New Directive Aimed at Hex Chrome

On May 30, 2006 the Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) issued its final ruling on the standards for the exposure to hexavalent chromium (chromium VI). This standard included a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) and forced companies to reduce the amount of hexavalent chromium from 52 to 5 micrograms per cubic meter, which all but prohibits any use of the environmentally hazardous chemical.

In an effort to help provide agencies with guidelines on how to enforce the PEL, OSHA has issued a new compliance directive. The OSHA instruction CPL 02-02074, inspection procedures for hexavalent chromium standards, took effect on January 24, 2008. To learn more you can download the Inspection Procedures for the Chromium VI Standards.

Chemical Restrictions REACH Out

The European Union (EU) has implemented a new regulation that impacts manufacturers and importers worldwide. The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances (REACH) came into law in the EU in June 2007 with legislation beginning in 2008. REACH requires the substitution of environmentally hazardous chemicals with identified suitable replacements. The goal of REACH is to protect humans and the environment from hazardous chemical substances.

Manufacturers and importers will need to register and provide information on the chemical substances used in their products to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The ECHA will manage the REACH program, evaluate hazardous chemicals and provide an online database of banned substances along with environmentally friendly replacements. Companies can begin to pre-register with the ECHA on June 1, 2008. Beginning in 2009, companies will run the risk of having their products and chemical substances banned from the EU. Although the program begins June 1 2008, REACH provisions will be phased in over the next 11 years as more substances are entered into the program. To learn more about the program, visit the REACH Guidance website.

Economic Stimulus Act

The Economic Stimulus Act (ESA) of 2008, which was signed by President George W. Bush on February 13, 2008, provides individual taxpayer rebates and also gives investment incentives to businesses buying capital equipment.   Companies are allowed to use enhanced expensing and depreciation, which encourages them to buy and install capital equipment in 2008. As outlined in the ESA, companies can deduct $250,000 plus 50% of the excess all in the first year (2008) of the purchase.  In addition the “phase-out threshold” is increased from $510,000 to $800,000.

While metal finishing companies continue to look for ways to expand processing capabilities to meet industry demands, the ESA should help make the financial requirements a bit easier to meet.  To learn more about the Economic Stimulus Act, you can read about it on the Internal Revenue Service website. 

Partfinder™ Search Feature Added to METALAST Website

Developed and powered by GlobalSpec, Partfinder^™ is a part number search query designed to meet the specific needs of manufacturing, industrial, technical and engineering professionals.  Partfinder allows users to query a search based on a number of different criteria, including actual part number, manufacturer name, distributor name or the description of the part.  Once the key words are entered, a search is initiated through the Global Spec search engine and much like a “Google” search, a list of search results are displayed for the user to choose from.  Users will find Partfinder helpful for re-ordering parts, placing new orders, or trying to find more information regarding the parts.

GlobalSpec is the leading vertical search, information and data collection company that serves the engineering and manufacturing markets. Partfinder is located throughout the METALAST website product category pages.  To try out Partfinder now, you can visit the METALAST TCP-HF page.

METALAST Introduces Product Compliance, Quality Assurance Program

Typically manufacturer product specifications don’t come easy and are usually the result of months, if not years, of testing and verification.  In many cases a product specification ensures the performance, or other desired outcome, of the end product.  Additionally, many product specifications come as a result of industry directives, such as the RoHS, WEEE, ELV and the OSHA PEL, that call out for the elimination or reduction of hazardous chemicals.  As a result, manufacturers are becoming increasingly concerned with the implementation and compliance of their product specifications.

In an effort to assist manufacturers in confirming the implementation of product specifications throughout their supply-chain, METALAST has announced that it will be offering a no-cost Product Compliance and Quality Assurance Program.  This free service now offered by the company will focus on all METALAST products that have been specified by manufacturers to include AA-200, Aluminum Anodizing Chemistry, ChemPro, JobPro, ProcessPro and METALAST TCP-HF.

To learn more about the METALAST Product Compliance, Quality Assurance Program, or to confirm vendor compliance with METALAST TCP-HF or any other METALAST product specification please complete our Product Compliance Form.

