The Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) FAB to FINISH Production Experience was launched at FABTECH 2017 to increase comprehension of finishing technologies for attendees by giving them the opportunity to experience the production of a part first-hand, from fabricating to finishing. Mazak Optonics, booth S20085, has served as fabrication partner for the project since its inception. The well-known laser cutting machine manufacturer designs and laser cuts a FABTECH themed souvenir part each year. With designs connected with the show host city, the parts have become a collectible item for repeat attendees. This year’s part features a Florida theme and is sure to be a hit.
Attendees can pick up a part and a production route card in the West Hall at the CCAI booth W2341 or the Atotech | an MKS brand booth W2313. For those visiting the South Hall, headed to the West Hall, a supply of parts and production route cards will also be available at the Mazak Optonics booth. The cards direct attendees through one of six production routes featuring participating finishing exhibitors where they experience a variety of finishing operations.
After picking up their part and production route card in the CCAI or Mazak Optonics booth, the first stop in the FINISHING Pavilion takes participants to Mighty Hook, booth W2509, where they pick up a hanger. The hanger enables touch-free transport of the part throughout each step and is also used to appropriately position the part for pretreating, powder coating, and curing. At the coating step, participants can try their hand at powder coating their own part, and often have the opportunity to choose a color. They will then witness the curing process where the powder on their part is transformed to a durable and beautiful finish.
Participants that begin their production journey at the Atotech booth will receive a hanger, production route card, and a fully coated part. These participants will start by seeing a paint stripping process followed by pretreatment before taking the part to be re-coated and cured.
Part inspection is the final stop for all production routes. At the DeFelsko Corporation booth W2741, all participants can check their powder coating skills using testing instruments. They can measure the coating thickness and consistency on their part and compare the results to a “gold standard” part that will be on display in the DeFelsko booth.
Attendees taking part in FABTECH’s new Emerging Leaders Program will also have an opportunity to experience the FAB to FINISH program. The agenda includes technology pavilion tours from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15. Program participants that select the finishing technology tour will go through the FAB to FINISH program – a great way to get hands-on exposure to finishing technologies.
After completing the production route processes, participants can take their part home as a souvenir of their time at FABTECH.
This year’s FAB to FINISH participating exhibitors include:
Fabrication
- Mazak Optonics – Booth S20085
Part Hanging
- Mighty Hook – Booth W2508
Paint Stripping
- Atotech / an MKS Brand – Booth W2313
Pretreatment
- Atotech / an MKS Brand – Booth W2313
- DuBois Chemicals – Booth W2229
- GAT Finishing Systems – Booth W2413
- Henkel – Booth W2405
Powder Coating
- Gema USA Inc. – Booth W2620
- Nordson Corporation – Booth W2600
- Sames – Booth W2628
- Trimac Industrial Systems – Booth W2707
Curing
- Nordson Corporation – Booth W2600
- Trimac Industrial Systems – Booth W2707
- Vulcan IR Systems – Booth W2216
Testing
- DeFelsko Corp. – Booth W2741
Don’t miss out on this hands-on opportunity to take home your own FABTECH souvenir! Register today for FABTECH to experience the FAB to FINISH Production Experience and discover the latest in finishing technologies firsthand.