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The Manufacturing Outlook: Specials Magazine
Surface Treatment
Allegheny Surface Technology
In-Situ Game-Changer: The Only Surface Finishing Partner You Need
As an equipment manufacturer or manufa cturing facility, ensuring the quality and longevity of your products and equipment is a top priority. The performance and durability of stainless steel components are often challenged by exposure to harsh environmental conditions and rigorous cleaning processes. These factors can lead to corrosion, contamination, and aesthetic deterioration. To mitigate these risks, metal surface finishing is a crucial step in manufacturing and maintenance processes. By refining the surface of the metal, manufacturers can significantly increase the lifespan of their equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and comply with industry standards for cleanliness and durability. For decades, Allegheny Surface Technology has been recognized as an industry leader in stainless steel and high nickel alloy surface finishing. Based in Lewis Run, Pennsylvania, the company specializes in providing top-tier surface finishing services both in its shop and in the field. With expertise in electropolishing, passivation, pickling, mechanical polishing, equipment refurbishment, pressure vessel modification and repair, as well as equipment inspection and testing, Allegheny Surface Technology delivers unmatched quality and precision in addition to exemplary customer service and technical support. Allegheny Surface Technology is dedicated to offering a wide range of finishing services for multiple industries. The company processes chambers, hoppers, tanks, tubing, fittings, and other critical equipment. Its capabilities extend to serving industries including pharmaceutical, chemical, food and beverage, electronics, architectural, automotive, and aerospace. The specialized services ensure that every component meets industry-specific requirements, enhancing durability, corrosion resistance, and overall performance. “At Allegheny Surface Technology, we improve everything we touch, enhancing performance and longevity with every finish,” says Staci Frantz, General Manager. “We focus on providing solutions that protect our customers’ investments while delivering consistent, high-quality results they can trust.” Redefining Convenience: Surface Finishing Services Delivered On-Site One of the key differentiators for Allegheny Surface Technology is its field services capability. The company’s mobile teams are equipped to deliver services on-site, reducing downtime and ensuring minimal disruption to operations. While other companies often limit their capabilities to in-shop work, Allegheny Surface Technology provides the flexibility of on-site in-situ services, including mechanical polishing, electropolishing, citric passivation, equipment refurbishment, equipment inspection and testing, ASME code welding, pressure vessel modification and repair, de-rouging, buffing, and degreasing. For industries like pharmaceuticals and food processing, where even a short delay can have cascading effects, this is a critical advantage. From cracked welds to equipment malfunctions, Allegheny Surface Technology’s technicians are often mobilized within 24 hours, a level of responsiveness that underscores the company’s commitment to its clients.
CNC Machining
The shot peening industry, with its critical role in enhancing the durability and performance of metal components, has long been a cornerstone of modern engineering. However, despite its importance, the field has often been criticized for lagging in transparency and technological innovation. Providers have historically clung to outdated practices and maintained a frustratingly opaque approach, leaving customers with antiquated technology and curt communication—a combination that erodes trust and hinders progress. But what if the status quo could be shattered? This is where Innovative Peening Systems (IPS) steps in, transforming the shot peening process with cutting-edge automation into a 21st-century marvel. Specializing in building creative, innovative solutions for complex shot peening problems, the company has introduced fully automated CNC-controlled shot peening systems that bring unparalleled precision, consistency, and efficiency. More importantly, IPS champions a collaborative ethos, working hand-in-hand with clients to demystify processes and craft tailored solutions that address distinct needs. Through innovations like robotic integration, advanced nozzle motion control, and configurable machine designs, the company enables manufacturers to achieve exceptional results while eliminating waste, improving lead times, and reducing costs. “We’re taking an ancient technology and turning it into something fundamentally different. Automation transforms not just how shot peening is done, but what it can achieve,” says Jack Parrott, CEO of IPS. Tools for Unmatched Material Performanc Whether it’s aerospace, automotive, or any sector requiring precision-engineered parts, the company provides solutions that are both innovative and built to last. From large systems capable of peening 75,000 pound land-based turbines for power generation to medical springs that weigh less than an ounce, IPS has equipment designed to meet the distinct challenges of each application. •CNC Indexing Turntable: Engineered for repetitive, highvolume tasks, the CNC indexing turntable abrasive blasting machine features a nozzle motion control system for swift and precise processing. Components rotate in front of a series of nozzles, which can be mounted with a variety of axis motions for optimal performance.
