Periodicals
Finisher's Management
The magazine and web site present pertinent management-related information for professionals
in the metal finishing industry. Along with a calendar highlighting the magazine's upcoming editorial coverage, the site features
subscription information and archived articles going back to 1999.
Finishing.com
Finishing.com is an independently owned and operated web site for the finishing industry -- a place for
people around the world who have an interest in metal finishing and the allied surface finishing arts to gather around and
exchange information. The site features a Letters/Hotline page, chat rooms, help wanted ads, situation wanted ads, a calendar
of events for the finishing industry, a technical library, FAQs about metal finishing, and links to kindred websites.
Industrial Paint & Powder
Industrial
Paint & Powder focuses exclusively on liquid and powder coatings. Web site features an article archive, news and event
calendar.
Metal Finishing
Metalfinishing.com
is the online component of Metal Finishing magazine. The site is organized to provide detailed information through an on-line
version of the Metal Finishing Guidebook and Directory. The Guidebook section offers technical articles on all aspects of
finishing while the Directory provides a listing of industry suppliers of products and services. In addition the contents
page of recent issues of Metal Finishing along with selected items of news and industry events are posted.
Advanced Packaging, www.apmag.com
Circuitnet, www.circuitnet.com
Electronic trend publications, www.electronictrendpubs.com
Associations,Agencies&Industry
Resources
Air & Waste Management Association
The official
site of the A&WMA is extremely well-organized and easy-to-navigate. In addition to news, bookstore, and information on
upcoming events, the site offers a members-only section featuring job listings, member directory, and online versions of the
organization's print publications.
Aluminum Anodizers Council
This site has a great deal of information on the anodizing industry. It is worth
a look if your company is involved with the process.
American Galvanizers Association
The American Galvanizers Association (AGA) is a not-for-profit trade association whose
members represent the after-fabrication hot-dip galvanizing industry. Members are located throughout North America, with affiliate members
in over 20 countries worldwide.
Web site includes process animations, literature,
information on educational seminars, searchable member directory, calendar and other features.
Association of Vacuum Equipment Manufacturers Intl
If your company utilizes vacuum technology, this is a great site for you to take a look
at. The site includes equipment vendors, products/services and vacuum industry news. It has been well built and contains plenty
of information on this association.
Automotive Composites Alliance
The Automotive Composites Alliance (ACA), a business unit of the Composites Fabricators
Association (CFA), is a trade association of 24 plastics material suppliers and molders that provide the automotive and truck
industries with composite products.
Chemical Coaters Association
The Chemical Coaters Association International is a technical and professional organization
that provides information and training on surface coating technologies.
Chemistry.org (American Chemical Society)
When it comes to an online presence, the folks at the American Chemical Society definitely
have their act together! Their homepage is not only designed to maximize usability, but it is also robust with content. Wisely,
the ACS has chosen to up the site into categories targeted at user-types, such as hobbyists, professionals, policy makers
and educators.
European Aluminum Association
Aluminum.org is the homepage of the European Aluminium Association (EAA), representing
the European aluminium industry. The site features a news section, a history of aluminium, facts and figures and other features
--- all contained with an attractive and easy-to-use interface.
Extrusion Technology for Alumnium Profiles Foundation
The purpose of the ET Foundation is to develop, promote, provide, and fund education
and research related to aluminum extrusion processes and technology, while developing and promoting interest in, and awareness
of, the field of aluminum extrusion.
Founded in 2001, the Extrusion Technology for Aluminum
Profiles Foundation operates as a publicly supported organization dedicated to furthering aluminum extrusion technology and
its applications worldwide.
Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology
The FSCT's (Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology) mission is "to provide
technical education and professional development to its members." The organization's 7000+ members represent the many diverse
segments involved in coatings — from formulation and testing to manufacture and sales.
The web site includes news, a calendar of events,
membership information, educational programs, organization history and archived copies of the Journal of Coatings Technology.
Finishers and Finishing suppliers alike should check this site out.
International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI)
The International Precious Metals Institute (IPMI) is an international association of
producers, refiners, fabricators, scientists, users, financial institutions, merchants, private and public sector groups,
and the general precious metals community formed to provide a forum for the exchange of information and technology. IPMI seeks
and promotes the efficient and environmentally sound use, reuse, and recycling of precious metals from both primary and secondary
sources.
IPMI's well-designed web site features a number of
offerings, such as industry news, membership information, online bookstore, and a precious metals buyers guide.
