Seen & Solved by Hubbard-Hall: Recent Episodes
Awecast
“Seen and Solved” is a podcast brought to you by Hubbard-Hall which focuses on the stories from the front line of the metal finishing industry. Listeners will hear from our experts as they get candid about the popular and not-so popular problems we have come across in the field. Listen to learn how to improve your process and reduce cost and chemical consumption.
In this episode of the Seen & Solved, Director of Technology Mike Valenti, let’s us in on his “Hero Product” – AquaEase PL 72 A32. This product’s superpower is its ability to swiftly address customer needs, without necessitating extensive testing. Aquaease PL 72 A32 is a versatile aqueous cleaner that is particularly effective for cleaning aluminum and non-ferrous metals. Its mild pH ensures safety for workers and surfaces while delivering reliable cleaning performance.
During this episode Mike shares success stories, including instances where Aquaease PL 72 A32 resolved cleaning issues for anodizers and aerospace connector manufacturers, streamlining processes and shortening sales cycles. The product's proven track record and ease of use make it a go-to recommendation, earning it the slogan "Just put it in the tank" for its reliability and effectiveness.
In this episode of Seen and Solved, Mike Valenti, Director of Technology, takes on the paradigm shift that manufacturers are facing in moving from plastic packaging to aluminum packaging, to reduce the microplastics polluting the ocean.
He explains how cleanliness and adhesion properties are essential and that the traditional cleaning process involves heavy-duty caustic cleaners and their challenges, including scale buildup and downtime. To address these issues, Mike introduces an innovative acid-based cleaning chemistry. However, he highlights the complexities of implementing such a change, considering factors like appearance and production continuity.
Through extensive testing and collaboration, Hubbard-Hall developed acid cleaners tailored to meet the unique requirements of aluminum packaging manufacturers. Mike emphasizes the potential benefits of this chemistry, including reduced downtime and improved product quality.
Aquastrip 1200 is a powerhouse chemistry for removing paint, E-coat, wet paint, and powder coating. Connor Callais, Product Manager, explains its unique biphasic composition, combining aqueous caustic and organic packages to break down paint effectively.
Aquastrip 1200's fast-acting nature is capable of stripping paint in approximately 20 minutes per layer!
The discussion covers:
- The unique complexities of EN plating compared to other processes
- Crucial factors in EN tank design and common design flaws
- Operator errors that can sabotage an EN plating line
- Tips and strategies for troubleshooting EN plating issue
Whether you're new to EN plating or a seasoned professional, this podcast episode will provide valuable insights and practical advice for maximizing the performance and reliability of your EN operations. Gain a deeper understanding of this specialized metal finishing technique and learn how to overcome the common pitfalls.
In this episode of the Seen & Solved, Connor Callais, Product Manager, sheds light on why MetalGuard 560 is a superhero for industrial applications – prioritizing performance and aesthetics. This rust preventative is renowned for its effectiveness in combating corrosion, especially on black oxide surfaces. Metal Guard 560 boasts superior corrosion protection, meeting various MIL specs and finding widespread application in automotive industries.
Connor elaborates on the chemistry’s ability to displace water from porous surfaces, to form a uniform protective layer. Clocking in at approximately 150 salt spray hours, its efficacy is unmatched. Ideal for post-machining and cleaning operations, MetalGuard 560 ensures long-term storage viability and withstands harsh environmental conditions. It’s versatility shines through as it can be applied through dipping, spraying, or brushing.
Explore the intricacies of wastewater systems, from the fundamental tanks to the vital mixers, clarifiers, pumps, and beyond. With a focus on practical insights and expert advice, we uncover the key elements that keep these systems running smoothly and efficiently.
Learn about:
· The importance of regular maintenance routines
· The telltale signs that equipment may need replacement or upgrades
· Tips for optimizing system performance
From daily checklists to advanced maintenance strategies, we leave no stone unturned in our quest for operational excellence.