Industrial Equipment
Ever had a project that required specialized equipment, but buying it made little financial sense? For businesses, investing in expensive tools that see limited use can drain resources and add unnecessary overhead. This is where renting becomes a strategic advantage. It provides fast, cost-effective access to high-quality, often hard-to-find equipment without the burden of ownership. No maintenance, no storage concerns—just the right tools without breaking the bank. Whether testing before investing or meeting a temporary demand, rentals offer flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings. That’s exactly what Advanced Test Equipment Corporation (ATEC) delivers. As a premier provider of test, measurement, inspection, and environmental equipment, ATEC offers a vast inventory of solutions to support clients’ immediate testing requirements. Beyond rentals, ATEC provides calibration, repair, and equipment sales for industries such as EMC, power electronics, environmental simulation, electrical, communications, NDT/inspection, and RF safety. “We collaborate with a wide range of manufacturers to accelerate market entry, ensuring our customers have access to the latest technology without the constraints of ownership. Our key value lies in our ability to invest in high-cost equipment, keeping it readily available on our shelves for end users,” says Jamison Berg, V.P. of Sales and Marketing at ATEC. Supporting Tomorrow’s Technology Across Industries ATEC’s primary clients include test engineers and technicians working in aerospace, avionics, government, military, and major contracting firms. A significant portion of the customer base consists of test laboratories involved in large-scale projects developing stateof-the-art technology such as stealth bombers, missiles, and other advanced systems. Operating across multiple verticals, ATEC supports both product development and infrastructure testing needs. Approximately half of its business is dedicated to research and development, providing compliance testing throughout the product lifecycle. The other half involves infrastructure testing to maintain compliance and reliability post-deployment. The company also supplies portable test equipment for field applications, assisting electrical contractors and utility companies with preventive maintenance for substations and transformers. With ever-evolving compliance regulations, ATEC helps clients stay ahead by ensuring they have access to testing solutions that align with both industry standards and emerging technologies.
Industrial Equipment
In an era when ‘Made in the USA’ is more than just a label— it’s a statement—NRP Jones stands as a rare example of true American manufacturing. At a time when industries have outsourced production and supply chains have become increasingly fragile, NRP Jones has remained committed to producing high-quality hydraulic and industrial hoses, fittings, and assemblies right here in the U.S. What began as a small screw machine product company, Jones Enterprises, in La Porte, IN, has grown into a powerhouse in the fluid conveyance industry. Early on, the company made its mark by supplying hose fittings to other industry companies. But its real breakthrough came with the invention of the two-piece “Skive” fitting—an innovation that shaped the industry for more than 40 years. This legacy of engineering excellence and success paved the way for NRP Jones to expand into full-scale hose production, making it one of the last fully integrated manufacturers of its kind in the U.S. “We simplify the toughest challenges in the fluid conveyance industry so you can keep moving forward. With expert knowledge, innovative solutions, and high-quality Made in the USA hydraulic hoses, we strive to be the most reliable and trusted solutions provider,” says Joe Lark, VP of Business Development at NRP Jones. As American manufacturing fights to reclaim its strength in a globalized economy, NRP Jones is proof that quality, innovation, and domestic production can still go hand in hand. As a dominant force in the domestic market, its role has never been more crucial. In today’s volatile global trade landscape—where tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability have left companies globalized economy, NRP Jones is proof that quality, innovation, and domestic production can still go hand in hand. As a dominant force in the domestic market, its role has never been more crucial. In today’s volatile global trade landscape—where tariffs, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability have left companies searching for reliable U.S.-based suppliers—NRP Jones stands as a trusted, homegrown solution. Smarter, Stronger, and More Efficient Solutions NRP Jones isn’t just about meeting industry standards—it redefines them. Its hydraulic hoses adhere to strict Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) specifications, but the company’s true strength lies in its ability to guide customers toward better and more costeffective solutions. NRP Jones takes the role of a solutions partner with a proactive approach, helping customers transition to superior options that enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
Industrial Filtration
The introduction of variable frequency drives (VFDs) was transformational for electrical motor assemblies, delivering unmatched efficiency and cost savings. However, they also came with challenges. The high-frequency electrical noise generated by a VFD can lead to motor bearing damage and electromagnetic interference (EMI). While mechanical solutions exist to mitigate these issues, they are prone to wear and tear, which require regular maintenance to stay effective. As VFD technology evolves with the new SiC and GaN technology, which offer higher frequencies and better efficiencies, these traditional mechanical solutions of mitigating high-frequency electrical noise will no longer remain effective. MH&W, the leading US distributor of cutting-edge Nanocrystalline magnetic materials in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, introduces the answer to this dilemma. Its offerings: German designed CoolBlue® & NaLA® filter cores manufactured by MAGNETEC and MH&W’s own Filter Kits, solve the electrical noise conundrum. They act as common mode chokes (CMC) and differential mode chokes (DMC), absorbing VFD’s electrical noise through induction and dissipating it as thermal energy. These innovative nanocrystalline-based products also have the added advantage of EMI shielding, enabling them to protect sensitive components and improve overall system reliability (RMC). More importantly, these products require no maintenance since they eliminate components like mechanical grounding rings or brushes that wear out over time. “The industry has been reliant on mechanical solutions to solve an electrical problem. We are rewriting that paradigm by introducing an electrical solution for an electrical problem,” says Dave Rollins, Executive Manager, Engineering at MH&W. MH&W collaborates closely with its manufacturing partners, prioritizing engineering solutions over cost concerns to deliver reliable, knowledge-based innovations. The CoolBlue® Advantage Magntec’s CoolBlue® & NaLA® cores along with MH&W’s Filter Kits feature toroidal/racetrack cores made of nanocrystalline material, which features superior soft magnetic properties that surpass permalloys, ferrites and even amorphous cobalt-based alloys. The company calculates the exact number of cores required to effectively absorb and dissipate the noise while minimizing the heating to ensure optimal working conditions for the motors. The products are a practical choice for both new and retrofit applications as they are designed to minimize downtime during installation and do not need complex modifications. Once installed, these filters provide lifetime protection, eliminating bearing failure and EMI-related issues.
