S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

December 2020

1
 PROCESS
INSTRUMENTS
AmpHel
pH Digital Controller Flat-tip pH Electrode
General Purpose
pH502421-2
With Matching Pin & PID Control
HI 6100405
Designed for industrial applications
with features such as a PTFE
junction, general purpose glass, and
PVDF body. With its durable design,
you can count on this electrode to
stand up to your process
environment.

PACKED WITH FEATURES ■ Flat tip pH Electrode

■ CAL Check alert users of ■ BNC Connector
calibration status ■ General purpose glass
■ Easy to operate electrode - for best
response time over entire
■ Fail safe alarm system
range
■ PC connectivity port
■ Can be used in many
■ ATC
different applications
■ Mounting brackets &
■ PVDF Body www
instructions ■ Double junction
■ Accurate measurement technology/gel
polymer filling
Blackstone Chemical APPLICATIONS
Dosing Pumps Used wherever fluids must be dosed
with the highest possible grade of
accuracy with a defined volume and
within a defined time period.

The pump head and O-rings are

made of PVDF, PTFE and FPM/FKM
which offer unsurpassed resistance

When you select a Blackstone pump,

you are eliminating the time Guide to
consuming effort involved in picking Process
the right material for your application.
Blackstone pumps are completely
Instruments
sealed during assembly and offer
IP65 protection against splashes and ■ Analog Process Controllers
spills providing excellent protection ■ Black-Stone Dosing Pumps
even in hostile environments. Fibre-
Controller and Pump System
reinforced polypropylene housing
■ Digital and Analog
stands up to aggressive chemicals
while offering superior strength under Transmitters
tough industrial conditions. ■ Digital Panel Mount
Controllers
■ IP65 protection ■ Mini Controllers
■ Simple operation ■ PCA Series Analysers
■ One-piece diaphragm
■ Wall Mounting Controllers
construction
■ Minimal moving parts
■ Excellent resistance to most
chemicals
■ Various flow rates available
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Contents Page Links

NEWS 16

BENEFITS OF CUSTOM TRAINING

46
By David Petrie of Rheinmetall-Laingsdale

Health Safety & Employment Laws

U.K. lawyers cash in with “No win No fee” 48
By Anthony Poeton of Poeton Industries

Greetings from over the Seas 56

Letter from former KZN Chairperson, Mark Wright

Mediation 64
Contribution from Frans Wilbrink
of Wilbrink and Associates
Graphic Material Credits on Page 54

SAMFA, PostNet Suite 39, Private Bag X3, Plumstead, 7801.

Email: headoffice@samfa.org.za | www.samfa.org.za
Tel: 021 761 8537 Cell: 082 553 2463
Published by the South African Metal
4 Finishing Association | Dec 2020
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

From the Editor

Tony van der Spuy

They say that Necessity is the Mother

of Invention and, with the planet facing
one of its greatest challenges, exam-
ples of inventions to help us cope in this
pandemic abound.
If we thought that we were enduring poor trading
conditions before COVID, we certainly had to change into
a different gear to keep traction in these trying times.
When everyone is facing a common threat it does help to
refocus on what we need to be doing. It is easy to become
distracted when everything is going well. Things change
when a serious threat looms.
SAMFA is a service association, so we need to be able to
continue to offer our services at affordable rates.
This issue of S A Metal Finisher is an example of
necessary change. We hope you enjoy this digital version
which has been designed specifically for online viewing.
Going digital-only has enabled us to reduce advertising
rates and made distribution slicker and more efficient.
Please read the SAMFA News article to discover all the
changes we are making to stay ahead of the game.
Finally, we wish you all everything you would wish for
yourselves at this special time of the year. Take care, and
come back strong and refreshed to face 2021 head on!
5
Sustaining Members
The companies whose logos appear below have subscribed to SAMFA’s
premium class membership. These sustaining members ensure that we
are in a financial position to continue to develop and to support the
growth of a strong and responsible metal finishing industry in RSA.
S A Metal Finisher Tel: +27 11 398Issue
433030
Cell: +27 76 411 8498
www.ct-sa.co.za
COATING TECHNIQUES S A

