Proof / White Papers

What are White Papers and Why Should you Read Them?

Where can you find relevant, compelling user guides, step-by-step process instructions, and troubleshooting checklists? Maybe from a college textbook, industry article, trade association or even the library? Better yet scan through the Hubbard-Hall white papers to read real-life situations and instructional content designed to inform, educate and become your go-to resource. Feel free to download and save whatever you need. Didn’t find what you are looking for? Contact us and we will do our best to help.

In-Line Paint Stripping: A Value-Added Process

Have you considered how an in-line paint stripper can cut costs, improve quality and boost capacity? This white paper provides the results of an actual company that did just that, and realized a 67% reduction in the cost of racks, and is saving $300,000 every year.

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3 Keys to Better Surface Preparation

The 3 keys to Better Surface Preparation begins with Analysis, Observation and Maintenance. Specific details from our technical experts on how to reduce and eliminate rejects.

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Black Magic: The Science Behind the Magic

An introduction to Hubbard-Hall’s line of Black Magic products - a hot alkaline nitrate black oxidizing solution. The Black Magic finish develops a true conversion coating that does not chip, flake or peel and can last indefinitely.

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Causes for Off-Colored Black Oxide Finishes

A consistent black oxide conversion coating is always desirable, but when the finish is not satisfactory here are issues that might be the cause.

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Preventing Corrosion Can Save Billions of Dollars

Corrosion prevention is vital across industries, from aerospace to construction, and can save billions annually. The National Association of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) reports corrosion costs the U.S. $276 billion per year. Metal finishing plays a critical role in addressing corrosion, enhancing durability, and protecting critical components.

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Electropolishing Process Considerations

Electropolishing replaces traditional mechanical treatments, such as milling, blasting, grinding, and polishing. Several formulations have been developed for numerous metals and alloys, including; stainless steel, aluminum. brass, copper, nickel, Inconel, gold, silver and others.

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Filtering Cleaners, “Cleaning the Cleaner” Questions and Answers

Filtration is the mechanical process to separate unwanted materials from the cleaner. The filtration unit is a medium through which only the cleaner can pass.

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How to Reduce Steps Required in Non-Ferrous Surface Cleaning

An examination of the benefits of organic acid cleaners and how they can reduce the steps in the non-ferrous surface cleaning process.

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Laser B - A Start For a Brilliant Finish

Deoxidizing and polishing can now be accomplished in a process that leaves a brilliant finish without the labor.

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Polymer Flocculant Preparation for Jar Testing

Polymer flocculant preparation is a critical step in effective wastewater treatment jar testing. This process varies depending on whether liquid or powder polymers are used, with each type requiring specific handling techniques. Proper preparation ensures optimal performance and accurate results in jar tests, which are essential for determining the most effective treatment methods for industrial wastewater.

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Know Your Hazards: How to Handle Cleaners Safely

Selecting chemical process baths and treatments that are available with safety in mind.

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The Importance of Rinsing in Metal Finishing Operations

Far too many problems can be traced to poor rinsing resulting in the contamination of down-line process baths. By conveying the elements of good rinse practice, we’re here to help ensure that such problems never happen to you.

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Maintaining a Consistent Finish Means Watching the Thermometer

For metal finishers one thing is certain the weather will impact the quality of your surface finishing process. Depending on the time of year, it gets cold – and it gets hot.

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Why Aqueous Cleaners are So Effective: Emulsification vs. Displacement

Soak cleaners are provided in two general formulations: emulsification and displacement. They both clean with a high degree of effectiveness. How do these two methods in fact differ?

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What is the Best Way to Determine Your Cleaning Costs?

Effective cleaning chemistries use emulsifying or displacement methods to remove contaminants. Emulsifying cleaners encapsulate oily soils, which may release when cooled. Displacement cleaners push oils from surfaces, where they float and are removed by mechanical devices. Both methods extend cleaner life and reduce costs through efficient oil removal. Choosing between emulsifying and displacement cleaning depends on specific needs and available resources.

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Improve Your Metal Finishing & Plating Results

Environmental regulations and the need for superior corrosion resistance drive the need for advanced metal finishing techniques. Our collective experience highlights effective methods and solutions to meet these challenges.

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Metal Finishing Terms You'll Want to Know

Accurate terminology in metal finishing is crucial to ensure clear communication and effective processes. Misunderstanding terms like chelate vs. complex or deflocculant vs. coagulant can lead to confusion and inefficiencies.

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Identifying Cost-Reduction Opportunities in Metal Finishing

Efficient metal finishing operations can greatly benefit from strategies designed to lower process costs and enhance productivity. By focusing on preparation, product selection, and cleaner types, businesses can achieve significant cost savings and operational improvements. Implementing these strategies will streamline processes, reduce waste, and ultimately boost profitability.

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Can Water Replace Solvents for Metal Cleaning?

With a combination of the right chemistry, equipment and cleaning process, water-based cleaning can be extremely effective compared to traditional chlorinated solvents.