Surface Treatment
Balancing CNC Machining and 3D Printing for Metal Parts
Greg Thompson, Sr. Director of Operations - CNC, Protolabs
Industrial Automation
Lean Trends: Navigating Business Requirement Challenges
Juan Carrera, SVP Global Operations and Operational Excellence, Flowserve Corporation [NYSE: FLS]
Fabrication
Innovating Metal Performance and Manufacturing for Continued Mining Excellence
Jian Zhou, Ph.D., Corporate R&T Metallurgy Manager, Cummins
Surface Treatment
Genevieve Diaz: Powering Precision and Process at the Testing Frontier
Genevieve Diaz, Instrumentation Calibration and Lab Manager, Tesla
Surface Treatment
Modernizing Legacy Systems Without Compromising Reliability
Lubo L. Cekov, Engineering Manager, Midmark Corporation
IN MY OPINION
Surface Treatment
History of Additive Manufacturing Metal in the Aerospace Industry
Andrew Carter, Manager, Process and Manufacturing Engineering, Stratasys
LAST WORD
Surface Treatment
Servant Leadership in the Workplace: Making a Difference in the Lives of Your Team
Mike Kaser, VP of Manufacturing, Daikin Comfort Technologies North America
IN FOCUS
CNC Shot Peening: Bridging the Gap between Theory and Practice
The CNC shot peening market is evolving rapidly as technical improvements and increased client expectations force producers to innovate.
Adapting to Change: The Shifting Landscape of Metal Surface Finishing
Metal surface finishing is critical in various industries, ensuring that metal components meet the desired performance, durability, and aesthetic standards.
EDITORIAL
The Finish Line is Moving
Metal surface finishing has outgrown its role as a final step. It’s now a center of innovation, where automation, sustainability and next gen materials converge. Robotics and AI aren’t supporting tools; they shape precision, consistency and resource efficiency across production lines.
Environmental and regulatory demands have pushed manufacturers past basic compliance. Solvent-free, low-emission coatings are gaining traction for their safety and the performance they unlock. Smart coatings and nanotechnology are raising the bar, adding durability, responsiveness and function in the aerospace and electronics sectors.
Nowhere is this shift more visible than in CNC shot peening. Precision is critical in high-performance applications where surfaces face extreme stress. AI fine-tunes variables like velocity, coverage and media wear, while closed-loop recycling systems reduce waste without compromising quality.
The result is a smarter, leaner and more adaptive finishing process that adds value far beyond appearance.
Manufacturing is poised to expand at a 4.9% CAGR through 2031. That growth signals more than demand. It reflects a redefinition of finishing itself: not as a cosmetic layer, but as a functional foundation for performance, longevity and sustainability.
The finish, in every sense, is where the future begins.
The magazine features a thought leadership piece by Jian Zhou, Ph.D., Corporate R&T Metallurgy Manager at Cummins, who explores advances in engine materials and additive manufacturing to boost performance, efficiency and sustainability in mining and industrial applications. It also includes insights from Greg Thompson, Sr. Director of Operations - CNC at Protolabs, on how combining CNC machining with metal 3D printing creates faster, more flexible and cost-effective pathways for manufacturing complex metal parts.
We also spotlight the stories of surface finishing leaders transforming quality, speed and compliance across industries. One such company is Allegheny Surface Technology, which delivers in shop and on-site stainless-steel treatments that improve durability, reduce downtime and meet the highest industry standards.
In this edition featuring the Top Surface Treatment Solutions Provider 2025, CNC Shot Peening Machines Company of the Year 2025, Advanced Test Equipment Rentals Company of the Year 2025, Noise Filtering Solutions of the Year 2025 and Domestic Hose Manufacturer of the Year 2025, we hope you find the right partner to meet your organization’s needs.