Discover the chemistry that saved the day! In this episode of Seen & Solved, join Product Manager, Connor Callais, as he details how Aquaease PL 918 came to the rescue. When a customer found themselves struggling with stubborn lubricants post-supplier switch, this hero product stepped in with superb effectiveness. What makes Aquaease PL 918 a Hero Product? Well, it’s one of Hubbard-Hall’s most robust steel cleaning solutions. Not only can it be used with a wide range of temperature, concentration, and applications, but it’s a catch-all for steel. Aquaease PL 918 can remove organic and inorganic contaminants, smut from a surface, and even as some de-rusting capabilities, as well. Tune in to hear the full story and why Hubbard-Hall recommends this cleaner.
In the third and final installment of Seen & Solved’s “The Power of Biologics” series, discover how to maintain a biological system’s microbial allies. Join Product Manager of Biologics, Jeremy Morgan, as he gives insight on how to find training classes run by the local municipality, how to remove excessive solids from the system, how to monitor the system’s metrics, and what math skills are necessary for those measurements (don’t worry it’s not rocket science). Operating a biological system has its quirks, so tune in to learn all the necessary tips and tricks!
Welcome to the second installment of this three part series, where Jeremy Morgan, Product Manager of Biologics, gives us a run-down on the equipment needed to effectively run a biological wastewater treatment system for metal finishing. In this episode he covers questions like: what are the fundamental components of a biological system? What measurements need to be closely monitored for optimal performance? And, should one opt for a prefabricated system, or is there merit in the DIY approach, repurposing existing equipment? Tune in to broaden your understanding of biological wastewater treatment systems and gain invaluable insights from an expert in the field!
Welcome to a new episode of Seen & Solved where Jeremy Morgan, Product Manager of Biologics, dives into the fascinating realm of nature’s possibilities, outlining how a biological system works. This new method of wastewater treatment harnesses bacteria to break down compounds and eliminate them from the wastewater. The method can remove key compounds such as: BOD/COD, macronutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, and micronutrients like trace metals and minerals. Tune in to learn how a biological system can help your industrial facility stay ahead of tightening regulations on pre-treat systems.
This week on Seen & Solved, join Larry Ensley, Director of Technical Applications, as he delves into Hubbard-Hall’s new Metal Guard™ 900, a solvent-based rust preventative. Discover its versatility as a viscous solution that can be applied through immersion, brushing, rolling, or spraying on metal and painted surfaces. Unlike conventional rust preventatives, Metal Guard™ 900 stands out with its easy removal, offering reliable, long-term rust protection for both indoor and outdoor applications. It’s also designed to be safer for the environment and the user, boasting lower VOCs than any existing rust prevention process. Tune in to stay ahead in the world of rust protection technology.
As EPA regulations on solvents are becoming more stringent and frequent, manufacturers are wondering where to turn next in the solvent transition. In this episode of Seen & Solved, listen in as Jeff Beard, JAYCO Cleaning Technologies’ Product and Business Development Manager, and Make Valenti, Hubbard-Hall’s Director of Cleaning Technologies explore the power of JAYCO'srotary basket washer. Designed for residue-free degreasing and streamlined processes through aqueous cleaning, this machine enhances both cleaning and rinsing and vacuuming and drying. It’s equipped to effectively clean any component, even an intricate 3D-printed critical part. Hubbard-Hall’s Aquaease®PL 732 complements the mechanical and vacuum attributes of the washer, providing an additional layer of efficiency. Learn how these compact solutions reduce water usage and align with lean manufacturing, future-proofing youroperation.
From tips on extending bath life to wastewater treatment client success stories and a chat with the CEO, host Tim Pennington has delved into a wide variety of topics in this year’s Seen & Solved podcast. In this episode, join us as we explore these standout moments and recap our favorite episodes of the year!
Explore the world of electro polishing with our latest podcast episode. Join Jameson Grout, Account Manager, as he delves into the intricacies of this specialized process, discussing common issues and providing valuable solutions for a flawless finish. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the world of electro polishing, this episode provides valuable insights to enhance your understanding and expertise. Don't miss this insightful conversation!
