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Products Finishing covers industrial plating, painting, powder coating, anodizing, electrocoating, parts cleaning, pretreatment and mechanical finishing.

For over 80 years, our readers have come to rely on the news and information we bring them each month, including our feature articles, case studies, industry news and new product listings. Products Finishing magazine provides finishers with the information they need to stay competitive. PFonline.com is the go-to resource to help finishers in all disciplines find what they need, including a complet

e list of suppliers and re-sellers that make purchasing equipment and services easy and trouble-free. Our website offers technical information and research from our vast online library of past articles, case studies, reports and how-to guides. PF helps readers stay on top of new developments, products and techniques that can better serve their customers and their bottom line.

12/01/2026

The Finishing Index hit its lowest point of 2025, but survey results reveal reasons to be optimistic headed into 2026.

The Gardner Business Index measures the current state of finishing industry activity through survey responses covering new orders, production, backlog, employment, exports and supplier deliveries. A reading above 50 indicates expansion; below 50 indicates contraction.

The Finishing Index saw another significant decline in December, falling a further 1.8 points to end 2025 with a reading of 45.6. Production and new orders were the biggest contributors, each losing several points from November, while most other components declined to a lesser degree.

There are positives in December results as well. Employment gained several points to rebound from November’s drop.

Looking ahead to 2026, finishing shops are signaling an increase in capital spending intent over the next 12 months. The three-month average for planned spending has increased to more than $515,000, up from $388,000 just two months ago.

Combined with a Future Business Index in its seventh consecutive month of growth, now at a reading of 65.9, there is a strong sentiment that shops are anticipating expansion in the coming year.

Only employment saw its three-month average improved from November 2025, and only exports failed to surpass December 2024 levels.

Find the latest composites fabrication market research and reporting at GardnerIntelligence.com. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/gbi-index-ends-year-with-decline-but-signals-positives-ahead

09/01/2026

From beginner workshops to expert panels and exhibitions, PCI’s annual event equips professionals for innovation and real-world challenges.

As the finishing industry adapts to global demands for efficient, environmentally responsible, high-performance solutions, Powder Coating Week 2026 offers a platform for education, networking, and insights into the latest technologies.

Scheduled for March 2-4 at the JW Marriott Indianapolis, the event comprises four interconnected components, allowing attendees to tailor their experience:

- Powder Coating 101 Workshop: A day-and-a-half session covering essentials like materials, application techniques, reclamation, testing, quality control, and manufacturing processes, led by experts in a commercial-free environment.
- Custom Coater Forum: Peer-to-peer learning with presentations on trends, roundtable discussions for troubleshooting, and access to tabletop exhibits.
- Powder Coating 2026 Technical Conference: General sessions, breakout tracks on formulations, application efficiencies, and sustainability, plus expert panels and Q&A.
- Tabletop Exhibition: Featuring over 100 exhibitors showcasing powder coating equipment, materials, and services during evening receptions and lunches.

In an industry navigating regulatory shifts and automation, such gatherings foster shared knowledge and relationships.

For a full schedule or to register, visit conference.powdercoating.org. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/fostering-innovation-connections-at-powder-coating-week-2026

07/01/2026

How do finishing companies stay competitive in a world that seems to only accelerate?

The pace of change in metal finishing is accelerating, with technology transforming our world every 24 months. Shops adopting the “it still works” approach will find themselves precariously behind. AI will impact metal finishing shops in three distinct waves.

- Wave 1: A better Google search. Free AI bots provide quick fixes for troubleshooting chemistry issues, finding vendors, writing emails, creating job descriptions, and more. No setup required—just log on and fire away.

- Wave 2: A consultant in your back pocket. Agentic AI delivers proactive data analysis, insights on customer churn, revenue concentration, quality trends, predictive maintenance, and on-time delivery. Effectiveness depends on digitizing the production floor, integrating key systems like CRM, ERP, MES, and QMS, and refining prompts for reliable KPIs.

- Wave 3: A digital assistant. AI agents handle tasks like scheduling, order entry, estimating, quoting, customer service, and bookkeeping, reducing overhead and improving turnaround times. Implementation requires thoughtful development, iteration, and calibration to avoid costly errors.