Powder Coating Equipment Application Systems

Pre-Treatment Systems Control Systems
Drying and Curing Ovens Special Design
Conveyor Systems 7
Automatic & Manual Powder Coating Application Equipment

E-COAT Master Series

E-COAT Master Series is currently our
flagship mobile system. Also available
is our entry level Basic and PRO unit.
All systems are available in box
feeder and hopper type as well as
various fixed mounting options.
E-COAT Master eriSes is a most
efficient and intelligent system
delivering outstanding value for
money. The unit incorporates the
option to independently set current,
voltage, powder and atomizing values. The “Fast Select”
feature enables operators to choose between three
options:
● Smooth Surface Coating
● Re-Coating
● Difficult Surface Coating or extremely high Faraday
Cage areas.
Parameters can be set or changed on the rear end cap of
the gun during production. The E-Coat Master series stores
50 configurations in memory.a
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30
Contact Us: Tel: +27 11 398 4330 Cell: +27 76 411 8498

E-ROBOT Series
RECIPROCATORS
● Smooth, swift and
precise movement
for speedy and
uniform coating
● Reduced powder
consumption
● Quick operation change with pre-programmable
option settings for automatic selections of stroke
and speed
● User friendly touch screen panel to control speed
and stroke length
● Wide memory with 99 receipts. Last working time
and total working time can be saved
● PLC controlled axis and automations

Tel: +27 11 398 4330

Cell: +27 76 411 8498
Email: ray@ct-sa.co.za
Website: www.ct-sa.co.za
Unit 8, The Warehouse,
cnr Deodar & Constantia Roads,
Pomona, Kempton Park. 9
Surface Finishing Chemistry for a Greener World

Speciality Chemicals Equipment & Heaters

Service Excellence Raw Materials

Tel: 011 822 2734 Fax: 086 511 5601

Cell: 083 440 0370 or 071 602 6207
Website: www.nexor240.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

COATINGS & CHEMICALS

PTL is your complete “one stop shop” chemical

and powder solution
We take care of your entire line from the start of your
processes with our high-quality chemical pre-treatment
products to the finish with our excellent powders

We supply:
Highly efficient low temperature pre-treatment
chemicals
High quality powder coating powders in a wide
variety of colours and finishes
Bonded silver and metallic powders
Hot dip galvanizing specialty chemical products

Johannesburg: 011 616 0150/1 * Durban: 066 380 5460

Cape Town: 021 551 9079 * www.ptl-sa.com * office@ptl-sa.com

All our powders are lead free

11
CRS switch-mode rectifiers are designed to meet all galvanic surface
treatment requirements. Based on high speed IGBT technology, they
provide high efficiency, precision and performance.
Compact dimensions and reduced weight versus the conventional
rectifiers without compromising reliability.

All the models are available in:

DC - Forward current ● Air cooled - IP31
● Water cooled -
DCR - Forward and Reverse Current
IP42
PP - Pulse Plating Forward
● Up to 500A output
PPR - Pulse plating Forward &
Reverse

● Air cooled - IP31

● Water cooled - IP42 ● Air cooled - IP21
● Up to 1000A output ● Up to 1800A output

● Air cooled - IP32

● Water cooled IP42 - • Air cooled - IP32
IP54 - IP65
• Water cooled - IP42
● Up to 8000A output
• Up to 10500A
in one tower
output in one tower
www.elio.co.za
 Switch-mode
Rectifiers

ENERGY SAVING UP TO 40%

SPACE AND WEIGHT SAVING
MODULAR POWER PLATFORM
MULTI-TOWER INTERCONNECTION
HIGH STABILITY TO LOAD VARIATION
HIGH EFFICIENCY (> 89%)
OUTPUT STABLE PARAMETERS
VERY LOW CURRENT RIPPLE

● Simple output parameters and waveform programming

from the operator panel, PC/PLC or remote controls
● A/h and A/min meters for precise thickness and dosing
pump control
● Communication adapters available for Profibus-DP,
DeviceNet, Profinet, Ethernet/IP, Modbus/TCP

Elio Electro Technology | Unit No. 4 - 38 Golden Drive

Morehill Benoni 1500 - Gauteng, South Africa
elie.elhajj@elio.co.za | www.elio.co.za
Ph. (+27) 11 849 9231 | www.crspower.com
 S A Metal Finisher Issue 30
YOUR ONE STOP
ALUMINIUM SPECIALISTS

One of South Africa’s leading aluminium suppliers and surface finishers

Astro Anodising - Aluminium Finishing Specialists

Astro Anodising specialises in the surface

finishing of aluminium sections up to 3.350m
long in a variety of colours in matt and bright
finishes. We can also accommodate up to
7.250m lengths in natural, bronze or black.