Transforming from a transactional model to relationship-based approach.
Since the hiring of Jodie Menze as Customer Service Manager in June of 2021, Hubbard-Hall has embarked on a transformation of our Customer Service department. Menze’s vision was to shift the department from a highly transactional model to a relationship-based approach, which led to the rebranding of the department as the Customer Experience team in 2022.
Listen in as she describes the goal of creating an omni-channel experience for our customers and position Hubbard-Hall as digital leader in the metal finishing industry.
The EPA finalized the designation of 20 chemical substances as “high priority for risk evaluation” under the Toxic Substance Controls Act (TSCA). Included are Methylene chloride, Perchloroethylene (PCE/ PERC), n-Propyl Bromide (NPB) – which the EPA refers to as 1-bromopropane – and Trichlorethylene (TCE).
Today, these chemicals are moving through the process required by TSCA to evaluate any unreasonable risks they may present to human health or the environment.
SVP of Business Development and Distribution, Jeff Davis, educates listeners on how to navigate inevitable changes and how Hubbard-Hall can help you.
Ever wonder which products our experts call on when they need a hero in the field? We thought you might! So, over the course of the next 6 months our Tech Team will share their Hero Products with you. Kicking off this segment is Technical Application Specialist Connor Callais discussing Aquaease PL 72 A32. Versatility is key with Aquaease PL 72 A32. This product can be used in plating, metal finishing or anodizing shops to get cutting fluids off. Aquaease PL 72 A32 is a mildly alkaline, non-chelated, non-silicate liquid cleaner for use in spiral spray (helical screw) washers, spiral scoop washers, immersion tanks, and “up and down” dip machines. It may be used for cleaning ferrous metals, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum alloys, nickel clad steel, stainless steel, and zinc die[1]castings. Aquaease PL 72 A32 may be used to clean a variety of synthetic lubricants and coolants, quench oils, stamping and drawing lubricants. It can be used with ultrasonic in immersion cleaning operations.
In this episode, Mark Miller helps you reduce the headaches you may feel with discharge from your pre-treatment system. In this discussion that highlights how you can take either your batch application or multi-stage process to zero waste to drain, you will learn about environmental and cost of benefits. In addition to the advantages of re-streaming, the management of the system is also covered so you understand the longevity of your tank (dump schedule) which is based upon pH, total dissolved solids and conductivity testing.
In this episode, explore the world of biological wastewater treatment with experts Robin Deal (Hubbard-Hall) and Jeremy Morgan (Bio Conversion Technology). Learn how harnessing the power of nature is revolutionizing wastewater management, benefiting metal finishing operations, and potentially changing the way industries approach waste. Discover the potential of bacteria as microscopic superheroes and how it's the next big leap for sustainable solutions.
In this episode, Tom Salvino - a seasoned expert boasting 45 years in the metal industry - explores the ever-evolving intricacies of manufacturing, the significance of choosing the right supplier, and tales from the trenches about handling production nuances. Dive deep into the heart of metal manufacturing and what the future holds.
Join this episode as Jameson Grout talks you through what to keep an eye on to improve consistency while reducing processing time and rework. Do you know about changes that are being made upstream or even before the parts hit your job shop that are causing difference in color, shadowing, blisters, or spotting? Let Jameson give you some tips and tricks on how to adjust and pivot, including: what type of tank are you operating (emulsifying or splitting cleaners), how to spot an oil slick, maintaining your tank and how to do testing on the line (water break and white glove/smutting test).
Molly Kellogg, President & CEO of Hubbard-Hall, is kicking off the 2nd season with a discussion on her philosophy of running a 6th generation chemical company with the mission of giving manufacturers better results with less chemistry. This intriguing approach is important to the company's responsibility to the planet and manufacturing it's products.