Large P.O. Placed For MTL Anodizing Line

A leading Job Shop that has been providing quality metal finishing services to manufacturers for the past thirty-five years, recently contacted METALAST and inquired about equipment and the ability to manufacture and install a new metal processing line.  Soon after, METALAST sales and engineering personnel conducted numerous on-site visits to determine the scope of the project along with engineering and facility requirements.

Recently, METALAST received the purchase order for the state-of-the-art, fully automated wet processing anodizing line. Manufacturing of line has begun and should be operational by Summer 2008.

METALAST & Chemetall Oakite Looking Forward to '08

METALAST and Chemetall Oakite, partners on the METALAST TCP-HF product line, recently held meetings at the Oakite headquarters in New Jersey. Among the topics discussed included ongoing sales activities, current and future marketing plans and the expansion into more product lines. Oakite noted that the branding of the METALAST TCP-HF product has increased dramatically over the past twelve months, citing major interest in all industries, including aerospace. The most recent advertising piece spearheaded by Oakite focuses on their one hundred year reputation of “taking the lead” and can be found in the latest edition of the Products Finishing Magazine, 2007.

At the conclusion of the meeting both companies, METALAST and Oakite, agreed that their relationship and future looks bright. Additional meetings are scheduled with senior members of both companies, the next to be held at the METALAST Tech center at the end of January 2008.

METALAST Announces 2008 Continuing Education In Anodizing Class Schedule

METALAST has released the 2008 first quarter schedule for its training and education class offered at the METALAST Technical Center in Minden, Nevada.  The Continuing Education in Anodizing class will be held on January 16-17, February 20-21, March 26-27 and April 23-24.

The two-day intensive training and education class is presented by the METALAST Technical Department, which has published 16 technical papers and authored over 50 in-house research documents, covering many different aspects of metal finishing and anodizing processes.

Attendee’s will learn more about anodizing and better processing tactics from the METALAST training auditorium as well as applying the learned techniques in the METALAST laboratory which offers the students the chance to process parts on a metal finishing line.  Some of the major topics that are covered in the class include:  pre, primary and post-treatment tanks, anodizing chemistry including METALAST TCP-HF (replacement for hexavalent chromium), process capabilities and limitations, benefits of process control, and sound anodizing practices.

To learn more about the training class please download the Continuing Education in Anodizing Flyer or contact the METALAST Technical Center to reserve your spot today.

METALAST Named As The New Anodizing Standard

The Naval Air Systems Command, “NASC”, recently presented at the DoD (Department of Defense) Metal Finishing Workshop and Conference in Ogden, Utah.  With various DoD events planned throughout the United States each year, the goal is to bring together military and metal finishing experts to help explore and collaborate on specific areas of interest and need.  This event in Utah centered on the need to replace hexavalent chromates as well as discussing new and emerging processing technologies for systems in various types of military products.

NASC contributed to the event by disclosing the success they have achieved while using METALAST products and services. The slide show presentation entitled “Advanced Anodizing Using Process Control Technology” showcased the METALAST JobPro (process controller), AA-200 (anodizing additive) and METALAST TCP-HF (chromate conversion and seal chemical).  The presentation displayed all of the hardware, features and benefits of anodizing while using the JobPro and AA-200.  In addition, side-by-side pictures and data fields were displayed detailing METALAST TCP-HF key performance results in areas such as corrosion resistance and paint adhesion.  In concluding the presentation, it was stated by the NASC that two of their project goals are to “make METALAST the new standard for anodizing” and “Hexavalent free anodize sealing using METALAST TCP-HF as drop-in replacement”.  

METALAST Hired For Engineering Project

A leading aerospace company has hired METALAST to perform engineering and consultation services on its metal finishing line. Originally introduced to METALAST via the mobile marketing vehicle T-REX (Touring Research and Educational eXhibits), this company turned to METALAST for help after experiencing serious chemistry problems and facility inefficiencies

The scope of this engineering project includes the need to update their current conversion coating process along with implementing procedures for documenting processes as well as providing recommendations for new chemistry and facility equipment. Once all of the changes are in place, METALAST will assist in helping prepare for a scheduled NADCAP (National Aerospace & Defense Contractors Accreditation Program) audit in the near future.

METALAST TCP-HF Excels in Spray Application

After being used in a spray application for 9 months, a leading aerospace company has confirmed the superior benefits of METALAST TCP-HF.  Used as a conversion coating pre-treatment for painting entire aircrafts, METALAST TCP-HF provides superior paint adhesion.  The ability to use a environmentally friendly, QPL approved chromate conversion chemical as a spray, has allowed this company to continue to offer its services to those that are in need of industry approved products that adhere to the new environmental mandates and standards. 

