Shows
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingResilience in Business: Lessons from the Anodizing IndustrySummary The ANO-Talk hosts sit down with Barb “the cleaning lady” and Ed Kanegsberg of BFK Solutions LLC at the Aluminum Summit in Atlanta Georgia. The conversation explores various themes related to the anodizing industry, including personal anecdotes, resilience in business, the importance of education and training, regulatory challenges, and the significance of employee safety. The speakers emphasize the need for adaptability in the face of changing regulations and the importance of effective communication with regulators. They also discuss the future of anodizing and the dynamics of the supply chain, highlighting the necessity of making learn...
2025-09-2658 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingLive From The Aluminum Summit - Safety First: Insights from Bonnell AluminumSummary In this engaging outdoor podcast, the hosts discuss the importance of safety and workforce issues in the aluminum industry, featuring insights from Jeanette Courtney, Director of Environmental Health and Safety at Bonnell Aluminum. The conversation highlights an upcoming joint workshop focused on safety and HR, the achievement of three years without recordable injuries at Bonnell, and the significance of employee engagement and feedback in fostering a safe work environment. The hosts emphasize the value of networking and learning opportunities for both large and small businesses in the industry. Takeaways The podcast w...
2025-09-2311 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAnodizing Insights: The Upcoming Regional Forum with Michael McGintyIn this episode of ANO-TALK, the hosts discuss the upcoming AAC Regional Forum, highlighting its purpose, accessibility, and the exciting tour of the Aacron’s Anodizing facility. Michael McGinty shares insights on the event's structure, including technical presentations and networking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration within the anodizing industry. The conversation also touches on the future of regional forums and the significance of member engagement in driving the anodizing community forward. For More details about the Regional Event Visit - https://members.anodizing.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=1963628 AAC Regional Forum - Min...
2025-06-3032 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingPulse Anodizing with Anne Deacon Juhl - Part 2In part two of a two part series, Mark, George & Tej sit down with Anne Deacon Juhl and discuss the anodizing industry, exploring her journey, visionary perspectives, unique expertise, and the challenges and opportunities within the field. We delve into the importance of education, sustainability, and customer relations, while also addressing misconceptions and defining what makes a world-class anodizer. We explore the readiness for implementing pulse anodizing, the translation of lab recipes to production, and the value of being part of anodizing organizations. Our discussion emphasizes the need for a structured approach to anodizing to meet customer demands and...
2025-01-2652 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingUpcoming Regulatory Changes & What to Expect w/ Charlie SimmonsIn this conversation, our hosts, Mark, George & Tej discuss the implications of the Republican trifecta in government, focusing on regulatory changes, energy policy, and the anodizing industry. Joined by Charlie Simmons, a legal expert, provides insights into the expected executive orders and cabinet picks under the new administration, emphasizing the potential rollback of previous regulations and the impact on environmental policies. The discussion also touches on the future of energy, including the role of nuclear power and artificial intelligence in shaping energy demands. The conversation delves into the implications of leadership changes in the energy sector, particularly focusing on...
2025-01-0858 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingUnderstanding Anodizing: A Journey with Anne Deacon Juhl - Part 1In part one of a two part series, Mark, George & Tej sit down with Anne Deacon Juhl and discuss the anodizing industry, exploring her journey, visionary perspectives, unique expertise, and the challenges and opportunities within the field. We delve into the importance of education, sustainability, and customer relations, while also addressing misconceptions and defining what makes a world-class anodizer. This discussion highlights regional variations in practices and emphasizes the need for a more open and innovative approach to anodizing. In this conversation, the crew discuss the significance of collaboration in the anodizing industry, the increasing involvement of women, and t...
2024-12-0343 min
The Finish LineLegend: Anne Deacon Juhl, Ph.D., AluConsultAnne Deacon Juhl, Ph. D., is the owner of AluConsult, where she consults with OEMs and manufacturers on aluminum and anodizing.Dr. Juhl recently celebrated her 25th as a consultant in the anodizing industry. She holds a Ph.D. in pulse anodizing of extruded and cast aluminum alloys from the Technical University of Denmark, Material and Surface Technology Department, and is an M.Sc. chemical engineer focusing on the corrosion resistance of light metals. She is also a member of the International Hard Anodizing Association and the Aluminum Anodizers Council.Visit https://aluconsult.com and...
