Institute News
Can You Help Us to Improve European Policy Making?
10th June 2009
Dear Industry colleagues,
The Institute has recently become members of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We have been given the opportunity through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), to raise real business concerns regarding the impact of European policies, legislation and regulation directly with the European Commission.
Today I am asking for your support to make full use of this opportunity. We are keen to get your specific views on aspects of European policy that has a detrimental effect on your everyday business.
Please feel free to write, email or speak with me as I want your views and experience. By taking your experiences to the EC, we can make sure the Institute is representing you at the highest levels.
Thank you for your consideration.
Paul Wynn
Director Public Relations
07971 710212
P R E S S R E L E A S E
14th April 2009
Industry demands government action
Hard hit manufacturers urgently need government action to help them through this economic crisis. Supporting the calls for timely intervention, in a private meeting with the Regional Minister for the West Midlands Ian Austin MP, Paul Wynn of the Institute of Metal Finishing voiced the concerns of its membership.
Meeting at the government office in Birmingham on Thursday 9th April, Mr Wynn told the Minister that “In my experience, businesses are not looking for hand outs” and added “we need government to create the right conditions to stimulate consumer activity, unburden business from endless regulation and restore confidence to drive economic growth. Businesses just need orders right now”.
Mr Austin was pressed to convey the needs of industry to the cabinet, to ensure policy is directed to providing real support. “Government help suffers from a lack of visibility, lot’s of press announcements but difficult to see real tangible results” added Mr Wynn. Addressing calls for government support of individual companies, he added that “If a business is poorly managed and structured, they don’t deserve to survive. Government needs to ensure that businesses with good leadership that are based upon sound commercial principals are the ones that last”.
Over the past four months, the Institute has met with many local business leaders and organisations. The message is clear; government has the responsibility to be proactive in its support of industry to address a number of key issues. These include the need to get banks lending again, as the availability of credit to businesses and individuals is still a problem. The provision of export credit insurance has become a significant problem for SME’s this year, in their push for export business.
“We would also like to see a two year tax and regulation freeze to ease the burden on business” the Minister was told by Mr Wynn. Maintaining present taxation levels will ensure clarity, remove the fear of rising tax and rebuild some confidence. Businesses are overburden by excessive domestic and European regulation. Constant updating is difficult to manage particularly for SME’s and this is a threat to their very survival.
Since the end of last year, the IMF has consistently called for the introduction of an automotive scrappage incentive scheme, similar to the ones already successfully operating in a number of European countries such as France and Germany. This would help stimulate a degree of consumer spending to boost economic activity.
As the professional organization of the surface finishing industry, the Institute has also lobbied for tax credits to stimulate private sector research and improved funding for skills training. These have been described by Mr Barry Gay Honorary Secretary General as “vital to drive long term growth”.
The Institute of Metal Finishing continues to represent its individual and sustaining members at the highest levels with political and business leaders. In addition to meeting with the regional minister, the IMF is also in contact with the government's Economic and Business Minister Ian Pearson MP to reinforce the issues outlined to Mr Austin. Discussions also continue with the Shadow Business Minister Rt Hon Mark Prisk MP.
PAL and Elsyca join forces to transform the paradigm of electroplating equipment acquisition
PAL en Elsyca sign a business agreement to provide the surface finishing industry scalable and secure electroplating optimization solutions
In February 2009, Process Automation International Ltd (PAL) and Elsyca NV entered into a partnership to provide a one-stop source for electroplating optimization solutions.
With PAL having more than 40 years experience in the design, manufacture and installation of high quality electroplating equipment and an extensive worldwide network, it was an obvious choice to join forces with the industry innovator Elsyca. Elsyca’s strength as supplier of plating feasibility services, intelligent optimization services and tooling solutions for all types of electrochemical processes has made them a preferred engineering partner for multiple surface finishing departments around the globe.
Luc Wanten, CEO of Elsyca, explains: “Elsyca’s core is a unique state-of-the-art electrochemical simulation platform, combined with expert electrochemical knowledge and experience. Our technology provides a virtual plating plant enabling the process & tooling design to be cost effectively tailored to each manufacturer’s specific requirements. Our process optimization services have lead to substantially reducing costs and meeting most extreme product quality specs. Our newest offering, the Feasibility Study, shows customers reliable plating results even before the first part hits the factory floor. This study will enable PAL to proactively show plating results of any part as plated by a PAL machine to prospects and customers. With a growth path towards optimization services and tooling solutions, we are in a position to completely change the current paradigm of equipment acquisition and create a real partnership with customers.”
“We have made tremendous strides in the surface finishing industry in the last few years”, explains Tony Evans, VP of Hong Kong-based PAL and General Manager of its Surface Finishing business. “The new relationship with Elsyca will enable PAL to provide a total solution for our existing and new customers. Not only will PAL obtain increased exposure by including unique feasibility and optimization services into our new plating line offerings, we will also have the unique ability to assist existing customers in optimizing their plating line to deliver perfectly plated components at minimal cost. And finally, Elsyca’s electrochemical intelligence will definitely be of major value for our plating line design.”
