Choose Your Own Adventure: Selecting the Right Washer Chemistry View

Explore the various pretreatment chemistries available and how they can transform your paint processes for enhanced performance and durability. Learn about the chemical make-up, positives and negatives of each, as well as the situations that each are best used for. Discussion will include zinc phosphate, iron phosphate, zirconium, and silane technology, how they are applied, how they are made, and what they are best for.

Max George, Senior Product Line Manager DuBois Chemicals

Diana St. Jacques, Director of R&D - Surface Finishing DuBois Chemicals

Basic's in Designing and Implementing a Batch Powder Coating System View

There are many factors to consider when installing and running a batch powder system, with initial design layout being on the forefront. Three field experts will explore different sizes and styles of batch cleaning systems, dry off and batch cure ovens, as well as powder booths and manual guns, all designed to fit your application needs. Along with this, we will help you determine some overall footprint sizes to help you determine what system is right for your space and budget.

John Sudges, Regional Sales Manager Midwest Finishing Systems, Inc.

Tom Whalen, VP Of Sales and Marketing TCI Powder Coatings

Frank Mohar, Northeast Zone Manager Nordson Corporation

Layer Without Limits: How To Choose the Right Protective Coating View

Selecting the right protective coating helps products look better and last longer, improves application efficiencies and can lower operating costs. But what are the most important factors to determine the best-fit solutions for the application? This session will discuss the foundation of electrocoat, powder and liquid solutions, reviewing the pros and cons of each coating technology. Participants will gain a clearer understanding of which coating is best, based on performance needs, application ease, environmental considerations and cost.

Matthew Rush, Senior Manager, Business Development USCA PPG

Chris Graniero, New Business Development Manager PPG

Sarah Sisley, Product Development Chemist Lead- Ecoat PPG

Batch vs. Automated Finishing Systems: Which is Right for You? View

Whether your company is looking to upgrade an existing powder finishing system or install a new one, identifying the proper method of processing parts will contribute to the overall success of your powder coating operation. This session will explore the main drivers of batch vs. automated finishing processes, how and when to introduce automation equipment, and best practices for obtaining a higher throughput of products. With labor at a premium, companies aiming to improve throughput by increasing efficiency or adding automation will benefit from the cost-saving considerations outlined in this session.

Nick Dawson, Sales Account Manager Koch Finishing Systems

Frank Mohar, Northeast Zone Manager Nordson Corporation

Jeff Blain, Regional Manager Circle-Prosco, Inc.

Utilizing Cobots for Finishing and Other Hazardous Applications View

Discover how hazardous-rated cobots are revolutionizing industries like finishing and powder coating, with user-friendly programming tools and real-world applications that enhance safety and efficiency. Programming features such as drag&drop, manual guided teach, and other quick tools will be covered as well as discussions on real world applications that could integrate cobots and the added benefits.

Ed Minch, Engineer FANUC America Corporation

Industry 5.0 Ready, Friction Driven Overhead Material Handling Systems View

In the new age of Industry 5.0 and AI implementation, attendees will discover friction driven solutions as alternative methods for overhead material handing. This presentation will include a brief review of traditional methods of overhead material handling systems like monorail, power and free systems, and Industry 4.0 and then transition to friction driven technologies like electrified monorail systems, friction driven vehicle systems, and friction driven systems that utilize stationary drive units and how they can be utilized by Industry 5.0 with AI. Hear about real world applications for each of the friction driven technologies and how using these methods of overhead conveyance can change the way systems are designed like fabrication bays, paint systems, and assembly lines with the implementation of Industry 5.0 with the next generation of advancements in AI.

Joseph Wildenberg, Sales Engineer Therma-Tron-X, Inc.

Key Elements to Control Your Blast Cleaning Costs View

Seemingly simple, operating costs in blast cleaning could spiral out of control if not monitored regularly. Learn about key factors including abrasive management, component wear/inspection, machine maintenance and performance checks that will directly impact operating costs. Key process variables like velocity, blast patterns, and waste stream inspection will be covered, along with three case studies and a simplified template for calculating operating costs for wheel and air machines.

Kumar Balan, Applications Engineer Ervin Industries

Advanced Surface Preparation: Automated, Waterless, and No-Touch Solutions View

As manufacturers seek more efficient and sustainable production methods, traditional surface preparation techniques face challenges related to water and energy consumption, contamination, and automation compatibility. This presentation covers waterless CO‚ spray technology, now widely used in automotive, medical, and precision-driven industries. The discussion will cover two case studies and focus on key topics including process efficiency, cost reduction, automation integration, and surface quality improvements.

