Abrasive control factors for mass finishing systems: Understanding the performance characteristics of various mediaThe article circulates around the different media styles for mass finishing systems, discussing the cost, weight, and ability of each style. The styles discussed are divided into several areas: Random versus preform shapes; ceramic versus plastic; spherical shapes versus angular shapes versus hybrids; and dry finishing options versus wet options.
|
|
The evolution of coatings with low levels of volatile organic compounds: Where the industry stands in its quest for zero VOCA lot of advancements have been made in liquid coatings over the past 30 years toward the ultimate goal of zero-volatile-organic-compound paints. Anyone having to meet environmental regulations could benefit from knowing what has been done and what is brewing in the industry.
|
|
Establishing an alloy verification process: SOPs help to prevent material mix-upsProduction or fabrication processes can include dozens of stages to convert raw materials into finished goods. Regardless of the raw material or the finished product, one factor is constant - - most metals look alike.
|
|
Huge possibilities, tiny tools Nanotechnology--the science of small--could change the metals industry in a very big wayNanotechnology is just beginning to blossom as a practical topic of interest for the manufacturing industry. Just how big an impact will nanomaterials have in our lifetimes? We're sure to find out soon.
|
|
Managing innovation in the factory: Turning improvements into intellectual propertyIn many industries, more than three fourths of new products start out as direct requests from customers. How can you find and capitalize on the opportunities hidden in offbeat requests?
|
|
Validating processes, procedures, and productsThe relatively new concept of validation likely will be used more and more by customers and certifying agencies to ascertain that all conceivable means were used to guarantee that a manufactured product indeed meets all requirements, including hidden characteristics not readily verifiable. This article gives an overview of typical applications.
|
|
Siege planning or stategic planning"Globalization isn't news," said Lawrence J. Kendzior, a partner at Gleeson Sklar Sawyers & Cumpata LLP (GSSC), a privately held accounting firm that focuses on what it calls "middle-market manufacturers." "The news is that it's suddenly impacting companies that have never before been affected."
|
|
Superior Service—Why you need itService can make or break a business. Of the top nine reasons consumers give for buying a specific product, eight pertain to the abilities of the customer service system, for example, responsiveness, technical skill, and professional attitude.1
|
|
Protecting surface-sensitive materials in coil processing: ArrayArray
|
|
Protecting surface-sensitive materials in coil processing - Three potential danger areasAs manufacturers worldwide strive to reduce costs and streamline their production processes, the market for surface-sensitive materials continues to expand. Surface-sensitive materials include all prepainted steel products and nonferrous decorative materials, such as copper, brass, and stainless steel.
|