PAL Surface Treatment Systems Ltd is a member of the PAL group of companies, and with over 1600 installed systems is one of the world’s major suppliers of plant and equipment to the Electronics and Surface Finishing Industries.
Elsyca, a Belgian based company, followed a steady growth path since the founding in 1997. Over the years, Elsyca has built-up an unequalled expertise in electrochemical process, cell and tooling design & optimization with a proven track record at large international companies in the Electronics, Surface Finishing and Corrosion Protection industries.
Further information on PAL from www.palhk.com and further information on Elsyca from www.elsyca.com. For specific requests, please contact Jonathan Timms of PAL at jtimms@palhk.com and Ilse Evenepoel of Elsyca at ilse.evenepoel@elsyca.com.
Maclaren lecture delivers
message of hope
Aston University 11 March 2009
Paul Wynn Vice President Public Relations
Aston University hosted the annual MacLaren Lecture on Management, held in memory of one of the Midlands leading industrialists. James MacLaren was a founding member of the Chartered Management Institute Birmingham branch and was Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Birmingham College of Technology, which became Aston University in 1966.
This year’s lecture was delivered by David Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) in the University Great Hall. He arrived in Birmingham having only that morning returned from a trip to owners TATA in Mumbai, India.
Mr Smith stated that JLR was a shining example of home grown success, a global leading automotive brand built in the West Midlands and one of the nations leading exporters. Company sales had increased by thirty percent in the five years prior to 2008, producing a £600 million profit over the past eighteen months. Their spending of around £400 million per year on research and development activities represents around one third of the UK’s total investment.
The current UK automotive industry had transformed itself over the past twenty five years, into a modern highly efficient and highly productive industry. The old image of ‘metal bashing’ has long gone.
Commenting on the current economic crisis, Mr Smith stated that industry was facing an “incredible crisis” from a drop in consumer confidence and believes it has come from a “massive and collective failure in leadership of the financial system”. The UK suffers from a disparity between financial services and industry, unlike other leading European manufacturing based countries such as Germany and France. This has crowded out industrial investment and caused a decline in research and development funding.
He believes the current government has displayed “less pace and urgency” to support industry than other similar economies. JLR has maintained a consistent message that they are not looking for a ‘bail out’ but simply want banks to start lending again.
The JLR’s CEO outlined the three steps of his business strategy which is driving a transformation of the company. 1. Delivering great products fast, driven by design excellence throughout all parts of the product. 2. World class customer service and an experienced based marketing approach. 3. Environmental innovation through a passionate culture of full life cycle responsibility throughout the business.
Through its support of Advantage West Midlands and joint projects with Aston University, the company will continue to promote the benefits of the private sector working in collaboration with government and academia. Facilitated through the Automotive Unit at the Department for Business Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (BERR), Test-Bed UK is a low carbon focused working group through the New Automotive Innovation & Growth Team (NAIGT). With support from companies such as JLR, it is seen as a possible catalyst to encourage suppliers and others to invest and help build the UK’s capabilities. However as discussed at the NAIGT stakeholder event on 5 February 2009, this initiative needs to be large scale funded to ensure it is big enough to be visible and effective.
During his speech, Mr Smith gave a warning that we must continue investment into new technologies, especially during this time of economic crisis and welcomed government support for research into green, low carbon technologies. He confirmed the company will produce a new 4x4 model known as LRX at their Halewood plant, following today’s announcement of £27 million in financial support from the government. JLR have set themselves ambitious environmental targets and have promised to further reduce the carbon dioxide output of their vehicles over the next few years.
The lecture offered a vision of hope for a high value added, technology driven UK industry, developing skills and delivering innovation. It clearly established Jaguar Land Rover as one of the nation’s business and technology leaders.
Having previously written to Mr Smith on behalf of the Institute, I was able to spend a few minutes with him prior to the lecture. We discussed the current market difficulties and areas of common interest. I updated him on the lobbying and engagements activities we are undertaking with business and political leaders, whilst confirming our support for JLR.
P R E S S R E L E A S E
7th March 2009
Osborne attacks government
during Midlands visit
Shadow Chancellor George Osborne visited the West Midlands on Friday 6th March. In a key note speech to local business leaders, Mr Osborne offered a different vision for the economy. Attacking “the scandal of inaction” from the government, he delivered a stark warning that “The ‘money for nothing' society has to end. The age of irresponsibility is over”.
The event co hosted by the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, took place at The Studio in Cannon Street. During the address, Mr Osborne stated that “dithering and paralysis in government is costing people their jobs and their businesses and their homes”. He promised that a Conservative government would deliver “a simpler and more competitive tax system” and to “come off Labour's unrealistic spending plans”.
In the question and answer session that followed, addressing the Shadow Chancellor the Institute’s Vice President Paul Wynn asked “Isn’t the fundamental problem a lack of consumer confidence. What specific policies would a Conservative government introduce to stimulate spending? Midlands businesses just need orders right now”.