Waves 1 and 2 offer knowledge-based value, enabling better decisions faster. Wave 3 takes action inside the business. Shops must plan now: understand the technology, assess current systems, and ensure competitiveness in three to five years. Read the full exploration of AI's role in streamlining production. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/staying-ahead-of-the-3-waves-of-ai-in-metal-finishing

05/01/2026

Discover how regular electroplating sample analysis ensures quality, reduces waste and prevents downtime.

Plating processes essential for enhancing durability, corrosion resistance and appearance require strict control and frequent quality checks to avoid defects and inefficiencies. Regular sample analysis helps identify deviations early and enables prompt corrective action.

Routine electroplating sample analysis helps to:

- Monitor chemical concentrations
- Detect contamination early
- Ensure coating thickness and adhesion meet specifications
- Prevent costly rework or product failures

Stable control of temperature, pH, current density and bath chemistry is essential in plating operations. Variations can reduce efficiency and cause inconsistent results. Regular sample analysis acts as an early warning system for deviations from optimal operating conditions.

Sample analysis supports more than quality control; it also improves process efficiency and minimizes waste. Incorrect bath composition, improper process parameters or equipment issues may lead to excess material consumption, higher energy usage and increased waste. Regular sampling identifies these inefficiencies early, enabling operators to intervene and correct issues before they escalate.

By establishing a continuous feedback loop through routine testing, manufacturers can optimize their plating processes, maintain high quality standards and enhance both productivity and sustainability.

Read the full article for more on maintaining consistent plating quality. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/using-regular-sample-analysis-to-improve-process-control-plating-quality-and-efficiency

02/01/2026

Since 2020, one-stop shop Diamond Metal Finishing has experienced rapid growth in its anodization and powder coating operations, leading the company to expand due to increased customer- and industry-based needs.

DMF in Houston, Texas, offers metal finishing services for a variety of industries. Its new facility will expand its capacity for larger architectural parts.

The chemical processing facility is constantly documented and ISO-compliant, with a part capacity of 84″ × 18″ × 42″ inches. It houses an advanced anodizing department, including semi-automated hoist lines and two large chillers for processing both Type I and Type II anodization. The department prioritizes consistency, film thickness, color uniformity and resistance against corrosion.

The facility also contains a chem film area, designed for Class 1A and Class 3 chromate conversion coating on aluminum substrates. All coatings meet MIL-DTL-5541 specs for electrical conductivity and corrosion protection.

The powder coating facility contains an advanced automated line, enclosed spray booths, curing ovens and application systems designed for high efficiency. A five-stage washer enables degreasing, rinsing and conversion coating for quality purposes.

Looking forward, DMF is expanding again, adding another 30,000-square-foot attachment to its current operation. It will house a batch system for parts 12″ × 10″ × 30″ inches long.

Explore the full details in the article. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/top-shop-expands-with-industry-customer-needs

31/12/2025

How can critical surfaces be protected during harsh industrial processes like media blasting and thermal coating?

In processes like media blasting, flame spray and thermal coating, high temperatures, abrasive particles and mechanical wear can quickly damage surrounding areas if not properly masked. Surface protection tapes provide durable, reliable barriers for masking solutions that perform under pressure.

High-performance protection tapes are engineered to withstand:

- Abrasive blasting media such as aluminum oxide, glass bead or grit
- Intense heat from flame or plasma spray operations
- Mechanical impact during surface preparation or coating.

Silicone rubber, fiberglass fabric and aluminum foil tapes offer outstanding abrasion resistance, flexibility and conformability. They maintain a strong bond to metal, plastic and composite substrates while ensuring easy, residue-free removal.

These tapes deliver precise masking lines and clean removal, ensuring a high-quality finish and minimizing cleanup time. This helps reduce downtime and improves production efficiency.

Suitable for applications across industries including:

- Aerospace: Shielding metal parts during thermal spray or shot peening
- Metal finishing: Protecting critical surfaces during grit blasting or plating
- General industrial: Preventing damage from overspray, abrasion and impact.