2024-09-0824 min
ANO-TALK: All Things Anodizing33rd Annual Anodizing Conference & Expo PreviewIn this episode of ANO-talk, the official podcast of the Aluminum Anodizers Council, hosts George, Mark & Tej give us a detailed preview of the upcoming 33rd Aluminum Anodizers Council Annual Conference in Cleveland October 1st-3rd. This years exciting theme, "Anodizing: The Rockstar Finish," ties into Cleveland's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Gain insights into ths years program's lineup, including technical sessions on wastewater treatment and pulse anodizing, leadership talks, and the integration of academic research with industrial applications. The episode also emphasizes the value of AAC membership renewal and the networking opportunities available at the conference.
2024-08-2645 min
Seen and Solved by Hubbard-HallS02 E22 - Hero Product – AquaEase PL 72 A32In 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 cycle...
2024-06-1208 min
The Shapemakers by The Aluminum Extruders CouncilAnodizing Essentials - ET'24 In Conjunction WorkshopGeorge Oh & Judy Runge join Jason Weber of the AEC to discuss their upcoming Anodizing Essentials Workshop at this years ET'24 event in Orlando. For more details visit: ET In-Conjunction Workshops | Aluminum Extruders Council (aec.org) AAC Anodizing Essentials Class 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee: $495 AAC members / $895 nonmembers Instructors: AAC member anodizing experts Anodizing Essentials is part of the Aluminum Anodizers Council's (AAC) "School for Anodizers" that teaches more than the fundamentals of anodizing. This one-day class is designed to increase the knowledge and ability of anyone involved in operating an...
2024-04-1537 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAnodizing Essentials - ET'24 In Conjunction WorkshopGeorge Oh & Judy Runge join Jason Weber of the AEC to discuss their upcoming Anodizing Essentials Workshop at this years ET'24 event in Orlando. For more details visit: ET In-Conjunction Workshops | Aluminum Extruders Council (aec.org) AAC Anodizing Essentials Class 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Fee: $495 AAC members / $895 nonmembers Instructors: AAC member anodizing experts Anodizing Essentials is part of the Aluminum Anodizers Council's (AAC) "School for Anodizers" that teaches more than the fundamentals of anodizing. This one-day class is designed to increase the knowledge and ability of anyone involved in operating a...
2024-03-1636 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingTin Electrolytic Coloring with Pinakin PatelTin Electrolytic Coloring with Pinakin Patel Electrolytic (or two-step) coloring is one of the most durable metal coloring methods on the market, even outperforming paint. Electrolytic coloring is primarily used on extruded aluminum parts for the architectural (store front), and automotive trim industries due to its durability. Our hosts Tej Patel of Techevon LLC and George Oh of Quaker Houghton discuss the process of tin electrolytic coloring with Pinakin Patel, owner of Techevon LLC, a global anodizing chemistry supplier in Chicago, IL. Electrolytic coloring, as noted by our hosts, is a combination of “science, sorcery, and luck”. Pinak...
2023-11-0728 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingPinakin Patel on Mid-Temperature SealingPinakin Patel on Mid-Temperature Sealing Our hosts, George Oh of Quaker Houghton and Tej Patel of Techevon, talk with anodizing industry expert Pinakin Patel, owner of Techevon LLC, a global anodizing chemistry supplier in Chicago, IL. Pinakin explains what mid-temperature seals are, the types of mid-temperature seals, his patent on sealing of aluminum oxide, nickel-free mid-temp seals, types of surfactants and how they interact with sealing methods. Comparison of different sealing methods to mid-temperature seals and its environmental impact. Be sure to join us at the 2023 Anodizing Conference on October 10-12 in Bellevue/Seattle, Washington. Learn more a...
2023-10-0324 min
ANO-TALK: All Things Anodizing2023 Anodizing Conference Preview2023 Anodizing Conference Preview George Oh of Quaker Houghton and Co-Chair of the AAC Education Committee, Tej Patel of Techevon, and Mark Spencer of AaCron Anodizing talk with AAC President Jeff Henderson about what to look forward to at the 32nd Annual Anodizing Conference & Exposition, October 9-12, 2023 in Bellevue/Seattle, Washington. Listen to this episode to get a feel for what to expect, what you’ll learn, and how you will benefit by joining us at the 2023 Anodizing Conference. Visit www.anodizing.org/AnodizingConference for program and registration details.
