the recognized leader in developing and publishing safety standards. The Chemical Safety Board (CSB) identified 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that killed 119 workers and injured 718, and extensively damaged industrial facilities.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is defined by Wikipedia as “clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer’s body from injury or infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemical, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter.” This definition continues to state: “The purpose of personal protective equipment is to reduce employee exposure to hazards when engineering and administrative controls are not feasible or effective to reduce these risks to acceptable levels. PPE is needed when there are hazards present.”

[Read the rest of this article...]

Manufacturers’ approach to safety has changed dramatically in the last decade. Today, no injury is acceptable. Here, safety professionals from original equipment manufacturers and industry suppliers throughout the United States share their tips, techniques and best safety practices.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Quality control is critical to the success and reputation of your powder coating operation. You and your customers need to be confident your coating can withstand normal wear and tear, and even harsh conditions.

[Read the rest of this article...]

Today’s topic relates to the evaluation of the performance of a powder coated surface. Specifically, we will explore test methods used to determine the mechanical performance of the coating.

[Read the rest of this article...]

An Interview with Tim Milner, Owner, J.I.T Powder Coating and Ron Beltz, Director of Strategic Accounts, Bluestreak

[Read the rest of this article...]

Industry 4.0 Has Arrived

[Read the rest of this article...]

FABTECH 2017 is now in the books. This immense exposition was held for four days at McCormick Place in Chicago. This show is North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event, and hosted more than 1,700 exhibiting companies and a total of 44,935 attendees from 120 countries. This year’s theme was a celebration of manufacturing’s industrial evolution. With more than 750,000 sq.-ft. of exhibit space, FABTECH provided attendees with access to the fabrication industry’s leading companies, latest innovations and insight into current and future trends.

[Read the rest of this article...]