Complex masking needs demand custom solutions. Work with a 3M Preferred Converter to identify the right tape and convert it into custom die-cut shapes that simplify masking and improve consistency. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/surface-protection-for-blasting-flame-spray-and-demanding-applications

29/12/2025

As new members are phased in to the workforce, gentle but firm reminders about workplace etiquette and what is considered respectful behavior can go a long way.

Many who came of working age in recent years show an acute underappreciation for basic workplace courtesy and behavior, partially due to missed experiences during the pandemic. Examples include unilaterally declaring time off, leaving early without notice, or engaging in distracting activities during virtual or in-person meetings.

Such behaviors, once uncommon, now include having cameras off in virtual meetings, texting during sessions, or working on unrelated tasks mid-presentation.

A solution involves addressing these issues directly:

- Decide that unprofessional behavior won’t be tolerated.
- Politely and lovingly put new team members on notice that errors in courtesies will be called out.
- Gently point them out when they happen and expect professionalism going forward.

Returning professional behavior to the workplace requires industry effort. Read the full column for more insights. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/relearning-common-courtesies-in-the-workplace

26/12/2025

Smart coating developments are enabling engineers to reduce wear and extend mission life in extreme environments.

Components in aerospace and defense face extreme temperature swings, thermal shock, high-speed aerodynamic erosion, oxidation, corrosion, intense UV and ionizing radiation, and repeated mechanical loading that drives fatigue and crack growth. These stressors create local damage sites, making maintenance costly and time-consuming.

Pairing specialized alloys with smart coatings enables engineers to reduce localized attack and maintain system capabilities. Advanced coatings only work when they sit on equally capable metal or alloy substrates, such as superalloys that retain strength and survive high temperatures.

Key innovations include:

- Self-healing coatings with reservoirs of healing chemistry that release when damaged, filling cracks and restoring barrier properties, useful for aircraft composite skins to seal microcracks autonomously.

- Advanced thermal barrier coatings that insulate metal parts from extreme gas temperatures, lowering substrate operating temperatures and slowing creep and oxidation, allowing engines to run hotter or last longer between overhauls.

- Anti-corrosion and fouling-resistant coatings that combine barrier chemistries with functional additives like graphene for electrical conductivity and ESD mitigation.

Applications driving advancements encompass hypersonic vehicles, next-generation jet engines, satellites, spacecraft, and naval assets, where coatings provide thermal insulation, oxidation resistance, and protection from environmental threats.

Smart coatings with high-performance substrates perform essential work in harsh environments, delivering reliability when validated under representative conditions. Read the full article for details on these technologies. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/smart-coatings-for-extreme-environments-innovations-in-aerospace-and-defense

24/12/2025

Since 1925, Sprimag has evolved from early spray-gun innovation to turnkey surface finishing systems for global manufacturers.

Founded in Leipzig, Germany, by Otto Heinrich—who patented a suction-based spray gun in 1911—Sprimag now provides custom turnkey solutions for various surface finishing applications.

The company's product lines include:
- Surface coating machines for functional and decorative finishes on mass-produced parts
- Internal coating systems for metal packaging such as beverage cans, aerosol cans, and collapsible tubes
- Application equipment including spray guns, diaphragm pumps, and material supply systems

Headquartered in Kirchheim unter Teck, Germany, with a North American base in Cincinnati, Ohio, Sprimag specializes in process innovation, from engineering and application development through system integration and customer support.

Show off your work: Products Finishing is looking for reader photos of parts, projects, or processes, along with short descriptions, for potential feature in Photo Finish. Email submissions to [email protected] or connect on social media.

Read the full profile for more on Sprimag's contributions to industrial coating. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/a-century-of-innovation-in-automated-coating-solutions

22/12/2025

In the era of IIoT, Industry 4.0, and AI, manufacturers are tempted to monitor and control every parameter in their processes. But as experts often quip, “all of them” is a cop-out—it’s not practical.

Learn why “controlling everything” with automation, AI, and smart manufacturing isn’t practical and how to prioritize the parameters that truly matter.

Despite the proliferation of sensing technologies that enable monitoring of aspects like temperature, humidity, pressure, flow, and viscosity, implementation comes with significant costs—not just for sensors, but for networks, processing, energy, and storage. In a simple 10-color paint shop, sensor costs alone can approach $3-4 million.