Before making his key note address to Chamber members, the Shadow Chancellor visited the Castle Bromwich plant of Jaguar Land Rover, meeting management and production line workers. This week staff had agreed to accept a reduced working week and pay freeze in order to avoid compulsory redundancies.
Mr Osborne’s day concluded with a visit to the Black Country Chamber of Commerce in Bilston to meet with local employers.
Following the speech, Mr Wynn commented that “The public are looking to our elected politicians for leadership and action. We want to see the Shadow Cabinet pressing the government into taking more positive and timely measures to help industry”.
An example offered by Mr Wynn is the automotive ‘scrappage’ incentive scheme, which has already been successfully introduced by a number of European governments. This measure has delivered an immediate economic ‘boost’ in those adopting countries and is precisely the type of positive action needed. According to recent figures reported by Automotive News Europe, new car sales in Germany increased by over twenty percent during February through the incentive scheme.
The Institute will continue to meet with government and opposition politicians in the coming weeks, to lobby for greater recognition and support for our industry and wider UK manufacturing.
Further information regarding this press release can be obtained by contacting:
Mr Ken Hoare, Business Development Manager
Tel: 0121 622 7387 Email: ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
Mr Paul Wynn, Vice President Public Relations
Tel: 07971 710212 Email: paul.wynn@atotech.com
P R E S S R E L E A S E
19th February 2009
IMFAIR09 programme announced
Birmingham based Institute of Metal Finishing has just announced the programme for its two day conference IMFAIR09. The event is being held at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, Shropshire on the 10th and 11th June 2009, in their Cold War building’s 200 seat auditorium. Associated exhibitions will be held in adjacent rooms and support the programme of technical papers.
The event has been described as “the UK’s largest and most in-depth surface coating and surface engineering conference and exhibition, aimed at the Aerospace industry” by Mr Graham Armstrong, Chairman of the Institute’s Organic Group.
The impressive list of high quality technical papers will be presented by many well known names from the aerospace and coatings world, from organisations such as Akzo Nobel Aerospace Coatings, BAE systems, Rolls Royce, Loughborough University and Keronite International Ltd amongst many others.
A conference dinner is being held at the Park House Hotel, Shifnall , with the well know historian and passionate ‘Brummie’ Professor Carl Chinn MBE, as guest speaker.
Commenting on the event, the Institute’s Honorary Secretary General Mr Barry Gay stated “This is an important event in our calendar; its calibre clearly reflects the value we place on our association with aerospace and further strengthens our commitment to the industry”.
According to figures released by the Society of British Aerospace Companies, the industry continues to grow and turnover exceeded £20 billion in 2007. SABC is the UK's national trade association representing companies supplying civil air transport, defence, security and space. It represents over 2,600 companies employing a domestic workforce exceeding 110,000.
Mr Gay added “Metal finishing and surface engineering is a vital partner to all aspects of manufacturing. Our events represent a valuable opportunity for finishing professionals, coating applicators and end users to meet together for their mutual benefit”.
Founded in 1925 the Institute of Metal Finishing has continued to represent UK and International professionals engaged in metal finishing and surface engineering. With an individual membership exceeding 700, supported by over 110 sustaining member companies, the Institute provides a key voice for the industry.
The Institute holds charitable status and provides a focus for surface engineering Internationally through the development and fulfilment of the technical, educational and professional needs at all levels for both the individual and companies involved in the industry.
Full conference details and further information about the Institute of Metal Finishing and their activities, can be found at: www.uk-finishing.org.uk
Further information regarding this press release can be obtained by contacting:
Mr Ken Hoare, Business Development Manager
Tel: 0121 622 7387 Email: ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
Mr Paul Wynn, Vice President Public Relations
Tel: 07971 710212 Email: paul.wynn@atotech.com
P R E S S R E L E A S E
28th January 2009
Institute welcomes government package
and calls for further action
Comment on government help for car industry
The Institute of Metal Finishing has broadly welcomed the announcements made yesterday by Lord Mandelson, the Government’s Secretary of State for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform.
Speaking in the House of Lords, the business secretary unveiled a government loan guarantee scheme for the UK automotive industry, worth up to £2.3bn. The emphasis on support for developing a ‘green and low carbon’ based industry will help improve its future sustainability.
Commenting on yesterday’s announcement, Paul Wynn Vice President Public Relations said “We welcome the package of measures announced by Lord Mandelson, but they do not go far enough. The government must take action to stimulate consumer activity, because ultimately the manufacturers and their suppliers need an upturn in sales”.
Latest figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed car production fell by almost fifty percent in December 2008. New car sales were down over twenty percent on last year.
Car sales at three major car manufacturers in the Midlands region have continued to fall over recent months. The Institute supports the call for further action by the government to improve the rate of lending by banks to corporate and individual customers.