2023-09-0644 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingHeavy Metal-free DyesHeavy Metal-free Dyes Mahe Chandrasekaran, Chemical Engineer with Techevon, LLC, joins our hosts George Oh, R&D Senior Chemist with Quaker Houghton and Tej Patel, Director with Techevon, to discuss which heavy metals show up in the anodizing industry, heavy metal-free dyes, why use metals in dyes compared to metal-free dyes, which heavy metals are used in dyes for the anodizing industry, and the advantages and disadvantages for each dye type. They also discuss the types of colors one can get using various dyes for aluminum anodizing. To hear more of this type of educational content, be sur...
2023-09-0526 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingThe Environmentally Friendly Anodizing LineThe Environmentally Friendly Anodizing Line Rob Pawson of Haviland Products talks with Mark, George, and Tej about creating an anodizing line that is environmentally friendly. PFAS regulations, dealing with other city, state and federal water regulations, the cost for installing scrubbers, and solutions for water discharge treatment are covered. Rob discusses how chemical manufacturers are continually coming up with more environmentally friendly solutions—from non-nickel seals and spray rinses to metal-free dyes—to help anodizers reduce water use and reduce the environmental impact of wastewater discharge.
2023-08-1527 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingPromoting Careers in the Anodizing IndustryPromoting Careers in the Anodizing Industry Kevin Janis, Business Development Manager for Reliant Aluminum Products, talks with hosts George Oh and Mark Spencer about his career path versus his expectations, challenges in hiring for the anodizing industry, what might attract young people to the industry, doing more to share information about the beauty of anodizing, and more.
2023-06-2031 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Kevin Janis, Reliant Aluminum ProductsMeet the Industry Figure: Kevin Janis, Reliant Aluminum Products Our podcast hosts, Mark Spencer, George Oh and Tej Patel, talk with Kevin Janis, Business Development Manager for Reliant Aluminum Products to learn more about his 25-year career in the aluminum finishing industry. Kevin’s background as a lawyer, his love of college football at his alma mater University of Wisconsin, his experience with a “wood-fired bright dip anodizing line” early in his career, and what he does during his down time are explored. Here Kevin’s perspective on the benefits of attending the Anodizing Conference every year in this...
2023-06-0627 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingDan Bishopp, Quaker Houghton, on Acid EtchDan Bishopp, Quaker Houghton, on Acid Etch Dan Bishopp, Regional Sales Manager for Quaker Houghton, discusses his start in the aluminum extrusion industry and his eventual move into the anodizing line in the 1980s with Bonnell Aluminum in Kentland, Indiana with our hosts Mark Spencer and George Oh. He discusses his career trajectory from line worker to Process Improvement Manager with Bonnell Aluminum and then to Regional Sales Manager with Quaker Houghton. Dan explains how the Dallas Cowboy’s Stadium project became the first architectural acid etch job in the United States. The eventual adoption of the ac...
2023-05-3050 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Rob PawsonMeet the Industry Figure: Rob Pawson Rob Pawson, Vice President of Haviland Products in Grand Rapid, Michigan, talks with our hosts about his company, the anodizing industry, the benefits of membership and committee involvement in the Aluminum Anodizers Council, as well as Rob’s longevity in the industry.
2023-05-0221 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingBill Zahner and Aluminum AnodizingBill Zahner and Aluminum Anodizing President & CEO of A. Zahner Company, Bill Zahner, talks with our hosts to tell us a little about his background, and his company. The company, founded in 1887, is a pioneer in architectural metal fabrication, engineering and installation. Bill, a prolific writer, talks about the lack of knowledge of architectural metals during the research of his first book. The hosts dig into his book Aluminum Surfaces: A Guide to Alloys, Finishes, Fabrication and Maintenance in Architecture and Art, and discuss aluminum anodizing, its characteristics, how Zahner approaches anodizing finishes and how it differs fr...
2023-04-2051 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingSequel Anodizing RacksSequel Anodizing Racks Get into the details about anodizing racking with Kyle and Peter Schumer of Sequel Anodizing Racks, a 35-year-old family-owned and operated racking company in Minnesota. Kyle and Peter talk with our hosts about their career paths and how they landed in the anodizing industry, their approach to sales, experiences at the AAC Anodizing Conference, idiosyncrasies of anodizing racking, which type of racking material works best in various situations, and more.