METALAST TCP-HF Lands Another Spec!

METALAST was just informed that METALAST TCP-HF has been specified as the chromate conversion chemical of choice for a large electronics manufacturer.  After testing METALAST TCP-HF against conventional chromate conversion chemicals as well as other “competing” chemicals, this company concluded that METALAST TCP-HF clearly outperformed in key areas such as corrosion resistance and paint adhesion.  This specification is added to the growing list of companies that have sampled, tested, specified and are now using METALAST TCP-HF on their chromate conversion parts.  

Visit the METALAST TCP-HF product page to learn more about the benefits and to download technical information. 

Internet Search Leads To METALAST TCP-HF

After searching the Internet for an environmentally friendly and QPL approved alternative to hexavalent chromate conversion chemistry, a leading metal finishing job shop found METALAST TCP-HF.  Technical METALAST TCP-HF Documents found in the METALAST On-Line Document Library also informed this company that the product could also be used as a far superior anodizing seal.

After meeting with this company and further discussing all the benefits of METALAST TCP-HF as a chromate conversion chemical and anodizing seal, a order was immediately placed.  This company stated that METALAST TCP-HF was the only product they found that meets all industry directives and is QPL approved, while being supported by a technical center.

Learn more about METALAST TCP-HF, or download technical articles in the METALAST Document Library.

METALAST TCP-HF Anodizing Seal

METALAST is pleased to announce that METALAST TCP-HF Anodizing Seal is now available to the metal finishing industry.

METALAST TCP-HF Anodizing Seal is completely environmentally friendly and provides superior performance and is less expensive than chromic acid, nickel acetate, nickel fluoride and even hot water seals. The seal is tremendously versatile and can be used for Type II, Type III and phosphoric acid processes.

METALAST TCP-HF exceeds all the major corrosion specifications, including: Mil Spec 8625F (Types I, IB, IC, II and IIB), AAMA 611-98 (Class II) Class III.

For more information please visit the METALAST TCP-HF Seal product page.

Southern California Job Shop Signs Up For JobPro

A leading anodizing and plating Job Shop located in Orange County, California recently purchased a METALAST JobPro process control computer.  The company is contemplating ordering a second rectifier key, which will allow them to control two anodizing tanks with the Job Pro. This software upgrade is one of the newest and most popular features on the Job Pro. Additionally, this company will start using METALAST TCP-HF in their chromate conversion and anodizes sealer tanks.

Learn more about the JobPro, METALAST TCP-HF and METALAST TCP-HF Seal.

California EPA Takes Aim at Eliminating Toxics

The California Department of Toxic Substances Control has initiated a Green Chemistry Initiative aimed to reduce and eliminate toxics used to manufacturer products. The California Legislature is currently reviewing more than 40 bills, all of which are aimed at controlling individual toxic chemicals or products. Feel free to read the California Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Press Release in its entirety.

METALAST Enters Fire Safety Industry!

Over the years, METALAST has become synonymous as the metal finishing industry’s leader in environmentally friendly new and emerging technologies. During this time, METALAST has introduced process control computers, software, equipment, training, education and chemistries. Whether increasing productivity, elevating quality standards, or improving production efficiencies, METALAST has provided environmentally safe solutions aimed primarily to the metal finishing industry.

In 2005, METALAST introduced METALAST TCP-HF, an environmentally friendly and “green” chemical replacement for the known carcinogen, hexavalent chromium.  Made infamous by the movie “Erin Brockovich”, METALAST TCP-HF, which is QPL approved and listed, is now the replacement chemical of choice as manufacturers and metal finishing job shops are required to meet governmental regulations such as RoHS, WEEE, ELV and the new OSHA PEL standards.

METALAST is pleased to announce that it has now entered the fire safety industry and is bringing to market the most advanced “green” fire safety technology ever developed.  METALAST BDP is a completely environmentally friendly line of fire retardant and fume suppressing chemistries that contain no VOC’s, deca-BDE’s, PBDE’s, brominated chemicals or any other hazardous material.