Commenting further, Mr Wynn added “Our members provide finishing services to the automotive companies and their component suppliers. The current difficult trading conditions will continue if consumer confidence does not return.”
Further information about the Institute of Metal Finishing and their activities can be found at: www.uk-finishing.org.uk
Further information regarding this press release can be obtained by contacting:
Mr Paul Wynn, Vice President Public Relations
Tel: 07971 710212 Email: paul.wynn@atotech.com
Mr Ken Hoare, Business Development Manager
Tel: 0121 622 7387 Email: ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
P R E S S R E L E A S E
8th December 2008
Birmingham Institute builds links with China
A team from Birmingham based Institute of Metal Finishing recently travelled to Southern China to improve links with regionally located companies and associations. Held during 26th through 28th November at the Guangzhou International Convention and Exhibition Centre, it was the only UK professional Institute exhibiting at SFCHINA 2008.
Since it’s inception in 1983, SF CHINA has established itself as the largest global surface finishing exhibition, supported by high calibre technical papers and technology sessions. The 2007 show held in Shanghai received almost 12,000 visitors including 1,248 International visitors and 341 exhibiting companies.
A strategic decision was taken by the Institute to use SFCHINA 2008 as a vehicle to improve brand recognition in the Chinese market and act as a catalyst for the development of regional activities, through the recently formed branch in Hong Kong chaired by Mr Jonathan Timms.
The Institute team was lead by Mr Paul Wynn, Vice President International Development who commented “In taking an exhibition stand at this major industry event, the Institute demonstrated a clear recognition of the importance China and the Asian region now holds within the global surface finishing industry”.
Whilst expanding its links with other organisations, over the past two years the Institute has developed a cooperative alliance with trade associations in Hong Kong, Shanghai and now Guangzhou. Commenting on the move, Mr Wynn added “this is an important step in raising our profile in this important economic region and representing our developing Asian membership base”
Founded in 1925 as the Electroplaters and Depositors Technical Society, the Institute of Metal Finishing has represented professionals engaged in metal finishing and surface engineering. With an individual membership exceeding 700, supported by over 100 sustaining member companies, the Institute has seen a decline in its domestic membership over the past decade inline with the downsizing of UK industry. Developing overseas membership is seen as a vital role in supporting its future sustainability.
A multi billion pound global industry, metal finishing and surface engineering is intrinsic to all aspects of modern life from automobiles and household goods to aviation and computers. Surface coating technologies provide added value by allowing the bulk properties of one material to be combined with the surface properties of another. They enhance performance by extending the useable service life of components and their assemblies through improved corrosion resistance, enhanced aesthetic appeal and greater wear resistance.
Well known for their Education and Training programmes, the Institute of Metal Finishing continues to deliver high quality courses to individuals leading to recognised qualifications. Recent years has seen a move to develop bespoke courses for commercial organisations, with many well known International OEM’s having benefited from the Institute’s training expertise.
One of the Institute’s major aims is the dissemination of technical information for metal finishing, surface treatment and surface engineering and the provision for a publication outlet for research works. Their official publication Transactions holds a pre-eminent position as a primary source of technical information world wide.
The Institute holds charitable status and provides a focus for surface engineering Internationally through the development and fulfilment of the technical, educational and professional needs at all levels for both the individual and companies involved in the industry.
Operating from its registered office at Exeter House, Holloway Head Birmingham, it is currently lead by President Mr Sam Briggs, Honorary Treasurer Mr Alan Koch and Honorary Secretary General Mr Barry Gay. They are supported by three staff members and a voluntary group of Industry professionals, who give their time freely for the betterment of the Institute and the industry it represents.
The Institute of Metal Finishing holds it’s Annual General Meeting and Christmas Luncheon on Wednesday 10th December at the Birmingham Medical Institute.
Further information about the Institute of Metal Finishing and their activities can be found at: www.uk-finishing.org.uk
Further information regarding this press release can be obtained by contacting:
Mr Paul Wynn, Vice President International Development
Tel: 07971 710212 Email: paulc.wynn@virgin.net
Mr Ken Hoare, Business Development Manager
Tel: 0121 622 7387 Email: ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
Nickel Risk Assessment Day Presentations
12 Seagate Employees
Congratulated by UK President,
Institute of Metal Finishing
Twelve Seagate Springtown employees have just completed the Foundation
exam of the Institute of Metal Finishing. Sam Briggs, UK president of
the Institute, attended a ceremony at Seagate to present three
Distinctions and nine merits to the employees. Seagate put each of
these employees through the exam as it is part of Seagate's training
plan for Technicians and is the first step towards achieving the
Technicians Certificate, a minimum qualification for operators to
progress to Technician level.
Pictured, front, from left, are Greg
Payne, Seagate, course organiser, Noel Garlick, John Coyle and Sam
Briggs, president, Institute of Metal Finishing. Centre, from left, are
Christopher McMonagle, Malcolm Haire, and Liam Jackson. Back, from left,
are Robin Lincoln, Roger Hynds and Ronan Ferry.