Services Available from Astro Anodising

● Extrusion Anodising ● Mechanical Brushing

● Chemical Brightening ● Component Anodising
● Mechanical Polishing ● Specialised Jigging

Astro Aluminium - Aluminium Requirement Specialist

Astro Aluminium specialises in the supply

of an extensive range of extruded and
rolled aluminium products to customers
in various industries. We can offer this
aluminium as mill finish (raw) or surface
finished, thanks to our other divisions.

Tel: +27 11 452 9748 info@astroholdings.co.za

www.astroholdings.co.za
14
 S A Metal Finisher Issue 30
Products Available from Astro Aluminium
Rolled Products: sheet; tread plate; mesh; plate etc
Extruded Products: round tube, square tube, round bar, square bar,
rectangular tube, angle, channel, flat bar, slat sections and more.

Services Available from Astro Aluminium

● Material Supply ● Guillotine Cutting
● General Manufacturing ● Tube Bending
● Aluminium Welding ● Punching
● Sheet Bending ● Plastic Coating

New CNC Routering Service

Recently we acquired a brand new
CNC Router to further boost our
manufacturing capability and
enable us to offer enhanced
facilities to our customers.
Our well respected "one stop serv-
ice" just got better with the addi-
Our New Router
tion of this new offering.

Not only are we able to assist you with sourcing the raw material for
your orders and providing finishing services, but now we have added
the capability of performing fabrication services that may be required.
Got a project we can look at? We are sure we can save you money
and time. Contact Mark Coetzee today on 011 452 9748 or visit
this link: Routering Services

Visit us at 20 Ingwe Road, Sebenza, Gauteng

15
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

NEWS
ROUNDUP

This report covers the activities of the association since the

distribution of Issue 29 of this journal up to the present
date.
Who would have guessed what sort of year 2020 would
turn out to be at the time that Issue 29 of S A Metal
Finisher was distributed? The Editor’s Notes in that issue
during August 2019 reflected the depressing state of the
South African economy exacerbated by careless and
corrupt management of large enterprises at both state
and private sector level. A survey we had done in the
powder coating industry
reported significant downturns
in turnover. Hardly surprising -
the surface finishing industry
quickly mirrors the state of the
manufacturing sphere in the
economy.
With things as bad as they were, we speculated that
things could only get better, borrowing the title of Dante
Harrell’s book “What goes down, must come up”.
Wrong. After a few hopeful signs of a turnaround, COVID
19 reached our shores and wreaked further havoc,
16
10
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

changing the way business

would be conducted
around the world, and
putting a great many
enterprises into liquidation.
it is to be expected that an
association will mimic the
fortunes of the industry or grouping that it represents,
and so it is little wonder that SAMFA has had to reinvent
itself, just as many of our member businesses have had
to do.
TURNING THE PANDEMIC INTO OPPORTUNITIES
We looked at all the
activities that both
members and non
members expect SAMFA to
deliver and examined how
to continue to offer these
services affordably.
At its core, SAMFA is about providing information to
members. Whether it is member meetings, seminars,
training courses, help desk assistance, facilitating
dialogue with regulatory bodies or providing an
advertising platform to industry vendors, all activities
involve managing channels of communication.
17 …..flip to pg 20
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

- Kill 99.9% of e.coli and MRSA Bacteria within 24 hours

- Is active for the life of the paint film
- Will not leech harmful chemicals into surrounding areas
- Can be manufactured to client’s specifications
- Same anti corrosion capabilities as our standard products
- Greatly reduces secondary infections in medical facilities

Tel: +27 (0) 11 437 5905/6 Cell: 082 880 8100/1/2

WhatsApp: 082 880 8101 Email: info@powderlak.co.za
18
Powder Coating Solutions, perfect for hospitals,
kitchens, butcheries and laboratories…
E. coli - Final CFU after 24 hrs
500000 4.50E+05
450000
CFU - ColonyForming