METALAST BDP provides low cost protection at temperatures exceeding 1,800° F, which demonstrates unique and superior fume suppressing capabilities, unlike any other product tested by Underwriters Laboratories. As a result of these to the extent that UL (Underwriters Laboratories) has put these products in a special category as they have shown their ability to reduce toxic emissions significantly lower than that of any other product in the market.  Also, METALAST BDP is extremely versatile and available in many different chemical based forms in the areas of metals, plastics, textiles, synthetic fabrics, glues and adhesives, paper and building materials, including structural steel, wood, insulation and sheet rock.

David Semas, METALAST CEO states; “In a continuing effort to expand our markets and grow our business in a environmentally responsible manner, we are excited about the opportunity to bring such a timely and revolutionary product to the world of fire safety.  METALAST BDP will have global appeal beyond the mere fact that it is a "green" chemical replacing current dangerous and toxic chemicals, its practical application reaches major industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive, electronic, computers, telecommunications, textile, building and construction, marine and consumer products.  For the first time, we have the opportunity to broaden our base and further brand our name in non-metal finishing related industries, making the world a safer place."

For more information or to download technical information please visit METALAST BDP.

T-REX Strikes Again!

The METALAST T-REX, a business-to-business mobile marketing tractor-trailer, has just finished a very successful three-day stop with a leading global aerospace manufacturer in Arizona.  Generally, T-REX will visit and present at a facility for the day and then will move along to the next location.  However, because of the high level of interest throughout this organization in METALAST TCP-HF (hex free chromate conversion coating), AA-200 (aluminum anodizing additive) and the JobPro (primary tank process controller), they requested that T-REX present three times a day for three consecutive days.

During the T-REX presentation, attendee’s viewed a 60-minute interactive video segment and at the conclusion had the opportunity to engage in Q&A regarding the video and METALAST products and services.  The METALAST technical group was also on hand via conference call from the METALAST headquarters in Minden, Nevada. Main discussion points included the benefits of using the JobPro in various processing lines, METALAST TCP-HF and the advantages of using AA-200.  Additionally, at the end of the presentation, many attendees downloaded METALAST TCP-HF technical information, including the QPL approval letter from the T-REX Information Center, located aboard T-REX.

To learn more about T-REX, see where it will be heading this summer or to view pictures from previous stops, please visit the T-REX website. (Wayne, link to the www.t-rex.metalast.com)

Los Angeles Facility Says “YES” to METALAST!

A leading manufacturing services provider to the aerospace industry has decided to expand its operations and install an anodizing and metal finishing line.  This company contacted METALAST to discuss many of the metal finishing products offered to metal finishers, including METALAST TCP-HF, JobPro, AA-200, ChemPro, METALAST aluminum chemistries and the METALAST anodizing training class.

Although they will be installing an anodizing line, this company indicated that they knew nothing about the process. After learning about the Job Pro, AA-200, ChemPro, METALAST aluminum chemistry and how each product could increase profitability and operating efficiencies, they indicated that they would be operating with METALAST products and technology. Additionally, they are also sending key personnel to the METALAST Technical Center to learn how to implement anodizing best practices as well as becoming more familiar with the JobPro process controller.

This company also wants to offer chromate conversion coatings to its customers. After learning more about METALAST TCP-HF and due to the fact that it is RoHS compliant, as well as, QPL approved, they decided to use METALAST TCP-HF as their chromate conversion coating chemical.

Learn more about METALAST TCP-HF, JobPro, AA-200, ChemPro, Aluminum Chemistry and the METALAST anodizing training class.

Bay Area Job Shop Adds JobPro to Repertoire

GMP Metal Plating, located in Morgan Hill, California, is the latest metal finishing job shop to purchase a JobPro process control computer.  GMP will operate the JobPro on both Type II and Type III anodizing lines.  GMP stated “the JobPro will allow us to control our processes by managing run times, tank temperature, current/voltage and providing verifiable reports to our customers”.

GMP was also one of the first job shops in the Bay Area to switch from processing with hexavalent chromium chromate conversion chemistry to METALAST TCP-HF. METALAST TCP-HF is an environmentally friendly “green” product that complies with RoHS, WEEE and ELV directives. In addition, METALAST TCP-HF meets mil-c-5541 and is QPL approved.

Learn more about the JobPro and METALAST TCP-HF products.