Westland Staff gain IMF Award
A one-day course on “Copper Plating for the Prevention of Case Hardening” was recently completed by twenty staff at the Yeovil plant of Westland Transmissions, a division of Agusta Westland.
Process Engineer Peter O’Shea, on the extreme left of the photo, is responsible for the team running the copper plating/ stripping operation on their recently acquired equipment and organised this course from the Institute of Metal Finishing as part of the continual development of his department. He is now evaluating the IMF’s Foundation Course and will soon be selecting suitable candidates.
Barry Gay, as Honorary Secretary General of the IMF, presented part of the team their certificates and states, “It was a pleasure to meet Peter with his well motivated team and to make the presentation. I really look forward to revisiting Yeovil for a similar Foundation Course ceremony in the near future!”
As well as its internationally recognised formal courses,(Foundation, Technician Licentiate etc.) the Institute is happy to provide bespoke courses for companies on finishing subjects ranging from Automotive Finishing, through one day technology courses, to environmental courses for ISO1400 accreditation. Companies interested in any training issues should feel free to contact Ken Hoare at Exeter House to see how the Institute might assist.
Contact:
Ken Hoare
The Institute of Metal Finishing
Exeter House
48, Holloway Head
Birmingham B1 1NQ
Tel: 044(0) 121 622 7387
Email: ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
A CD of the Organic Finishing Seminar held at RAF Cosford in February 2007 on Advances in Aerospace Finishing is now available from Exeter House.
INSTITUTE OF METAL FINISHING
SOUTHERN BRANCH
RESOURCE CONSERVATION
A summary of the symposium held on the 25th April 2007 at the Intech Science Park, Winchester, Hampshire.
The symposium was well attended with 30 delegates.
The 4 speakers were well received and after they had delivered their papers a lively answer and question session ensued, followed by a buffet.
Sludge Recycling - Steve Waite - World Resources Company.
There followed from Steve Waite a full and comprehensive paper listing the reasons for re-cycling, the benefits to industry and the environment, he then detailed the global nature of the company, how it was founded in 1996 going into production in 1999.
The process was then explained from pick up in the UK, transfer to Germany, material analysis, preparation, processing and distribution to the smelters. The whole process is 100% recyclable and has Global ISO certification.
Bio Cleaners – Sascha Wegner – Enthone – Cookson
This paper was presented in a full and comprehensive way by Sascha Wegner. He listed the existing high temperature aqueous systems and compared them to a low temperature Bio system (45C) plus air agitation.Wegner pointed out that Bio- cleaners were used with emulsifiable oils, but were not suitable for polishing compounds, high viscosity oils, chlorinated oils and biocides.
Conclusions: Almost indefinite cleaner life, low temperature and reduced heating costs. Pre treatment being the largest contributor to the energy bill
Water Treatment for the Recycling of Process Rinse Waters. – Tony Mitchelmore. - Wychwood Water Treatment Systems Ltd.
Why recycle water? Mitchelmore produced the following reasons: To reduce costs and save water being the principle. It cost approximately £1-50 to buy and discharge a cubic metre of water. By using deionised water during rinsing this can promote a stain free appearance; better quality rinse water will help adhesion. Reducing industrial water consumption will aid in conserving resources and lessen the damage to water courses etc. Methods of recycling were discussed including a recycling deionisation system and reverse osmosis. Water suitable for recycling should have low level suspended solids, no appreciable turbidity otherwise a particulate filter would be required. Installation costs could be paid back within 1 year.
Envirowise Software Programme for the Conservation of Water and New Ideas in reducing Water Consumption. – David Hemsley. – Marquis Associates, Woking
David gave the delegates a description of the Envirowise Platewise Tool, cited the PPC regulations and said that serious water conservation in the metal finishing industry had only happened in the last 15 – 20 years, he then gave examples of plating companies that had embarked on water management programmes. David gave two examples. Case (A) whose consumption of water was reduced from 40m3 per day to 8 – 10m3 per day with the installation of cascade rinsing and an evaporator.
Case (B) A Cadmium plating plant down to 26L of water per hour of which 12L per went back to the plant and 14L per hour passed to the evaporator.
The authors may be contacted for a copy of there individual papers.
This was the my last symposium as chairman of the Southern Branch, I would like to thank present and past members of the Committee for there help and support during the previous three years.
David Colwell MIMF (Chairman Southern Branch)
Health and Safety Executive
Initial presentation on Carcinogens in the workplace
The HSE have had a remit over the last few years to actively eliminate or reduce the exposure to 50% of the known carcinogens used or occurring in the workplace. This is known as the “Disease reduction programme” where its main aims are to tackle the three main areas of occupational disease: -
- Dermatitis
- Respiratory disease (asthma and other)
- Cancer
The HSE aim to undertake this by developing sustainable partnerships with industry stakeholders and to secure improvements, where necessary. First a Chemical
Carcinogens Survey was completed in 2006 with a view to providing an up to date review of the use, exposure and management of risks from occupational chemical carcinogens in the UK, which would then aim to identify chemical carcinogens of concern to allow HSE to target resource efficiently and effectively in the right areas. This took the form of a questionnaire based survey (Mar ’06 to Jun ‘06) of working practices at up to 100 workplaces.