400000
350000
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000 11.11
0
Powder-Lak RAL9003 - Code 39-1188 Control Material

MRSA - Final CFU after 24 hrs

CFU - ColonyForming Unit

350000 2.97E+05
300000
250000
200000
150000
100000
50000 11.11
0
Powder-Lak RAL9003 - Code 39-1188 Control Material

www.powderlak.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Many of these facilities are provided online via our

website, email and WhatsApp or direct phone
conversations. These are the low cost services and
COVID risk free.
So, which activities are those that come at the higher end
of the cost scale and present risks of virus transmission?
MEMBER MEETINGS
Traditionally, member meetings
and training programmes involve
confining groups of people into
designated spaces, the rooms
hired for the occasion. Today, thanks to COVID, most
people are rightly apprehensive about such activity.
Cost wise it involves the hire of halls, payment for
catering services, travel and accommodation, etc.
Thanks to an explosion in digital platforms group
activities can still go ahead remotely. By switching to
virtual meetings or other online dialogue methods, the
expense is reduced considerably and the COVID risk
removed completely.
DIGITAL AGMS
As an example, this year we conducted our regional
AGMs digitally providing all required information and

20 …..flip to pg 22
 Effluent Treatment Specialists

Turnkey Skid mounted Effluent Water Treatment & Reverse Osmosis

■ Containerised factory
assembled effluent
treatment plant
■ RO Water treatment
plant for all industries
and water recycling
■ Microfilter plant for metal
Effluent recycling micro-filtration
precipitates and water
purification applications
■ Fume scrubbers and
fume extraction

Email: accurate@iafrica.com Fax: 086 670 7188

Web: www.accurateauto.co.za Cell: 082 4555 129
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

voting on regional representation without a hitch at very

low cost and no COVID risk to members.
Reducing our overheads in this manner enabled us to
offer our members the option of pegging the
subscription rate until June 2021.
WEBINARS
We are also be exploring the use of webinars for technical
or other informative presentations to all interested metal
finishers.
ELECTROPLATING TRAINING
In the electroplating industry managers had long realised
that their workers were continuously gaining experience
and that, in the main, they were able to turn out a good
job. These employees had been observing operations
over time and approaching their tasks with a hands-on
practical slant.
What most lacked was an
underlying understanding of
some basic chemistry and
physics applying to their day
to day work. They needed to
know the fundamentals of
an electrolytic cell and the Plating Tank Diagram
basic principles of how a
22 …..flip to pg 24
 ● PHOSPHATING ● PLATING ON PLASTIC
● HEAT TREATMENT ● SURFACE TREATMENT
● HARD CHROMIUM ● METALWORKING FLUIDS
● FILTRATION SYSTEM ● ANTI-CORROSION SYSTEMS
● ELECTROLESS NICKEL ● DECORATIVE & PRECIOUS METALS

www.esmowat.co.za

Richard Langston Tel: 011 493 8223 | Cell: 082 334 4161 | Email: richard@esmowat.co.za
David Smart Tel: 031 335 1260 | Cell: 079 222 6143 | Email: david@esmowat.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

rectifier works. Importantly they needed to grasp

cleaning and rinse technology as well as the application
of resource conservation methods. Such teaching had
to be pitched at a level that they were easily able to
comprehend.
In 2003 when the DANIDA funded Cleaner Production
in the Metal Finishing Industry project [CPMFI] was
looking to fund meaningful contributions to improving
conditions in our South African industry, an entry level
theoretical training initiative was proposed.
The idea met with wide support and led to the launch of
the SAMFA Electroplating Theory and Practice course in
2004. Four hundred and ninety-three trainees have
participated since then.
Up until the end of 2019 this training was presented in
bricks and mortar lecture venues like most educational
programmes.

