Laboratory testing is crucial in ensuring our metal finishing services’ quality, compliance, and precision. Over the past year, we’ve significantly invested in expanding our laboratory, transforming it from a cramped space into a state-of-the-art facility. Our lab is now ten times larger and houses cutting-edge equipment that enhances our ability to monitor, test, and validate processes in-house. 

Why We Expanded Our Laboratory

We expanded to increase the effectiveness of our resources in controlling our chemistry.

Optimizing Compliance and Control

Everything we do at GMF is chemistry-based, and staying compliant with NIST and ASTM Standards is imperative. Our customers should know we ensure consistency and control, and expanding the laboratory was part of the answer. We’ve centralized all our testing equipment, including:

• Auto Titrator – Ensures our tank chemistries remain within optimal levels.
• Spectrophotometer – Measures the level of dye in solution, assisting in consistency deposits. 
• Data Color – Allows us to develop paints and dyes.
• Salt Spray Chamber – Enables in-house salt spray testing for corrosion resistance. 
• Humidity Chamber – ingenuity at its finest. This tests passivation parts for iron deposits.

Our chemists can quickly access critical data in our new, well-organized lab and ensure our chemistries remain within spec.

How Our Laboratory Enhancements Benefit Customers

Faster Turnaround Times

Two factors matter most in finishing: accuracy and speed. For customers who require specific verification of processes, the improvements we’ve made to our laboratory make this an effortless event.  

Additionally, we are in the process of certifying our salt spray testing and coating weight thickness testing in-house. In doing so, GMF will eliminate unnecessary delays, so our customers will no longer have to wait several days for results due to outsourcing logistics. 

Quality Assurance and Traceability

To stay compliant with Nadcap, Global must control and monitor all chemicals in our process and prove traceability. We use a specialized software system to track chemical levels, which quickly shows the range of performance, whether at target or over the upper or lower limits of the chemistry we use for cleaning, etching, etc. We have all the necessary data for quick troubleshooting and validation if an issue arises. 

More Comprehensive Employee Training

Beyond equipment, our investment in training our team is equally vital. All technicians can test coating thickness in real-time, which speeds up the process of fulfilling sampling plans. Meanwhile, a handful of team members are undergoing specialized training in coating weight and salt spray testing so we can meet precise industry specifications with even greater confidence. 

GMF Sets the Standard in Metal Finishing Laboratory Testing 

Our laboratory expansion is not just about improving our processes—it’s about delivering superior metal finishing services to our customers. By integrating cutting-edge testing equipment, reducing lead times, and improving compliance measures, our team continues to set the industry standard for precision and reliability.

As we look to the future, GMF remains committed to innovation and excellence in our range of services, from our consistent anodizing service to the passivation of stainless steel and beyond. Stay tuned for future updates on our continuous improvements in laboratory testing!

Until then, don’t hesitate to contact our team to get started on your next project!