Metal Finishing and Pollution Control

• Semi Automated
• Part Weight Up to 60,000 lbs
• Tanks to 25 feet Deep
• Current to 60,000 Amps

. Click here for a complete overview of Mid-Western Processes, Inc's  metal finishing production line capabilities. This includes the areas where we have expertise in designing and building complete or partial solutions to the various industrial metal finishing industries.

The field of electroplating or metal finishing today is moving away from large manufacturing operations and into smaller job shops. With increasingly strict regulations governing metals in wastewater and increasing costs for disposal of metal-contaminated waste, many metal finishers find that implementing pollution prevention measures such as filtering or treating process water to reduce or eliminate metal contamination and allow water reuse is the best option, both environmentally and economically. Plating processes in this sector include chrome, bright and electroless nickel, zinc, copper, tin, conversion coatings, and more. Information is included on regulations, permits, trade associations, and available and emerging technologies.

Our production crews know the Electroplating industry. We understand basic chemistry, including atomic structure, elements, molecules, pH, acids, bases, vital equations, neutralization, oxidation-reduction, reaction kinetics, analysis, titration, atomic weight, critical calculations associated with process solutions.

We also:

• Understand the relationship of electricity and the typical equations involved in surface finishing as they concern rectification, electrical connections, resistance, voltage, amperage, measuring meters, and special electrical equipment;

• Have a basic knowledge of electrochemistry (potentials, galvanic series, electromotive force series, plating cell, current distribution, over-voltage, polarization, and calculations critical to thickness and current density determination;

• Know the importance of each step in the finishing process (cleaning, pickling, rinsing and drying); understand effective rinsing techniques and water conservation;

• Understand the major deposition systems and applications for each: acid zinc chloride, non-cyanide zinc and cyanide zinc plating solutions, cyanide and bright acid copper, nickel plating, decorative and hard chromium, electroless deposition, and precious metals—gold, silver, palladium, etc.

• Know how to test and evaluate electrodeposits;

• Be able to select deposit capabilities with respect to the needs of the application and consider alternative cost-effective and functional deposits;

• Understand the principles of anodizing aluminum processes, including sealing and evaluation of the final coating;

• Be able to perform process controls such as Hull Cell testing, carbon treatment, and filtration;

• Know when and how to use chromate conversion coatings and phosphating;

• Understand corrosion mechanisms and preventive steps;

• Be familiar with the technology of cyanide and chromate waste treatment, as well as specialized handling and disposal of the resultant sludge;

• Know safe and responsible handling of chemicals; the use of proper protective clothing and/or equipment; and emergency first-aid instructions;

• Understand various metallurgical processes (such as stamping, casting, forging, rolling, die casting, metal drawing, extrusions, powder metallurgy, hot- or cold-working, and case hardening of metals) and their effect on the surface finishing process;

• Understand the basic theory of alloy plating and various alloy plating processes, including zinc-nickel and zinc-cobalt (acid and alkaline), tin-zinc, zinc-iron, copper-zinc alloys (brass) and other commercial alloys;

Mid-Western Processes, Inc. has been involved in Metal Finishing for over 25 years. During this time we have gained extensive practical experience in the design, construction and function of Metal Finishing Plants, employed both in our own sub-contract operation and in our many customers’ installations which we built for them. We can offer equipment ranging from compact manually operated plant up to fully automatic, computer controlled multi-station installations for a wide range of applications including:

Cleaning * Pickling * Electropolishing *Electroplating *Anodising *Phosphating * Effluent Treatment.

The size of the installation and complexity of operating cycle present no obstacle to our experienced design team. Turnkey projects are our specialty and can incorporate fully automatic waste water treatment equipment and fume extraction systems when required.

DESIGN

Employing the latest CAD techniques, MWP is able to design equipment to satisfy a whole range of plating specifications. Plant layout and foundation drawings, together with details of the location of services required (electricity, water, tanks, hoists, conveyors,  etc.) are produced and submitted to the client for discussion and approval.

MANUFACTURE

On completion of the design work, detailed drawings are finalized and schedules produced to plan and monitor the progress of the subsequent manufacturing stages. On automatic systems we incorporate the latest computer control technology allowing a computer interface with a simple step sequence programming language that is simple for your operators to understand.

INSTALLATION & COMMISSIONING

Complex turnkey plants are best installed by our experienced plant  engineers. These complete production plants are normally constructed in modules to reduce installation times and are fully assembled for a ‘dry run’ trial prior to delivery to the customer’s works.

Commissioning follows installation and operatives and your engineers become fully familiar with the operation of the equipment and the relevant maintenance procedures.

AFTER SALES SERVICE

Commissioning of the plant is not the end of the story as far as Mid-Western Processes, Inc. is concerned. We have a vested interest in ensuring that you are fully satisfied with the Electroplating plant we have supplied.

Send us your CAD drawings and MWP engineers can begin work immediately to find the solutions or interface new equipment into your existing Electroplating production lines.

Our experience in making production lines for the Electroplating industry does have some real perks for new clients.

Speed: By performing the tasks in-house - conceptual design, modeling, schematic development, board layout, prototyping, qualification testing, manufacturing and functional test - our project managers have control over the entire process and will get you to market quicker.

Commitment: With an experienced staff of engineers, fabricators, and draftmen we have the depth and breadth of expertise you need, but we're not so big that you'll be left with the impression that your project isn't important to all of us. Our business is built on our reputation and the relationships we foster. 90% of the customers who use our services do so again within 18 months.

Try out our state of the art powder coating, e-coating, and complete machine shop, and metal fabricating and control panel & cabinet building capabilities for your next ElectroPlating project.

Design & Manufacturing Versatility. That’s the unique quality that characterizes our process. Flexible and constantly improving, Mid-West Processes Inc. adapts quickly and elegantly to your industrial business needs. We listen carefully to provide only the services you require. But a process can’t be efficient and versatile on its own; a team must bring it to life. One of our greatest assets is a team of experts that can work with your experts quickly, efficiently and effectively. It’s the depth of our skills and competencies that creates versatility.

Mid-West has everything needed to provide high-quality, cost-effective and quick-turnaround manufacturing systems:

• Automated optical inspection

• In-Circuit testing and complete I/O interfacing experience

• Global procurement of tooling, parts and materials

• Custom cable-making equipment with automated hoists

• Custom control panels with I/O interfaces

• Complete environmental and functional testing facilities

• CAD/Cam design and prototype fabrication services.

• ISO 9001 certified.