Nelson Sorbo, VP R&D Cool Clean Technologies LLC

Powder to Profits: Setting Your Business Up for Success in Powder Coating View

This session is designed to equip aspiring powder coating business owners with the knowledge and tools to launch their operations efficiently and cost-effectively. Attendees will learn key considerations of equipment selection and raw material choices, emphasizing strategies to minimize start-up and operational costs while maintaining process quality and reliability. By the end of the session, participants will have a clear roadmap for establishing a robust powder coating process that's primed for success and future expansion. This presentation delves into the critical aspects of process design, to minimize initial capital expenditure while creating a flexible, user-friendly system that can easily scale with business growth. Participants will gain insights into mastering part preparation techniques and understanding powder application fundamentals to ensure high-quality outputs that meet customer and market requirements from day one.

Jeff Blain, Regional Manager Circle-Prosco, Inc.

Erik Reinhart, Senior Sales Representative Circle-Prosco, Inc.

Navigating the Complexities of Powder Coating Selection View

Selecting the right powder coating to meet specific performance expectations can be a daunting task. This session aims to demystify the process by exploring the various chemistries of powder coatings, their performance characteristics, and their suitability for different applications. Attendees will gain insights into application properties, performance expectations, and appearance options. Additionally, we will discuss the pros and cons of different powder chemistries, helping you make informed decisions for your projects. Join us to enhance your understanding and ensure you choose the right powder coating for your needs.

Matthew Rush, Senior Manager, Business Development USCA PPG

Evaluating the True Cost of a Coating: Using Applied Cost to Justify Product Selection View

The price performance of powder coatings involves more than just cost per pound. This session will review all the factors that influence the true cost, including the specific gravity (SG) of a coating and how it impacts transfer efficiency, application ease and overall coverage. You will learn what information to look for on a technical data sheet to help calculate the real cost versus the purchase price.

Brian Phillippi, New Business Development Manager PPG

Powder Coating Inspection Solutions View

Many measurable variables influence the long-term performance of powder coatings on a variety of substrates. When applied properly, powder coating provides a versatile and durable finish that offers distinct advantages over traditional coatings, such as enhanced resistance to scratches and marring. This presentation explores the essential tools and test standards available to powder coaters, ensuring consistent quality and proper curing, and ultimately saving time and reducing costs. Key measurements discussed include powder coating thickness (before and after curing), oven temperature profiling, both quantitative and qualitative adhesion testing, scratch/gouge film hardness, gloss levels, as well as the surface profile of prepared substrates and textured coatings.

Merrick Taraska, Technical Sales and Support Specialist DeFelsko Corporation

Test It - Instrument Demonstrations

Instrument suppliers will demonstrate several different testing instruments for the finishing industry and provide a hands-on experience for attendees. Find the instruments that work best for your production needs.

Christopher Platt, Elcometer

Funky Finishes: Unique Powder Coatings and Their Applications View

Are you a custom powder coater? Are you an OEM who powder coats? Up your game and see what unique powder coating finishes are available to the industry. Attendees will gain insight into the look and feel of these ‘funky finishes’ and where applications are possible. This session will provide real examples of some of the following special effects: sandpaper/fine textures, river/hammertone textures, wrinkle finish textures, metallics (bonded, blended), chrome effect, tints, translucent and more

Aric Yarosz, Technical Services Representative AkzoNobel Powder Coatings

Masking Magic View

Well, it’s not quite magic, but it is often necessary and very important to mask correctly when painting and powder coating parts. This presentation will walk attendees through when masking is necessary, how to determine what kind of mask to use and demonstrate how to use them.

Leigh Baird, Vice President Mighty Hook

Racking in Coating and Finishing to Increase Part Density, Efficiency, and Productivity View

Manufacturers and job shops make significant investments in their coating and finishing operations. Inefficiency results when managers, designers, and operators give inadequate consideration to how their parts will interface with the stages and components of their finishing systems. This presentation will review and summarize ways to maximize return on investment in coating systems by using proper racking to increase productivity and quality. Key highlights include: factors to consider in preliminary part and system evaluation, applying principles of standardization and adaptability in part hanging and racking systems, maximizing part density per spatial unit on the line or in batch booths, and best practices for racking and part hanging.

Jeremy Davitz, Owner Production Plus/Magic Rack

See It, Touch It, Fix It View

An interactive session that will provide troubleshooting strategy and insights for all who paint and pretreat parts. Presenters will provide real world experience from the cleaning, pretreatment and paint technology segments and the strategies to identify and correct them. Ample time is provided for questions and answers, allowing attendees to begin the troubleshooting process for their own unique situations.

David Schimpff, Vice President, R&D DuBois Chemicals, Inc.

Jerimy Erickson, Global Product Director Sherwin-Williams Co.