Mass Finishing Job Shop Association
Organization devoted to various aspects of Mechanical Finishing, including tumbling,
vibratory finishing, high energy centrifugal finishing, steel ball burnishing, deflashing, shot peening, abrasive blasting,
plastic bead blasting, thermal deburring, cryogenics and more. Web site features meeting minutes, member company roster and
information for prospective members.
Materials Research Society
This society brings together scientists, engineers and research managers from industry,
government, research labs and various analysts and provides the online community in which to share findings and ideas. Good
site but very limited information as of yet.
Metal Finishing Suppliers' Association, Inc.
MFSA's Web site has been updated and expanded (5/98). Of particular merit are the listings
of members and information related to MFSA's work in Washington
of behalf of the Finishing industry. Also, MFSA contact info and their right-on "Washington Line" newletters are published
here.
NACE International - The Corrosion Society
This site is dedicated to protecting the environment, promoting public safety, and reducing
the economic impact of corrosion by advancing the knowledge of corrosion engineering and science. Good site with access to
numerous papers and symposiums on corrosion.
National Association of Metal Finishers (NAMF)
NAMF's recently redesigned site is a nice combination of solid functionality and sleek,
crisp visuals. Among the site's features are a products/services locator, interactive forums, online membership directory,
and industry news.
National Paint & Coatings Association
A very good site for all things to do with paint. These guys are growing up fast. Complete
with an on-line buyer's guide.
Radtech.org
RadTech International North America has launched a redesigned website in response to
member suggestions that the site better reflect the fast growing technology, with enhanced graphics and a more extensive selection
of articles and information for current and prospective users of the process. Drop-down menus take you to areas devoted to
applications such as graphic arts, UV powder, adhesives, automotive, wood and plastics. An additional section on emerging
applications will include selections on composites and stereolithography.
Society of Automotive Engineers - SAE
This is truly a great site with a wealth of information. Get information on specific
standards for both automotive and aerospace. SAE has provided an excellent search feature that allows for quick find of information.
This site is very fast as well
Society of Manufacturing Engineers - SME
SME has put together a large load of technical and training information on this site.
One of the highlights of this site is the video section that allows you to download .avi video clip samples of the latest
training videos that the SME has to offer.
Society of Vacuum Coaters
A non-profit, professional, trade and educational organization, SVC is dedicated to
the development of equipment and processes for high-volume production of coatings using vacuum-based processes. Their website
contains contact information, a Q&A area, and educational materials.
The American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers
One of the premier organizations for Finishers anywhere. AESF has one of the finest
Web sites available to finishers on the Web. Easily navigable and full of useful information, this site is mandatory for any
finisher's favorites file
The Detroit Society for Coatings Technology (DSCT)
In today's fast paced world, it is more important than ever to stay in touch with rapidly
changing technologies, regulations, processes, and equipment related to the paint, coatings and adhesives markets. For those
interested in keeping up with the latest in industry advancements, the Detroit Society for Coatings Technology is an outstanding
resource.
The Electrochemical Society
Well-done and thorough, this site provides a good deal of technical information (or
access to it), as well as the standard information found at a society's website. The search engine has been tuned, and this
is a fine Finishing-related resource.
The Electrocoat Association
The cyberhome to the association for electrocoaters contains contact info, trade show
data, and memebership lists.
The Powder Coating Institute - PCI
The home of the POWDER COATED TOUGH™ logo and the premier powder coating association.
Nice site with some good resources for coaters.
The Society for Protective Coatings
The site is a slow go on download time but has many useful resources for both organic
and inorganic coaters in regards to protective coatings.
Water Environment Federation
The Water Environment Federation (WEF) is an organization dedicated to the preservation
and enhancement of the global water environment. Web site includes a bookstore, career opportunities, discussion groups and
an online library.
Enforcement and Compliance History Online (ECHO)
By entering ZIP code, city or state information, a user can retrieve EPA and State environmental
inspection information about facilities in that location. Information including inspection history, compliance status, current
significant violations and enforcement actions can be viewed and data errors can be reported online.
Environmental Protection Agency
The "Holy Grail" of environmental information repositories. But there's
"Good news/Bad news." This site is up-to-date, well-thought-out, and
simply-designed, presenting all things environmental -- legislative, regulatory, contractual. But most of the regulations
are downloadable only as PDF (Adobe) files. You decide which is good/bad. This server is sometimes stressed a bit, so be patient with the download times
-- it's worth it.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Another University of
California and Department of Energy project, this site offers a searchable
wealth of technical and metals-related data. A wealth of metal finishing and plating information is presented from just one
search.
Los Alamos National Laboratory
The Scientific and Technical Information page of the renowned national laboratory, a
project maintained by The University of California for The Department of Energy.