We brought back cleaning celebrity, Mike Valenti, to help you navigate the transition from solvent to aqueous cleaning, because it’s more than just finding a compatible water-based chemistry... In part 2 of this series, Mike focuses on bath maintenance (cleaner and rinses), wastewater treatment implications of changing chemistries, and equipment factors to consider. Would you consider solvent or aqueous cleaning chemistry to be more green? Listen in as Mike explains his answer... it might surprise you!
We brought in cleaning celebrity, Mike Valenti, to help you navigate the transition from solvent to aqueous cleaning, because it’s more than just finding a compatible water-based chemistry... During this conversion, you have to consider variables such as: chemical reactions, equipment, and wastewater treatment. For example, have you thought about how you will address different alloys? With water-based chemistry, can you clean aluminum and steel in the same line - or will you need to set up different cleaning lines? A move to aqueous cleaners also requires you to address other issues such as: surface tension, corrosion, and bleed out further down the process line. By the end of this episode, you will have a better understanding of these issues - and how parts geometry, rinsing and soils (lubricants vs. coolants), factor into your process moving forward!
Jerry Dwyer CEF, is Hubbard-Hall’s market manager for product groups pertaining to heat treating, black oxide and phosphates. His background and experience have established him with knowledgeable insight into the world of heat treating and metal finishing. Dwyer specializes in the above processes and has over a thirty-year history in the heat treat and metal finishing industry. We recently caught up with him to ask a few questions about the heat treat market, and what trends he sees ahead for manufacturers using these applications.
Before you listen to this podcast, ask yourself this question - are my suppliers sitting down with me and coming up with a plan to improve my costs and production? During this episode, Ted Saltzman, Director of Business Development, encourages listeners to look at the complete relationship they have with their suppliers. Are you getting advice on what to order, how to order, how to reduce the cost of freight/shipping and most importantly, how to reduce consumption with proper dosing and concentration?
During this episode, Road Warrior Jameson Grout, shares with listeners some of the problems he has "Seen & Solved" in the field. Take a pre-listen quiz and see if you are right! Parts spotting during black oxide process - would this be a cleaning issue, or a sludge build up issue? Does a mist sprayer help with dry down? Is there an art to zincate?
In this episode of Seen & Solved, Business Development Manager, Fernando Carminholi discusses as he calls it “the magic” of AquaEase Infinity – the first complete cleaning and membrane separation technology to be paired together. Carminholi gives listeners a detailed description of the four different processes and different membrane types so that they understand what makes AquaEase Infinity a truly different system. One that does not strip surfactants and ensures surface tension and cleaning happens as expected. And even hear how one customer went from dumping their cleaner every 4 to 5 weeks to once in 3 years! Find your value add – reduction in defects, downtime, chemical consumption or cost.
With over 10 years in the field, Robin Deal – Product Manager, AquaPure, has seen it all! During this episode, she discusses why wastewater treatment is critically important for manufacturing. You will hear discussions about rules, regulations, wastewater permit limits and the fines (or even potential jail time) for not staying in compliance. But the heart of the matter is also covered – caring about the communities our companies operate in and not polluting our population. So, how does a plant remove the contaminants that were put in the water? As companies try to meet ISO 14001 standards they are faced with “zero liquid discharge.” But what does that mean and what type of filtration systems should be considered for organics vs solids in the pursuit of reducing water consumption and cost? And some fun facts are covered like: Did you know that Robin can feel if water is not treated correctly or what “f-word” she would eliminate from wastewater treatment if she could, and why?
During this episode of Seen & Solved, Connor Callais – Applications Specialist, explains why looking at a process holistically helps find the small change that is going to have a big impact. Quality concerns, new contaminants and dumping a bath too early are all problems that our experts have seen in the field. Connor will walk you through how product selection, temperature, concentration and time in process improves throughput while reducing rejects, cost and chemical consumption. Hear stories from the field, and how he was able to help a company with an immersion pretreatment system, and another with a vibratory process get to ‘the root of why’ to improve their processes.