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First Step for a Great Finish is Surface Preparation

Selecting the right cleaner and properly maintaining it with respect to operating parameters will go a long way to insuring that your first big step is successful

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Spray Cleaning for Excellent Pre-Cleaning

Spray cleaners combine chemical and mechanical action to remove soils from the substrate. The cleaning action must be rapid, as contact times in most spray machines typically range from 30-60 seconds, at temperatures below traditional soak cleaners.

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Do it Once, Do it Right: Surface Preparation for Plating

Proper surface preparation is essential for achieving high-quality finishes in plating processes. Inadequate preparation can lead to defects, poor adhesion, and increased costs. To ensure successful plating, it's crucial to address several key factors, from assessing the condition of parts to balancing chemistry and equipment.

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Phosphates in Finishing Operations: Environmental Impact and Advanced Removal Strategies

Phosphates play a key role in metal finishing operations, providing corrosion resistance and lubrication, but their environmental impact is significant. Excess phosphates in wastewater can lead to eutrophication, causing harmful algae blooms and water quality issues. Regulatory guidelines from the EPA limit phosphate discharge to protect water bodies.

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Are FOG's a Problem for your Wastewater Treatment?

Fats, oils, and grease (FOG) pose significant challenges for wastewater treatment systems in industrial sectors, particularly in remanufacturing and metal finishing. The issue of FOG in wastewater has a growing impact on manufacturing facilities, leading to stricter regulations and operational concerns.

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Best of Both Worlds in Polymer Quenching

Achieving the optimal balance between time and temperature is crucial in heat-treating processes. Traditional quenching methods using water and oil have been standard, but increasing environmental and safety concerns are driving the search for alternatives.

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Heat Treating With Salts

Heat treatment is a crucial process in metal finishing that enhances metals' physical and mechanical properties. Used in automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment manufacturing, it involves heating metal to a specific temperature and cooling it in a controlled manner. Salt bath heat treatment, a particular method in this field, offers significant advantages

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Extending Bath Life and Reducing Process Challenges in Vapor Degreasing Systems

Industrial parts cleaning is crucial for efficient manufacturing, requiring proper handling of parts, chemistry, and environmental compliance. Vapor degreasing is highly effective, using solvent vapor to clean parts of contaminants like oils and lubricants. Modern systems offer various cleaning programs and technical features to enhance efficiency and reduce solvent consumption.

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Proper Phosphorus Removal for Wastewater in Anodizing Processes

Excessive phosphorus in waterways poses significant environmental threats, including algae blooms and water toxicity. Examine the critical issue of phosphorus removal from wastewater in anodizing processes. Explore how anodizing facilities generate phosphorus-laden wastewater and present effective solutions for proper removal.

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Overview on Regulatory Status of Halogenated Solvent Cleaners

Several solvents used in parts-cleaning operations — such as methylene chloride (MEC), perchloroethylene (perc), and trichloroethylene (TCE), and n-propyl bromide (nPB) — are all filed under “Risk Evaluation” by the U.S. EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

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Rust Never Sleeps, but Metal Guard Can Prevent Corrosion

Rust and corrosion can strike quickly, causing costly delays and additional work in manufacturing processes. Hubbard-Hall's Metal Guard® line offers innovative solutions to combat rapid corrosion, protecting your parts from production to finishing. Explore the science behind corrosion and learn about products that outperform competitors in preventing rust

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Mineral Acids for Activation vs. Acid Salt

Choosing mineral acids and acid salts can significantly impact your process efficiency, safety, and bottom line in metal finishing. This white paper explores why manufacturers prefer replacing traditional mineral acids with acid salts. Acid salts can optimize your metal activation process with:

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Cyanide Destruction: A New Look at an Age-Old Problem

Cyanide chemistries remain essential in various industrial processes, including mining and electroplating. Examine the age-old challenge of cyanide destruction, exploring both traditional and innovative methods.

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Optimizing Surface Preparation: Strategies to Minimize Plating Failures and Enhance Quality Control

Our industry says that 90% of quality issues are related to poor pretreatment. It would be impossible to quantify that number, but most troubleshooters will agree that ineffective cleaning and activation are among the most common root causes for plating failures. Knowing that effective pretreatment has such a strong impact on consistency and quality, the conversation needs to shift towards how operators can proactively ensure parts are properly activated before reaching the plating tank.

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Bench Testing Instructions

Bench testing is the most effective tool for ensuring wastewater systems run smoothly. It helps verify chemical requirements, check dosing, determine proper pH levels, and assess solids production in the treatment process.

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Biological Wastewater Treatment for Finishing Applications

With tightening regulations on Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and nutrient removal, industrial facilities must adapt to meet these new standards. A small-scale biological system may offer the solution you need to complement your physical and chemical treatments

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Black Oxide 101: Troubleshooting Guide

Black oxide finishes, a controlled oxidation process for ferrous metals, offer numerous benefits in industrial applications. This white paper provides a comprehensive guide to the fundamentals, applications, and troubleshooting of black oxide finishes for both mild and stainless steel.

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Techniques for Measuring the Condition of a Metal Surface

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