Metal Products & Machinery (MP&M)
The Metal Products and Machinery (MP&M) regulation establishes national technology-based
limits on pollutants in wastewater discharges from facilities that manufacture, rebuild or maintain metal parts, products,
or machines.
NIST WWW Home Page
The National Institute of Science and Technology is an agency of the U.S. Department
of Commerce's Technology Administration. Finishing professionals of all types can find useful data here. Also deploys the
Harvest search engine (a good thing).
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Quite possibly the best of the National Labratories Web Pages, in terms of functionality,
search capability, and information. Utilizes the Harvest search engine (high speed, accurate), and the layout of this site
is simple and easy to use. You'll also find (general) info about their Coatings, Plating, and Finishing Center -- not a repository of data,
but more a contact resource in case you need it.
Sandia National Laboratories
Presents a technical repository that is searchable and thorough.
U.S. Department Of Commerce
Sure, there's a partisan slant to much of this site. But, heck -- it's the Government.
And there are potentially useful links to the individual agencies within Commerce, as well as business-related information
within the Federal Labyrinth.
U.S. EPA Brownfields Site
Developed and maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency, this site tells you
everything you need to know about the EPA's "Brownfields" Intiative. (Brownfields are abandoned, idled, or under used industrial
and commercial facilities where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived environmental contamination.)
The site is an excellent repository for tools, case studies, fact sheets, and other information.
eLaws
Elaws (Employment Laws Assistance for Workers and Small Businesses) is designed to help
you, as an employee or employer, understand your rights and responsibilities under the laws and regulations administered by
the Department of Labor. Each Advisor imitates the interaction you might have with a DOL employment law expert--it asks questions
and provides answers based on your responses.
Metal Suppliers On-line
Do you buy metal? Then keep your eye on this site. MSO gives you the poop on over 2200
North American metals producers (250 have links to their Web sites). There's also a nifty interface for viewing the properties
of more than 5000 ferrous and non-ferrous metals. MSO is free, but registration is required. They use frames, too -- so you'll
need an appropriately equipped browser.
The Powder Coating Net
The Powder Coating Net provides information about the powder coating (dry paint) finishing
process. The "PC Net" lists the suppliers of products and services necessary for implementing the powder coating process,
including material handling, pretreatment systems, dry off ovens, powder booths, powder guns, cure ovens, powder coatings,
pretreatment chemicals, and consultants.
MfgQuote.com
This Georgia-based
business isn't resting on its laurels; they've expanded their services with a new "version 2" update of their site. ManufacturingQuote.com's
purpose is to bring those needing manufacturing services together with manufacturers and shops interested in quoting on metalworking
and machining jobs. Instead of the winning shop paying a "finders fee" once each bid's accepted, shops pay a set fee to remain
a member of MfgQuote.com. Membership allows for unlimited participation and bidding on jobs listed on the site. This site
is really well organized, and has to be included as one of a shop's or manufacturer's regular online visits. The latest update
includes improved service and--our personal favorite--the Collaborative Procurement Management service, which itself includes
feedback to losing bidders, helping them improve their chances for future work. Now that's value.
And as of 09/00, MfgQuote has entered into a collaboration
with Thomas Regional, which will expose shops to even more buyers of discrete parts machining services through this site.
EPA - Metal Products & Machinery (MP&M)
The Metal Products and Machinery (MP&M) regulation establishes national technology-based
limits on pollutants in wastewater discharges from facilities that manufacture, rebuild or maintain metal parts, products,
or machines.
American National Standards Institute
After their new-year updates, you won't recognize the place. MUCH more information,
a great layout and, if you're a member (yes, you can join), a wealth of data rarely seen (standards-wise) on the Web. For
the non-member, it's still a wonderful source of information. Databases and a technical library are notable for their content.
Be advised: you will need the ol' Adobe Acrobat plug-in for many features of the site.
ANSI has added a significant purchasing utility on
their site called Site License, which allows visitors to "buy" time with a document. What that means is, for a price, you
get a window—say, 7 days—within which to download the spec(s) you've bought. Of course, you can still purchase
hard copies, if you want to wait for them to come via snail-mail.
American Society for Quality
This well-rounded (and well-designed) site offers a stockpile of QC-related content,
neatly arranged by topic. (Though no metal finishing topic exists, finishers may want to check out the "manufacturing," "aerospace,"
or "automotive" sections for relevant information.) The caveat is that some of this information is reserved for ASQ members
only. And membership? Well, as my daddy used to say, "Nothing in this life is free."