From this it was seen that the following chemical carcinogens are relevant to metal finishing: -
Chrome VI
WEL 0.05 mg/m3
Inhalation exposures in electroplating generally significantly below 0.05 mg/m3
Can cause asthma & dermatitis, as well as cancer.
Here industry and HSE have a history of collaboration to improve standards. This was first effectively seen in the finishing industry with the presentation and re-affirmation of the HSE position on the control and use of hexavalent chromium in the major industry workplaces using the largest proportion of the chemical. Its main uses were for passivation, plating, wood treatment and leather tanning. Where it could be eliminated its use has been stopped by replacement by other chemicals, where it cannot be done away with the regulations covering its use have been re-enforced and brought up to date. Modern guidelines have been written and control measures pertinent to today’s industrial operations have been introduced.
Nickel
WEL 0.1 mg/m3 (water soluble) and 0.5 mg/m3 (insoluble)
Again Industry and the HSE are working in partnership to identify the current standard position with regard to routine exposure to airborne Nickel. Recent surveys carried out at representative industrial premises has shown that Inhalation exposures in electroplating are generally significantly below the current WEL.
It has recently (2006) been shown that nickel salts can cause asthma & dermatitis, as well as cancer (by inhalation). As such there will be a significant change in classification of nickel salts which will result in new guidance from HSE on how to handle them, how to use them, how to control their use and the monitoring that will be necessary to show exposure below the WEL.
Sulphuric acid mist
The OES (1 mg/m3) was withdrawn, a CHAN issued, and a recommended interim limit 0.3 mg/m3 has been set.
Surveys at Metal finishing companies has shown exposures at;
Anodising – ND to 0.6 mg/m3
Copper micro etching – exposures possibly exceed 0.3 mg/m3
Other processes – generally 0.05 mg/m3 or less
However this has been based on very limited data and more work will be done in this area!
TGIC
It has a WEL 0.1 mg/m3 , it is a constituent of powder coatings and has an R46 classification, and is treated as a carcinogen under COSHH
Surveys of representative industries using this material have shown evidence of poor control – ALARP not applied, and there is a high potential for elimination of this industrial carcinogen.
The latest meeting was centred around nickel and control, with the reclassification of soluble nickel salts as toxic by inhalation in aerosol form and harmful by ingestion and skin contact; the control regimes and acceptable industrial practices have to be re-evaluated and controls and limits set that both meet the new proposed exposure limits and are actually feasible to carry out in normal everyday situations where these soluble nickel chemicals are used.
There has been a control standard for the measurement of airborne exposure to nickel salts( MDHS 42/2) written by the HSE and in place for use for the last ten or so years. It is a procedure that has lain mostly ignored or forgotten within the majority of the finishing industry outside of a few larger organisations with the laboratory capability to carry out quite a high skill based monitoring and analysis facility.
The HSE presented its findings along with the outcome of an occupational health forum that had concentrated on a UK cancer burden study and delegates from all the organisations that had taken part in the programme of survey work undertaken by the HSE had the opportunity to take part in debates on the findings and hear how the HSE intend to run a series of industry centred meetings to identify and quantify the proposed control limits and techniques acceptable to meet the proposed tighter limits and control procedures to be implemented.
There will be further meetings and some more survey work carried out throughout 2007.
Dr Paul Lansdell
Technical manager Kohler Mira Ltd <br>
FOR SALE
ELECTROPLATING COMPANY
Based in the West Midlands, we are a specialist electro-plating company that supplies a quality service to niche industrial sectors.
The company would ideally suit either a small partnership looking to set up in business, or an established business wishing to expand.
Originally established in 1996 we became a limited company in 2002. The company has maintained an excellent year on year growth, with an annual turnover increase in excess of 59% between the period of 2005-2006 and a gross profit in excess of 53%.
Similar growth projections are expected for 2006-7 year.
For 2005-6
Turnover £200K
Gross profit £165K
NPBT £114K
The Company has a number of approvals including AS/EN9100 rev B, BS EN ISO 9001:2000 and AS9104 as well as various customer approvals.
Purchase price £400,000 ono
In the first instance please reply in the strictest confidence to
K H Hoare C Eng MIEE
Business Development Manager
Institute of Metal Finishing
Exeter House
48 Holloway Head
Birmingham
B1 1NQ
Or email ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
NEW ENVIROWISE SOFTWARE TOOL FOR ELECTROPLATERS NEARS COMPLETION
A new tool from Envirowise designed to help electroplaters improve their resource efficiency and save money is in the pilot phase of its development.
The software, called Platewise, is currently being trialled by a number of companies prior to its launch later this year.
Platewise provides detailed cost-benefit analyses for a range of surface treatment systems and therefore enables businesses to optimise productivity, materials efficiency and environmental performance.