When Greg Wood, President of Alpha Metal, was overwhelmed with nickel, chrome and copper being over their limit he reached out to Hubbard-Hall. Robin Deal (AquaPure Product Manager) and Stewart Holloway (Senior Sales Representative) worked with the equipment and process he has in place so that he would not face a capital expenditure. Listen as this group describes how they were able to get Alpha Metal back under regulation and help the company future proof its system.
In this week’s episode of Seen & Solved, Supply Chain Director, Carter Burningham, explains how Hubbard-Hall met on time delivery goals and kept lines running despite the challenges of today. During this episode, Carter discusses the company’s history of building strategic relationships with suppliers who have engineers that design new chemistries which optimize and improves efficiencies. Hear from the expert how you can secure raw materials, components and parts that keep your business running. Get out of survival mode by listening today.
On this week's episode of Seen & Solved, cleaning expert, Fernando Carminholi, sheds some light on cleaning parts. Fernando explains what goes into cleaning a part, and some of the common problems you face. Did you know that cleaning parts correctly the first time can save you money and reduce rejects? Listen now and start saving!
On this week's episode of Seen & Solved, Technical Product Specialist, Jameson Grout, sheds some light on black oxide. Jameson explains what black oxide is, and the benefit of using it. Did you know that black oxide has a reputation for being scary and difficult to work with? Learn more about why that it isn't true...
On this week's episode of Seen & Solved, metal finishing legend, Jason Potts, sheds some light on electroless nickel; 5 ways to extend your bath life. Jason explains in detail, some of the popular issues you may have and how to solve them.
We’re popping in on an off week with a quick little year-end surprise for you: Listen in as the Hubbard-Hall experts answer some challenging questions on the Seen & Solved highlight reel of 2022! We're wishing you all happy and healthy holidays... see you in 2023!
In this week's episode of Seen & Solved, Application Specialist - Connor Callais, sheds some light on phosphates; specifically Iron. Connor explains the advantages and when and where are the best times to use it.
In this episode of Seen & Solved, Application Specialist - Connor Callais, sheds some light on phosphates; specifically zinc & manganese. Connor explains the differences between the two, the benefits, and when and where are the best times to use them.
On this week's episode of Seen & Solved, Connor Callais - Application Specialist, sheds some light on the differences between phosphates and pre-treatments. Connor also reviews the different surface modifications for pre-paint, pre-treatment, and other mechanical properties.
In this episode of Seen & Solved, AquaPure Product Manager – Robin Deal, sheds some light on how she deals with difficult metals as well as new technologies and products that are available for keeping manufactures in compliance.
In the second part of this series on Seen & Solved, Jeff Davis – SVP of Business Development and Distribution, is joined by the Cleaning Lady, Barbara Kanegsberg, and the Rocket Scientist, Ed Kanegsberg of BFK Solutions. This lively conversation takes a deep dive into the EPA regulations around solvents and what you need to know to be proactive in keeping your lines running.
In the first part of this 2-part series on Seen & Solved, Jeff Davis – SVP of Business Development and Distribution, discusses the evolution of solvents and why having an unbiased review of your process is beneficial from economical and regulatory perspectives.
In this episode of Seen & Solved, Larry Ensley – Director of Technical Applications, covers all you need to know about corrosion including: common types, classes of preventatives and which processes might work best for you.
In this episode of Seen & Solved, Connor Callais – Application Specialist II, discusses the paint stripping process and lends advice to which process is best for you to get the most out of your parts.
In this episode of Seen & Solved, Scott Papst, VP of Specialty Sales and Business Development, discusses how communication is key during today’s supply chain issues, alleviating cost, and optimizing your line to use less chemistry and/or reduce steps.
In this episode of “Seen and Solved", cleaning expert, Joshua McClellan, discusses how cleaning can be a complex process - and what variables you should consider to avoid corrosion or parts failure. Through his conversation Tim, you are reminded to look at your total process as a way of not letting cleaning become a second thought!
In this episode of “Seen and Solved,” Robin Deal Product Leader – AquaPure, discusses metal removal from industrial wastewater treatment systems. Topics throughout the conversation key on processes, safety and efficiency.