2023-04-0441 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAnodizing vs. PaintTej Patel of Techevon, Mark Spencer of AaCron Anodizing, George Oh of Quaker Houghton, and special guest Pinakin Patel of Techevon talk about the differences between anodizing and painting aluminum and why anodizing is actually a superior coating. The guys discuss why paints are used instead of anodizing and vice versa, the durability of both methods, benefits and drawbacks for anodizing and painting, color fading, filiform corrosion, and much more in this informative episode.
2023-03-0134 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure – Dawn Purucker Meet the Industry Figure – Dawn Purucker Learn a little bit about Dawn Purucker, Environmental, Health and Safety Director for Bonnell Aluminum in Niles, Michigan, including how she started in the anodizing industry, her career and educational background, what she likes to do in her spare time when she’s not leading the safety program at Bonnell Aluminum, how she feels about Charlie Brown, and more.
2023-02-0119 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingSafety in the Anodizing Industry Safety in the Anodizing Industry Dawn Purucker, Environmental, Health and Safety Director for Bonnell Aluminum in Niles, Michigan, talks with podcast hosts George Oh and Tej Patel, about safety - specifically in the anodizing industry. In this fun and engaging episode, Dawn discusses her approach to safety at Bonnell Aluminum and the success she has had with reducing injuries, the types of safety issues in around the anodizing plant, how the culture of safety can bleed into other areas of one’s life, the types of people who tend to display safe behavior, and more. In addition, tun...
2023-01-2532 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingNon-Nickel SealingNon-Nickel Sealing Pinakin Patel, Founder and President of Techevon LLC, with decades of experience in the anodizing industry, talks about the different anodizing sealing methods – and focuses specifically on non-nickel sealing – in this episode of ANO-Talk: All Things Anodizing. He talks with our hosts, George Oh, Mark Spencer and Tej Patel about this mid-temperature range (180-200 degrees F/82-93 Celsius) sealing method, the pros and cons, the chemistry involved in the process, why anodizers use non-nickel seals, when and how it is used, the effect on dyes, and the non-nickel seals currently available on the market.
2023-01-1035 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Scott Walker, Products FinishingScott Walker is Regional Vice President for Products Finishing magazine and a Professional Member of the Aluminum Anodizers Council. Hear how Scott got his start in the metals industry publishing world and where his career took him before he landed at Products Finishing. Tej Patel and George Oh talk with Scott about AAC, his involvement with the Council, and what Products Finishing offers the anodizing industry.
2022-08-1736 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Jeanette CourtneyLearn a little more about the Aluminum Anodizers Council’s first female Chairperson, Jeanette Courtney, Division Environmental, Health and Safety Director for Bonnell Aluminum. Jeanette talks with hosts George Oh of Quaker Houghton and Tej Patel of Techevon LLC to discuss how she got her start in the anodizing industry, what drew her to the field of EHS, how she views her role as AAC’s Chair, and more.
2022-07-2145 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingType-II Sulfuric Acid Anodizing RoundtableOur hosts, George Oh, Tej Patel, and Mark Spencer, hold an engaging roundtable discussion on the finer points of Type-II Anodizing. Highlights include, what is Type-II Anodizing, what happens during the Type-II Anodizing process, what happens when it’s not done properly, the dangers of sulfuric acid, the differences between various types of anodizing, as well as anodizing versus plating, how aluminum is transformed during the anodizing process and what types of applications use Type-II Anodizing. We’ll also learn each of our hosts’ earliest memories of seeing their first anodized product – and their answers may surprise (and entertain) you!
2022-02-2344 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAAC Fall 2021 Environmental & Regulatory ReportAAC’s legal counsel Charlie Simmons discusses his most recent semi-annual Regulatory Report with podcast hosts Mark Spencer, Tej Patel and George Oh. Charlie covers what is in the infrastructure bill making its way through Congress, new trends in PFAS litigation, California’s plans to phase out hex-chrome in metal finishing, intellectual property news, and more in this informative episode.