Electroplating Training Room Scene from JHB in 2005

24 …..flip to pg 26
Custom
Powder Coating
Solutions
for your needs

We excel in the fields of:

● Custom product design and manufacturing, e.g. glow
in the dark, candy colours, strawberry scented etc
● Industry leading production lead times of 3-5 working
days
● Full technical staff on hand to assist with training and
production line testing
● German, family run business, operating in South
Africa since 1988
● Fast same day deliveries, in the Gauteng area
● Low temperature curing technology, saving you
energy, labor and production time

+27 11 437 5905/6 WhatsApp

+27 82 880 8100/1/2 +27 82 880 8101

info@powderlak.co.za www.powderlak.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

However, as the economy went into decline we were

attracting less trainees. To counter this we offered a
shortened course, but the costs were still too high.
It was COVID 19 that propelled the
Zoom Platform into prominence and
we immediately embraced this
method of training.
Losing the cost of training room hire, catering, travel
and accommodation enabled us to devise a discounted
price structure making it a far more attractive proposition
for companies. Now we can accommodate smaller
groups and trainees from anywhere in the country can
join a group.
In addition, we were able to
redesign the course to fit into ten
sessions of an hour and a half
each. This has definitely made it
far less stressful to our trainees.
We also provide audio visual
materials they can use for home study and all tests are
done online.
This initiative has already added ten new successful
trainees to our national tally taking the count past the
500 mark
26
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

At the moment we are scoping the requirements for an

online powder coating theory series with “Ask-the-
Expert” sessions included. This can work on similar lines
to electroplating training assuming the trainees are
already on-floor personnel who are currently working
with powder coating spray equipment, process tanks,
ovens, and the like.

Digital information packs and AGM Voting Slips were sent

out during early November in which our members were
asked for their input on a couple of issues.
The first related to endorsing the
concept of replacing traditional
physical Annual General Meetings
with online interaction. In this
regard there was near 100%
agreement across all provinces with only one member
suggesting physical meetings with attendees wearing
masks and socially distancing.

The regional exec committees in all regions had

proposed that given the financial climate, SAMFA should
freeze the membership subscription rates through to
27
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

July 1, 2021. So the second question posed to members

asked whether this was a supported position. As
expected this idea received 100% unanimous
endorsement. The fees remains as follows:
R 2 680 per year
R 5 950 per year.
On the same electronic voting form the following
members were proposed for the regional executive
teams and unanimously endorsed:

Mark Coetzee - Astro Holdings - Chair

Gary Joseph - Team Plating Works
Greg Tearnan - Synergy Chemicals
Donovan Hewitt - African Electroplating

Mark Coetzee Greg Tearnan

28 …..flip to pg 34
 COATINGS SA PTY LTD.

Allowing for increased exterior durability,

TGIC enhanced mechanical performance,
FREE improved flow and levelling properties.
POWDER TGIC Powders are classed as Mutagenic

Lead can remain in the environment as

LEAD dust indefinitely, which can lead to Lead
FREE Poisoning and contribute to air pollution.
POWDER Pulver has developed lead-free powders
that are safer and stronger in use

Ongoing developments into improving

ONGOING and updating technology and powder
R&D products offered, always ensuring
TESTING consumers receive the highest grade and
quality since 1988

Pulver Powders allow for great coverage

HIGH and consistent colour from 40 microns
COVERAGE onward without excessive over spraying
POWDER and decreased wastage of powder

HEAD OFFICE JHB: 011-450-2680

COASTAL OFFICES KZN: 031-701-1126
www.pulvercoatingssa.co.za CPT: 021-551-0230
 COATINGS SA PTY LTD.
WHAT PULVER COATINGS
SOUTH AFRICA OFFERS YOU?

Pulver Powders give between 8-10 m2/kg

trialed and tested by South African
Customers and Pulver
Greater coverage from 40 microns onward
Lead Free & TGIC Free Powders
Technical advice on how we can help save
your company with costs and powder usage
International specifications are met,
including Qualicoat, ISO 9001 & GSB
International for Aluminium
Consistent quality of imported powders
Pulver Powders decrease on Gun & Nozzle
maintenance due to high quality products
used in making of the powders

HEAD OFFICE JHB: 011-450-2680

COASTAL OFFICES KZN: 031-701-1126
CPT: 021-551-0230
www.pulvercoatingssa.co.za
 COATINGS SA PTY LTD.

