The National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF) is an industry trade association headquartered in Washington DC. The association represents a community of business, technology, education, and advocacy leaders in the surface finishing industry. The NASF provides training, technical resources, networking opportunities and events, as well as effective public policy advocacy to promote the interests of the surface finishing industry. Joining an industry trade association may not be on your daily “to do” list. But in today’s competitive market and a regulatory landscape that’s growing ever more complex it may be one of the smartest things you can do for your business.
Although millions of items we use daily are “finished” with some form of coating, surface finishing processes and chemistries are often not well-understood and appreciated for their contribution to society. NASF’s Surface Technology Initiative is one of several outreach efforts to showcase the industry. It’s goal is to spotlight ways its members enhance productivity, quality of life, safety and security by making products that last longer, look better and perform in ways that would otherwise be impossible. The initiative reflects NASF’s larger mission – to advance an environmentally and economically sustainable future and promote the vital role of surface technology in the global manufacturing value chain.
Membership opportunities are available for job shop and “captive” applicators, industrial end users, suppliers of chemicals, equipment and services, and technical and research specialists. For more information on the many benefits of NASF membership, you can visit the association’s website at www.NASF.org.
Your Invitation to SUR/FIN®, June 6-8, Las Vegas, Nevada
The SUR/FIN Manufacturing & Technology Tradeshow & Conference is the NASF’s premier event for the surface finishing industry. This annual event connects companies, professionals and their customers with the industry’s best business opportunities, innovations, and educational programs. SUR/FIN delivers three days of valuable networking, in-depth conference sessions and direct access to over 160 leading suppliers. The event is a great opportunity to see industry leaders and professionals, catch up on the latest technical and regulatory trends and learn more about the many valuable benefits of NASF membership. Visit the SUR/FIN webpage at www.nasfsurfin.com to register for SUR/FIN and make the decision to improve your business.
Advancing the industry through the NASF’s Training Foundation
NASF’s training arm, the AESF Foundation, is focused on three core areas: Education, Research and Technical Information and Scholarships.
NASF offers a full range of education resources and tools to advance careers. Additionally, “Master Surface Finisher” (MSF) certification programs, and “Certified Electroplater Finisher” (CEF) certification programs are also available to keep members on the cutting edge of surface technology.
The Foundation offers options for educating companies of all sizes and individuals at all levels that fit time schedules and budgets. Course offerings include:
- On-Site Classroom Courses: Courses taught throughout the country over 2-4 days.
- Custom Courses: Company can select from 110 course modules to design a program that best suits their needs.
- Web-Based Training: Live, online interaction with Technical Education Director and other industry experts
- Home Study: Take any Foundation Course at home, and at the student’s own pace.
Course descriptions and registration information are available online at NASF.org.
Education and Training Courses Offered at SUR/FIN
The upcoming June SUR/FIN event will over several options:
First, a complimentary “Boot Camp” will be held on the exhibit floor that introduces finishing processes at a basic level and key environment, health and safety topics.
Second, there will be two major classroom courses offered on Electroplating & Surface Finishing and Aluminum Finishing. The application deadline for the two technical courses offered at SUR/FIN this year is June 1st. Go to www.nasfsurfin.com to register today.
A short summary of the classroom course options is below:
- Electroplating & Surface Finishing Course (CEF)
- SUR/FIN /June 6-9/8am-4:30pm
- Optional Exam: June 10 / 8am-10:30am
As the staple course of the AESF Foundation education curriculum , this course provides students with a broad range of information related to the fundamentals of electroplating, methods of preparing parts for surface finishing, and an understanding of a wide variety of electroplating and other finishing processes. Passing the exam for this course earns the test-taker their Certified Electroplater Finisher (CEF) credential and is a requirement to obtain Master Surface Finisher (MSF) certification. Registration for this course includes complimentary access to the SUR/FIN tradeshow floor. Visit nasfsurfin.com for complete course outline and registration information or contact Matt Martz, at 352.445.7294.
- Aluminum Finishing Course
- SUR/FIN /June 6-7/8am-4:30pm
- Optional Exam: June 8 / 8am-10:30am
This training program is designed to be beneficial for employees and supervisors working in both captive and job shops performing anodizing and other finishes on aluminum. Trainees should have at a minimum a high school diploma. Some experience in processing parts for surface finishing is helpful but not required. The training materials and instructions are in English. Students are taught how to convert between the two systems of measurement. The goal of this course is to provide the student with a broad range of information related to metal finishing operations that are commonly conducted on aluminum. Registration for this course includes complimentary access to the SUR/FIN tradeshow floor.
Visit nasfsurfin.com for complete course outline and registration information or contact Matt Martz, at 352.445.7294.