Leading Job Shop Shines With JobPro!

One of the most respected and technologically advanced Job Shops in the Pacific Northwest has thrived while using the METALAST JobPro over the past three years. In fact, this facility now reports that it can hold 5 percent oxide tolerances (industry standard is 20 percent) and has lowered their reject rate to less than 7 percent (most rejects now due to forming or machining abnormalities).  Recently, METALAST was informed that they have renewed their JobPro contract and will continuing using the JobPro on their anodizing lines for an additional three years.

One of their senior managers stated, “We chose the METALAST JobPro system… the most advanced control system on the market today, it is rivaled by no other on the market, and has a proven track record for performance…every time we run a part, it is done exactly the same, even if it had been over a year since the last time that part was produced”.

In addition to the JobPro, this facility also processes parts with METALAST aluminum chemistries including METALAST dyes and METALAST TCP-HF, chromate conversion coating.

You can learn more about the JobPro, METALAST aluminum chemistry and METALAST TCP-HF and download technical information from the Document Library.

METALAST TCP-HF Approval Leads to Multi Year Contract!

One of the world’s largest and most respected commercial vehicle and rail manufacturer has tested and approved METALAST TCP-HF as its environmentally friendly and RoHS compliant conversion coating of choice.  As a leader in truck, trailer, bus and passenger vehicles, this manufacturer sends out hundreds of thousands of parts annually for conversion coating processing.   With locations throughout the United States, the METALAST TCP-HF approval will flow through its supply chain, including processing plants, machine shops and sub manufacturing facilities.

One of the vendors that immediately felt the weight of the approval was a key sub manufacturing and processing facility, which secured a five-year contract to process parts using METALAST TCP-HF.  They anticipate installing METALAST TCP-HF into all of its facilities to keep up with the anticipated and contracted workload.

JobPro and AA-200-Featured Projects Article Spotlight

The METALAST JobPro process control computer and AA-200 anodizing chemical additive are the subject of a featured projects article published in the 2007 spring edition of the DoD Corrosion Exchange (DoDCE) Web site.  The article focuses on NADEP, the Naval Aviation Depot located in Jacksonville, Florida who has been finishing parts while using the JobPro and AA-200 since 2003.

Considered to be the Navy’s premier engine facility, NADEP, Jacksonville has experienced superior operating benefits since installing the JobPro and AA-200, including; increasing quality and reducing rejects while significantly lowering the processing time.  NADEP notes, “the process control system has significantly enhanced the quality of corrosion- and wear-resistant coatings that are applied to aluminum aircraft component parts…the system is also cost-effective and environmentally friendly.”

The DoDCE Web site serves as a major resource and informational library for the DoD, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard and NASA.  The website is also instrumental in providing information on emerging technologies and environmentally friendly products as it relates to corrosion protection, testing, strategies and success stories.

To read this article, titled “Navy’s New Aluminum Anodizing Process is Safe and Effective” click here.

T-REX Visit Leads To Specification By Global Manufacturing Giant!

Over the past 2 1/2 years, T-REX (Touring Research and Educational exhibits) has visited hundreds of manufacturing companies and thousands of engineering, quality and supply chain personnel.  Early in 2006, T-REX visited a very well known and respected global leader in the areas of electronics, telecommunications and aerospace systems.  There were 20 attendee’s aboard T-REX that day, including upper level management members in the engineering, quality assurance and environmental departments.

After the T-REX presentation, this company expressed huge interest in METALAST TCP-HF for their military work on cast aluminum, sheet metal as well as a variety of production parts representing many industries.  After learning that METALAST TCP-HF was on the QPL (Qualified Product List), they immediately requested samples of the product to be sent to their internal testing and laboratory facility. Although METALAST achieved QPL approval, it was still necessary for them to test the product before moving forward.

Over the next 6 months, they performed vigorous testing and analysis of the parts. Recently, the tests concluded and they notified METALAST that “METALAST TCP-HF did extremely well”, outperforming all other coatings they tested.  As a result, they requested a meeting with METALAST and Chemetall Oakite sales personnel to discuss their plans on writing a METALAST TCP-HF specification. This new specification will effect at least 41 facilities in North America as well as the United Kingdom.  It is their intention to implement the METALAST TCP-HF specification very quickly and to distribute throughout their supply chain.