PULVER COATINGS SOUTH AFRICA OFFERS

A RANGE OF COLOURS GIVEN BELOW

KEYSEL GREY IHR26 SEMI GLOSS

KK GREY EHU24 TEXTURED
GLOSS BLACK RAL9005 I9005
PANEL ORANGE IT219 TEXTURED
BLACK GREY RAL7021 O7021
BLACK GRAIN ING07 TEXTURED
ZINC RICH PRIMER 5% ONG81
APPLIANCE WHITE IWBB7
SATIN BLACK INF32
CHARCOAL OHAH5 MATT
DUCT WHITE OWA19
MATT BLACK ONG60 TEXTURED
MATT BLACK RAL 9005
BRONZE OC012 MATT

HEAD OFFICE JHB: 011-450-2680

COASTAL OFFICES KZN: 031-701-1126 CPT: 021-551-0230
www.pulvercoatingssa.co.za
Turnkey Surface Finishing Plant
n Twenty five years experience in
fully automated metal plating,
Plastic plating, Pre-paint,
Anodising and Phosphate
plants. Most cost effective
productive plants in the country
n Siemens Technology Partners

n AC & DC Drives, Position

Control and PLCs
n Anodising Plant in specialized
industry and Aero-space Industry
to NADCAP specification
n Metal Finishing Plant for Zinc,
Chrome, Copper, Nickel and
Chrome
n Plating on Plastics to Motor
Industry specification
n Supplier of refurbished plant
and specialising in optimising
of used plant
n Used rectifiers and plant in
stock now!

ENSURE THAT YOU GET THE BEST

PLANT FROM A RELIABLE AND
TRUSTWORTHY SUPPLIER
CONTACT US TODAY!
 Powder Coating Plant

Turnkey Powder Coating Plant

Automated Spray guns

& Reciprocators

Batch & Continuous Ovens

Gas fired, electronic & infrared

Powder Booths with Cyclones

and Recovery Systems

Conveyor Systems

Fax: 086 670 7188 Email: accurate@iafrica.com

Cell: 082 4555 129 Web: www.accurateauto.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Donovan Hewitt
Gary Joseph
African
Team Plating
Works Electroplating

Donovan kindly agreed to make himself available to fill

the vacant position left by Darren Fox who had served
on the Gauteng Committee since August 26, 2010 and
felt the time had come for him to give the opportunity
to someone else.
I am sure everyone will join me in thanking Darren for
his more than five years of service to SAMFA. And no, he
is not leaving the association, nor the industry. He is still
General Manager at family owned business Anderbolt
Electroplaters in Boksburg and he remains one of our
valued supporters with his “re-designed for digital” advert
in this edition of S A Metal Finisher.
A warm welcome to his replacement, Donovan Hewitt,
who has a long history in the electroplating field and has
supported the association for many years. Formerly
Technical Director at Techniplate in Pretoria, he currently

34
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

serves as General Manager at African Electroplating, a

SAMFA Gauteng founder member company which
featured in the August 2004 edition of this magazine.
In particular some of you may recall that Donovan has
written several excellent articles for S A Metal Finisher
including :
- Dec 2005
- Dec 2006
- May 2007
- Metal Finishing
Handbook 2008. Much of this article was repeated in
Metal Finishing Handbook 2011.
So we are really pleased to have such a motivated and
experienced person joining our Gauteng Executive.

The KZN committee remains unchanged from that

reported in Issue 29 of S A Metal Finisher
Shane Peixoto - Coating Technologies - Chair
Trudy Kastner - Nexor 100 - Vice Chair
Edward Daniel - Ramsay Engineering
John Danks - Turnstone Danks Filtration

35 …..flip to pg 40
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30
GALVANOCHEM T/A

METAL CHEM

● POLYPROPYLENE TANKS AND

BARRELS
● COMPLETE ELECTROPLATING AND
EFFLUENT TREATMENT PLANTS
● FULL RANGE OF PHOSPHATING
CHEMICALS
● THE OMEGA RANGE OF EFFLUENT
TREATMENT CHEMICALS
● CLARIANT DYES AND PRINTING INKS
FOR ALUMINIUM
● OUR FULLY EQUIPPED LABORATORY
IS AT YOUR SERVICE FOR ANALYSIS
OF YOUR PLATING SOLUTIONS
● OFFICIAL AGENTS FOR
COLUMBIA CHEMICAL