AI holds promise for reducing costs, eliminating downtime, and enabling “lights out” factories, but it demands vast, high-quality data sets. Challenges include disparate data sources, hallucinations (with error rates of 1.3-3.0% in top models), and variables like viscosity, often measured manually and inconsistently.

To succeed, first know your market and customers’ critical outcomes. Focus on process parameters that affect them, perform a Pareto analysis, and install monitoring only on those you intend to control. Balance cost and effort with return, especially in energy-intensive processes like paints and coatings.

What parameters are you prioritizing in your operations? How do you balance AI’s allure with practical implementation?

Read the full article for detailed cost examples and strategies: [link to the article on your media website]. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/iiot-industry-40-and-ai-for-coatings-operations

19/12/2025

The 21st parts2clean trade fair took place in Stuttgart, Germany, from Oct. 7-9, 2025. Attracting 165 exhibitors and more than 3,200 attendees, parts2clean 2025 exhibited advancements in automation, digitization, AI and more within the industrial parts and surface cleaning sector, putting a spotlight on future-facing solutions for reliable, sustainable and economical industrial parts and surface cleaning.

Key highlights included the bilingual p2c.EXPERTFORUM, organized by Fraunhofer Cleaning division and the German Industrial Parts Cleaning Association (FiT, Sankt Augustin, Germany), which drew a record number of 3,060 attendees. More than 50 speakers explored topics like sustainability, circular economy, requirements and solutions in the parts and surface cleaning sectors—from the basics of parts cleaning, to surface functionalization through laser processing, to high-purity applications. The forum served as an educational and training resource, discussing timely developments and benchmark applications, with real-time translation in German and English.

Exhibitors presented advancements in automation, digitization, AI and more, focusing on process reliability and monitoring, cost and time savings, efficiency and sustainability. For example, Ecoclean (Frankfurt, Germany) displayed its partially AI-supported solutions for automated process monitoring and control. Attendees from industries including electronics, optical, aerospace, microtechnology, medical, and vacuum technology exchanged ideas and explored innovations.

The FiT2clean awards recognized industry achievements, with the FiT2clean Innovation Award granted to Bo-Inno (Unlingen, Germany) for its smart data tracker that records and stores key process parameters in real time. Naegele Mechanik (Murr, Germany) and Safechem Europe (Düsseldorf, Germany) won second and third places, respectively.

What advancements in cleaning technology are you exploring for your operations? How might AI integration enhance your process efficiency? Share your thoughts below, and read the full article on our media website for more details. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/three-highlights-from-parts2clean-2025

15/12/2025

November’s 47.4 reading moves the finishing industry away from the threshold of expansion. Losses in key components kept the index from pushing past the 50 mark but rather deeper into contraction.

The Gardner Business Index (GBI) measures the current state of finishing industry activity through survey responses covering new orders, production, backlog, employment, exports and supplier deliveries. A reading above 50 indicates expansion; below 50 indicates contraction.

After gaining 2.5 points in October, the Finishing Index lost those same 2.5 points the following month, returning to its reading of 47.4. This moves the index away from the threshold indicating expansion and marks eight consecutive months of contractionary readings.

The decline was driven by a significant drop in new orders and was aided by weakening production, employment and backlog results. Optimism endures among finishers, however, with the Future Business Index continuing to climb and a current reading of 64.4.

From October to November, supplier deliveries recorded no change and only exports improved. All components except exports improved on results from November 2024.

The GBI Components Scorecard reports the monthly change rate of primary finishing market factors contributing to the overall monthly index reading.

The Future Business Index remains high, rising to 64.4 in November.

The GBI Future Business Index is an indicator of the future state of the finishing market from industry respondents regarding their opinion of future business conditions for the next 12 months. Over 50 is expansion and under 50 is contraction.

How do these trends align with your observations in the finishing sector? Share your insights below.

Find the latest composites fabrication market research and reporting at GardnerIntelligence.com. https://www.pfonline.com/articles/finishing-index-reading-regresses-away-from-expansion

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