Best Manufacturing Practices
Excellent site. It is a repository of useful technical information and news, provides
communications to this useful organization, is fully searchable, and has a huge amount of BMP's for finishing. The site is
still a bit dependant upon the Adobe Acrobat plug-in for many documents, but this site has
grown into a more user-friendly format over the years. Many of BMP's documents and surveys are supported by both html and
PDF. BMP is still well worth the visit.
NIST WWW Home Page
The National Institute of Science and Technology is an agency of the U.S. Department
of Commerce's Technology Administration. Finishing professionals of all types can find useful data here. NIST has updated
their site—it's much easier to navigate through and find info in. A valuable resource.
For example, check out NIST's Net Knowledge Basics section. Before you roll your eyes, give a few
minutes to browse their "modules" (there are six of them, and they're available at the bottom of the page). These modules
range in complexity from "basic" to "advanced" and they cover a great deal of topics, from Web Basics and Legal Issues to
Web Technologies and Security.
U.S. Department Of Commerce
Sure, there's a partisan slant to much of this site. But, heck -- it's the Government.
And there are potentially useful links to the individual agencies within Commerce, as well as business-related information
within the Federal Labyrinth.
American Electroplaters and Surface Finishers’ Society (AESF)
The AESF is made up of individuals engaged in the metal finishing industry
and is the industry’s largest membership organization. It’s excellent web site includes their extensive
bookstore, excellent classes, CD’s, news, Plating & Surface Finishing Magazine, government relations updates and
much more.
http://www.aesf.org
The NAMF is an association of owners and managers of metal finishing
companies and their suppliers. Their web site is particularly useful for industry news along with an extensive collection
of links, particularly strong on business and environmental issues.
http://www.namf.org
The MFSA, the smallest of the industry’s organizations, represents
the manufacturers and suppliers to the metal finishing industry. Their web site is particularly useful for staying on
top of the latest developments in government relations.
http://www.mfsa.org
The SGP is a unique cooperative effort between the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the metal finishing industry through the members of the Surface Finishing Industry Council (SFIC) consisting
of the NAMF, AESF, and MFSA. The SGP is a voluntary program that encourages companies to go beyond environmental compliance.
This is a unique site filled with useful and practical information for finishers who want to succeed both environmentally
and financially.
http://www.strategicgoals.org
A huge collection of finishing information, directories, current
news items and much, much more. Includes much free information, but extended info is available by annual subscription –
with a very attractive combination of membership in the NMFRC and AESF. Worth every penny.
Web-based
home of Metal Finishing Magazine’s Organic Coatings Editor. Site is filled with information on all aspects
of organic coating including an archive of Ron’s popular “Ask the Expert” questions and answers. Also
includes one of the most comprehensive lists of industry links to be found anywhere.
http://www.ronjoseph.com/
A unique site operated by long-time Metal Finishing Magazine author
Anselm Kuhn. Surface Finishing Abstracts is the largest archive of articles specific to the metal finishing industry
with well over 70,000 entrees.
http://www.surfacequery.com/
Finishing Publications describes itself as the largest publisher of metal
finishing books in the English language and is a treasure trove of specialized books and CD’s on all facets of metal
finishing. This site is also operated by Metal Finishing author, Anselm Kuhn.
http://www.finpubs.demon.co.uk/
Describes itself as, “the homepage of the finishing industry”
and has a huge archive of over 24,000 questions and answers gathered over many years by long-time Metal Finishing columnist
Ted Mooney. Loaded with other information resources as well including a unique collection of book reviews.
http://www.finishing.com/
Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International ( SEMI ), www.semi.org
Semiconductor Industry Association, www.sia-online.org
Semiconductor Packaging Update,
www.semitech.com
www.imaps.org
www.smta.org
www.ipc.org
Fabless Semiconductor Association, www.fsa.org
Gartner Dataquest, www.gartner.com
International Interconnection Intelligence, www.iii1.com
Investec, www.investec.com
VLSI Research Inc., www.vlsiresearch.com
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Metal Finishing Suppliers' Association
Jewelers Vigilance Committee
World Gold Council
Manufacturers Jewelers and Suppliers of America
The American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
Royal Society of Chemistry
A2LA - American Association for Laboratory Accreditation
www.a2la.org
AIAG - Automotive Industry Action Group
www.aiag.org
ASTM - ASTM Technical Standards
www.astm.org
Technical
Articles
Assaying of Jewellery, Measuring the Gold Content (Fineness) of
Jewellery
Underkarating Exposé Airs
All That Glitters May Not Be All That Many Karats
XRF Analysis of jewelry using fully standardless fundamental parameter
approach
Fire Assay information