An Envirowise workshop held in partnership with the Institute of Metal Finishing (IMF) and the Surface Engineering Association (SEA) in July offered companies trialling the product a first hand demonstration.
Companies are now test driving the new software back in their own work environment and will provide Envirowise with feedback on the tool.
David Elliott of the SEA said: “Resource efficiency and a move towards sustainable consumption and production are key priorities for businesses wishing to participate in the global economy. Platewise will help businesses address these priorities and we are pleased to be able to contribute to its final stages of development.”
Ron Read of the IMF said: “The flexibility of Platewise will offer electroplaters significant benefits. For example, it should help businesses to minimise the amount of hazardous waste they produce.”
Electroplaters can register their interest in Platewise by emailing their contact details to production@envirowise.gov.uk . They can also access free advice and information on resource efficiency by visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk or by calling the Envirowise Helpline on 0800 585 794.
ENDS
Issued on behalf of Envirowise by Harrison Cowley
Media Contacts: Laura Melhuish or Kate Sturley at Harrison Cowley on 0117 929 2311.
Notes to Editors
Companies can also download the free guide ‘Sustainable Manufacturing: a signposting guide for metal machining companies’ by visiting www.envirowise.gov.uk/GG446
About Envirowise
Envirowise delivers a valuable programme of confidential advice to UK businesses. This advice enables businesses to improve profitability and reduce environmental impact. Independent, practical and proven guidance is available through a helpline, information resources and on site visits delivered by a national team of expert advisors. Each solution is driven by the specific needs of individual firms to genuinely improve their business practices, profitability and competitiveness. Since 1994, Envirowise has helped UK industry save over £1 billion.
The Envirowise programme is available to any UK business, completely free of charge. For more information visit www.envirowise.gov.uk or call 0800 585 794.
Improve Your Company’s Performance Through Free Training
Yes, it really is true – FREE specialist knowledge training delivered by your Institute, is now on offer to companies within the surface finishing industry.
Any one of the key topics required for the Foundation Certificate units in Surface
Finishing can be selected as required to meet your company’s needs.
These important topics cover BEST PRACTICE in:
- Surface Finishing and related technologies
- Maintenance of Solution and Product Quality
- Health and Safety
- The Environment and Surface Finishing
and include the latest legal requirements for surface finishing companies.
These knowledge workshops form an important ADDED VALUE component of a new initiative
established by your Institute. This is a training package consisting of a choice of nationally
accredited, City and Guilds workforce development NVQ courses aimed at improving company
performance. Each one will provide a range of benefits for participating companies, including:
- Assessment of the competence of the workforce
- Identification of any training needs to match those of the company
- Checks that “best practice” has been absorbed into the company’s operations
The broad selection of courses, coupled with the choice of technical information, will have the
widest possible appeal within the industry. For a full list of available units visit the IMF website
www.uk-finishing.org.uk
The successful participants will gain both a nationally accredited City and Guilds Award and
a Certificate of competence from the IMF relating to the units studied.
This innovative training package is being provided through the Institute in a joint venture with experienced Midlands-based training provider, PILOT I.M.S. Limited.
PILOT has worked within the metals finishing industry for several years and has achieved
significant results. The company is an Approved Centre for the City and Guilds Institute and has
an exceptional record in providing language support to learners.
PILOT is also approved by the Learning and Skills Council, the government’s appointed body for adult learning. This enables PILOT to access government funding streams for workforce training.
At present, a limited number of the courses on offer are AVAILABLE FREE to participants within the West Midlands and Lancashire. These courses can also be provided free in other areas, subject only to government funding criteria.
To take advantage of this unique opportunity while it is still available, please contact PILOT
direct on:
Tel. 0845 300 2264 Fax. 0845 300 2263 e-mail: enq@pilotims.co.uk
Continuing the PFOS saga
The JUNE edition of IMFormation contained an article stating that the EU had concluded that under the present directive the small specific uses of PFOS in hexavalent chromium plating solutions coupled with the small volume and emissions into the environment would be very small. They were therefore proposing that a derogation would be granted to permit the use of PFOS in mist suppressants used in chromium plating.
Latest information received (17 July) states that the ENVI committee have voted to accept an amendment deleting the above derogation in the European Commission’s proposal, the latter having a different opinion and were proposing to extend the derogation to cover zinc plating and anodising.
It now transpires that the plenary session of the European Parliament is faced with the prospect of having to vote against the amendments of its own ENVI committee.
The Surface Engineering Association, as agreed at the joint Health, Safety and Environment Committee is contacting all the United Kingdom’s MEPs informing them of our industry’s concerns, explaining the situation so that they have information as to why they should vote against the amendments.
Lets hope that common sense prevails!
IMF members are requested to take any opportunities presented to them to wave the flag for the continuing use of PFOS for which currently there is no substitute.
Meanwhile efforts are continuing to look for an alternative as well as methods to destruct any PFOS to prevent it escaping into the environment.