Processing Multiple Substrates Through a Zinc Phosphate Line View

Component suppliers and OEMs are switching certain components from ferrous metals to aluminum to meet the ever-changing requirements of lighter-weight components with longer corrosion protection. The increase of aluminum production presents many problems for traditional zinc phosphate lines as aluminum produces considerably more sludge than ferrous, or zinc coated substrates during the phosphating process. Increased maintenance as well as costly chemical and mechanical changes must be implemented to consistently produce a suitable zinc phosphate coating on aluminum. As opposed to making these changes, this presentation will discuss a two-step process where automotive component suppliers may increase their aluminum throughput while minimizing the negative side effects of phosphating aluminum.

Curran Kaspari, Senior Application Engineer Henkel Technologies

Lightweighting Challenge for Chemical Pretreatment of Welded, Mixed Metal, Automotive Components Electrocoat Line View

A neutral descaler is an innovative and successful material introduced to address specific challenges associated with metal pretreatment andelectrocoating of single metal or mixed metal lines. A neutral descaler improves phosphate coverage on welds and heat affected zonesresulting in increased paint adhesion and overall corrosion protection while allowing the use of zinc-coated and aluminum substrates. This presentation demonstrates the application process and performance enhancements gained by using a neutral descaler. Additionally, phosphate coverage on and near weld areas on different substrates will be reviewed along with the adhesion and corrosion protection advantages.

Therese Niemi, Principal Engineer/Surface Treatments, Cleaners & Lubricants Henkel Technologies

Beyond the Blast: Doing More with Your Investment View

It’s as true today as it has ever been, we need to maximize the value of our investments. During this presentation, we’ll take a macro look at how to leverage proven automation solutions from every industry to explore how you can get the most out of your shot blast equipment. By leveraging known solutions across every industry, you’ll not only increase productivity, safety, reliability, and capability but you’ll ensure that your process is set up to support today’s demands and meet the challenge of tomorrow’s problems. Whether it’s a proven work handling solution or robotic air blast, join us and discover how you can get the most out of your blast cleaning investment.

Ryan Gagnon, Automation Solutions Product Manager Blast Cleaning Technologies

High-Speed Automated Deburring View

The rise of automated metal-cutting machinery, like CNC milling, turning systems, and laser or water jet cutting with automatic feeding, has significantly boosted productivity despite the growing complexity of parts. New systems driven by labor-saving features have reduced manufacturing costs, but many shops still experience offset savings due to outdated deburring practices. Surprisingly, some shops still rely on high-paid workers using microscopes and hand tools to deburr small parts, which negates the savings and potential profits from modern manufacturing. Many shops operate separate finishing departments with hand-deburring tools or mass finishing equipment, which can create production bottlenecks. Incorporating centrifugal disc-finishing systems into the final manufacturing stage reduces labor costs, improves process control, and enhances delivery times, all while increasing productivity and consistency.

Steven Alviti, President/Owner Bel Air Finishing Supply Corp

Delivering a Premium Customer Experience: Meeting Modern Customer Expectations View

In a competitive market, finishing job shops, fabrication shops, and contract manufacturers can no longer rely on lead times and quality alone to stand out. Today’s buyers expect a smooth, digital-first experience, just like when they order a pizza. Is your shop keeping up? Discover how digital production and a customer portal can streamline communication, improve traceability, and set your business apart.

Jeff Halonen, CEO Steelhead Technologies, Inc.

All Aboard: An Interactive Trip Through the Powder Coating Process View

An interactive approach to training, this session will take the attendee on a journey through the world of powder coatings. In this session the attendee will take a train ride with stops at certain locations where major components of the powder coating process will be discussed, led by the expert from each location. This trip starts in Loadville where Conductor Steve will explain the journey they are about to embark on and share the importance of developing an optimal loading process. Once this section is complete the attendee will board the train and head to the next process. A few miles up the road in Cleansville, Mayor Cleaner will demonstrate the best and most optimal way to clean and prepare powder coated parts. At the end of the adventure, attendees will have learned all aspects of a powder coating process and returned safely to the station.

Steve Houston, Vice President / Business Director Vitracoat

John Cole, Parker Ionics President

Brian Korecky, Bulk Chemicals Technical Sales Representative

Preventative Maintenance: The Untapped Profit Center View

This presentation will examine the true value of preventative maintenance.  It will examine through case studies and anecdotes the cost of ignoring preventative maintenance and compare it to the value generated by consistent preventative maintenance programs. Case studies will examine hourly paint line value for OEM manufacturers, Contract manufacturers, and Contract coaters.  This will be contrasted by the investment cost of preventative maintenance to demonstrate the potential for incremental profitability created by sufficient preventative maintenance. Additionally, energy cost and consumption comparisons for under maintained finishing equipment will be contrasted against proactive maintenance programs to demonstrate improved energy and efficiency results. Lastly basic preventative maintenance will be provided for weekly, monthly, and quarterly tasks for all finishing equipment.

Aaron Hughes, GAT Finishing Systems Exectuive Vice President