2021-11-1221 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeeting the Industry Figure: Charles SimmonsMeeting the Industry Figure: Charles Simmons Charles “Charlie” Simmons is the Aluminum Anodizers Council’s Environmental & Regulatory counsel, based in Washington, D.C.. Charlie is the author of AAC’s semi-annual Environmental & Regulatory Report where he addresses the important topics that anodizers should know or be concerned about – including the latest environmental, regulatory and legislative issues affecting the industry. The AAC podcast hosts Mark Spencer, George Oh and Tej Patel help listeners get to know Charlie a little better in this informative interview.
2021-11-0421 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingColoring Anodized Aluminum: Organic DyeingOur hosts Tej Patel, George Oh and Mark Spencer talk with Techevon founder and President Pinakin Patel to learn more about organic dyeing. The science of organic dyes, the process challenges of creating color anodized aluminum, key factors to consider when selecting organic dyes, the impact of recent raw materials availability and price increases on the anodizing industry, and more are shared in this fascinating episode.
2021-09-0136 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAnodizing Workshops: What’s in it for YouThe Aluminum Anodizers Council will be conducting two Anodizing Workshops in conjunction with the Aluminum Summit this September – the Quality & Troubleshooting Workshop and the Advanced Anodizing Class. George Oh talks with Tej Patel about what students will learn, who should attend, the value and details of the programs.
2021-08-2615 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAluminum Summit Anodizing Sessions PreviewGeorge Oh and Tej Patel highlight some of the sessions at the upcoming Aluminum Summit in Nashville this September. Get a sneak peak and hear some of the highlights from two AAC members that are involved in planning the anodizing side of the conference and participating as speakers this year.
2021-08-2508 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAluminum Summit Update: What You Can ExpectHear more about the Aluminum Summit – the collocated event of the AAC Anodizing Conference and the Aluminum Extruders Council’s Management Conference – scheduled for September 14-16, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Tej Patel, George Oh, and Mark Spencer discuss who should attend, why attend and what you can expect from the program.
2021-08-1613 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Pinakin PatelMark Spencer, George Oh and Tej Patel talk with Pinakin Patel, founder and President of Techevon LLC, and a founding member of the Aluminum Anodizers Council, about his career, his passions, some history of the anodizing industry, and more.
2021-08-0534 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Pinakin PatelMark Spencer, George Oh and Tej Patel talk with Pinakin Patel, founder and President of Techevon LLC, and a founding member of the Aluminum Anodizers Council, about his career, his passions, some history of the anodizing industry, and more.
2021-08-031h 12
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingSteps of AnodizingSteps of Anodizing Mark Spencer, George Oh and Tej Patel talk with Jack Tetrault, President of Sanford Process Corporation, to explore the various steps that are needed for anodizing. Starting with racking and cleaning through to the sealing step, Jack explains the function and importance of each step in the anodizing process, plus much more.
2021-07-0733 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Jack TetraultMark Spencer, George Oh and Tej Patel talk with Sanford Process Corporation President Jack Tetrault about how he started in the anodizing industry, what he likes to do during his time away from the business, and more in this engaging interview. Learn a little more about Jack, his companies, his insights into the anodizing process, and why belonging to AAC is well worth the time
2021-06-2823 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingMeet the Industry Figure: Gary KrieschIn this first in a series of episodes on anodizing professionals, host Mark Spencer interviews Gary Kriesch, Director of Finishing Systems at Tri-Mer Corporation. Mark takes a deep dive into what makes Gary tick, where he found his passion for anodizing and more!
2021-06-1510 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingAnodizing Line Review – A Sneak PeekGet a preview of the upcoming webinar by industry veteran Gary Kriesch, Director of Finishing Systems at Tri-Mer Corporation. Host Nathan Sheffield of Quaker Houghton interviews Gary about his upcoming webinar where he will discuss the design, use, equipment and configuration of anodizing lines – an anodizing line review from start to finish.
2021-06-0309 minANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingNew California air quality regulations on chromeGeorge Oh chats with Jeff Henderson, Brian Leiker, and Justin Guzman before their webinar about air quality control regulation in California and their potential economic and environmental impacts.
2021-04-0619 min
ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingWelcome to ANO-TALK: All Things AnodizingHosts George Oh, Tej Patel, Nathan Sheffield, and Mark Spencer introduce themselves and the new podcast.
2021-04-0607 min