Messier-Dowty choose the IMF’s course
The famous Cheltenham-based manufacturer of aircraft landing gear has chosen The Institute of Metal Finishing’s “Foundation Environmental” Course for the 30 Process Operators in its Surface Finishes Department.
Marilyn White, Messier’s Senior Process Engineer, states,
“We are committed to achieve ISO 14001 and the training of our Process Operators is an essential step in achieving this standard.
We are proud of our Finishing Department and awareness of the potential hazards is certainly part of the way forward.”
The Foundation Environmental Course has been tailored specifically for Messier Dowty and encompassed the already available Environmental Course with bolt on units covering Cleaning & Degreasing. Nickel plating, Chromium plating, Cadmium plating, Anodising and Health & Safety.
The course is being tutored by Alan Turner, one of IMF’s long standing approved tutors, over a tuition period of some 30 hours on the basis of 2 hours per week for operators working over 3 shifts.
Certification at all levels is accredited by an independent Examination and Qualification Board.
Ron Read, Chairman of the Institute’s Education and Training, comments,
“The course has been tailored to the specific needs of Messier-Dowty and demonstrates the flexibility of the IMF’s Education and Training system to the specific requirements of any company.
If we do not have a specific unit already available then, for sure, we have the knowledge and expertise to produce it”
All companies with finishing sections undergoing ISO 14001 assessment need the IMF’s Environmental Course to confirm their employee training.
The Course, as in the case of Messier-Dowty, can be moulded to an individual company’s processing needs and will supply the necessary accreditation.
Interested companies should contact Ken Hoare at the IMF for further details and to book a course.
Contact :-
Ken Hoare
The Institute of Metal Finishing
Exeter House
48, Holloway Head
Birmingham B1 1NQ
Phone +44(0) 121 622 7387
Fax +44(0) 121 666 6316
Email - ken@instituteofmetalfinishing.org
Meeting report: from Jonathan Timms M.I.M.F in Hong Kong
2006 International Conference on Green Surface Finishing Technology
On the 17th &18th July 2006 a conference was held in the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center to highlight industry drives and developments in environmentally friendly surface finishing. Speakers came from around the globe and also from a number of diverse disciplines such as Electroplating & surface finishing; recycling, industrial machinery & academic institutions.
The conference was divided into three sections, namely:
Inorganic Surface Finishing.
Surface Finishing in the Electronics Industry.
Surface Finishing in the Automotive Industry.
The conference was well attended by over 150 visitors and all the papers were well received. On the evening of the 17th a conference dinner was held to present souvenirs to the speakers, and much dialogue took place between guests.
The author was given the privilege of representing the institute at the conference, and took the opportunity during dinner to address the guests to give an update of the Institutes intentions to set-up a Hong Kong branch. During and after dinner, many guests expressed a keen interest in the current activities of the Institute, and it is hoped many will become members in time.
The second meting of the Hong Kong members will take place on the 25th August, where we intent to elect committee members in order to officially establish the branch.
Jonathan Timms
M.Bus, Dipl.Chem, Dipl. MS, M.I.M.F
Rendezvous Hong Kong
Local members gather for inaugural Institute meeting
Meeting report by Paul Wynn
Vice President, International Development
March 2006, Hong Kong. A dozen local members gathered at the Clifton Centre in the Central district on the evening of Friday 24th March. We were also pleased to welcome several invited guests, which included Mr Fred Yeung representing the Hong Kong Metal Finishing Society.
This was the first official gathering of the membership in the region. Its purpose was to update our local members on current activities of the Institute and provide an opportunity to meet and discuss common issues within the industry. It also allowed those gathered to discuss ways in which the Institute can serve the Hong Kong membership going forward.
Representing Exeter House was Vice President Paul Wynn, who chaired the meeting. After his opening remarks, Paul proceeded to give an overview of the Institute from its formation in 1925 through to present day. Much of these details were taken directly from the excellent booklet written by the late Ian Christie.
A modern day prospective of the Institute was detailed through our current organisation, the membership grades and benefits offered, plus a review of our publications such as Transactions. A revised and developing web presence was high lighted and its importance as a key external marketing tool was discussed.
Following Paul Wynn’s presentation, meeting organiser Jonathan Timms opened a forum discussion on the future of the IMF in this region. Positive feedback was noted during the meeting about the excellent education and training opportunities available through the IMF. It was felt that there is sufficient interest in these courses in Hong Kong and Southern China, that provision for these to be delivered locally must form a key part of any long term strategy.
In conclusion, it was felt that establishing a local branch would be a more effective means for the Institute to discharge its responsibility to members, and provide a forum to update the local metal finishing community on matters of international technology developments and industrial trends.
Particular thanks go to Hong Kong based members Tony Evans of Process Automation International and Jonathan Timms of Atotech Asia Pacific, for the enthusiastic support and interest in establishing an Institute presence in the region. The generous support of their companies in arranging and funding the meeting is much appreciated.
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