36
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

ALL ELECTROPLATING CHEMICALS,

EQUIPMENT AND ACCESSORIES

metalchem.weebly.com

10 Engwena Road, Sebenza, Edenvale, 1610

Tel: 011 609 3061 Cell: 082 448 2453
Email: sales@metalchem.co.za
37
 S A Metal Finisher LEADERS IN THE
Issue 30
METAL FINISHING
INDUSTRY

SAAYMAN DANKS ELECTROPLATING CC

Fast, efficient service, coupled to a quality finish, has

enabled Saayman Danks to become the largest
electroplating company in Kwazulu Natal, employing
over 70 people.
From industrial finishes offering high corrosion
resistance to bright chrome plating for vehicle restoration
and antique finishes for the interior decorating market,
SDE offer a vast range of metallic coatings.

We are committed to maintaining the highest

standards of quality.

Contact us - email, phone, or fill in our web enquiry

form. We’ll get back to you quickly!

Tel: 031 465 6858 63 Harden Avenue,

Email: vanessa@sdesa.co.za Sea View, Durban
www.sdesa.co.za
38
 www.progalv.co.za

The Professionals in
HOT DIP GALVANIZING
ISO 9001
SHOT BLASTING
ZINC THERMAL SPRAYING
SPRAY PAINTING / DUPLEX COATINGS
ACID PICKLING

BATH SIZE: 7.2 X 1.3 X 2.6 M

Contact us for a Quotation

Tel 021 945 1803 / 04 / 39
info@progalv.co.za

Cnr Cilmor & Cecil Morgan Streets

Sunnyside, Stikland 7530
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Shane Peixoto Trudy Kastner

Coating Technologies Nexor 100

John Danks Edward Daniel

Turnstone Danks Ramsay Engineering
Filtration
This is also a powerful team of experienced metal
finishers whose combined years of service in this industry
adds up to the longest of any exec committee in the
country.

40
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

The Cape Executive also remains unchanged and is

comprised as follows:
Steve Codd - Orion SCO - Chair
Gillian Jangle - Krome Metal Chemicals - Vice Chair
Lizette Eksteen - Platerite
Jeanre Taljaard - ProGalv

Steve Codd Jeanre Taljaard

Orion-SCO Pro-Galv

The regional executive committees in the provinces do

their work without fanfare and mostly without anyone
else being aware of what it takes to run a slick national
association like SAMFA. At head office we are well aware

41 …..flip to pg 44
 S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Specialist Suppliers, Importers, Manufacturers

Electroplating & Finishing Chemicals

Full spectrum of Metal Finishing Chemicals

Phosphating & Anodising Chemicals

A range of products used in anodising and pre –
treatment of aluminium. Chrome 3 and Chrome
\\TONY-MAIN\Users\Tony\Do

free processes. Spray and Dip applications for zinc,

iron and manganese phosphates. Eco- Friendly
Solutions for Metal Pre - treatment

Hot Dip Galvanizing

A range of Fluxes, Acid inhibitors, Fume
suppressants and Degreasers

Zinc Electroplating Anodes & Zinc Oxide

We also stock spin and die casting zinc and Lucus
metal for hot dip galvanizing

Brass, Copper, Tin & Nickel Anodes

Stock a range of plating anodes

\\TONY-MAIN\Users\Tony\Documents\FileCabT\S A

www 42
 S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

of Top Quality Chemistry & Related Products

Swift Immersion Heaters

Agents for The Swift range of immersion heaters
and accessories.

Buffing Specialists
Full range of polishing mops including polishing
compounds and polishing machines

Manufacture and Design of complete

Electroplating and Pre-Treatment Plants
Polypropylene and PVC Tanks. New and used
rectifiers. Filter units and titanium anode baskets

Powder Coating Powder

Wide selection of colours

www.stkildachemicals.co.za
Phone: +27 21 551 9079
Unit 1, MGM Building
11 Third Street,
Montague Gardens, Cape.
43
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

of the contribution and on behalf of metal finishers

across the country, we thank them today.
Everybody in our industry and outside of it is hoping that
2021 will prove to be the year when things start turning
around, and there is a return of confidence. But no one
is expecting dramatic changes. The consensus seems to
be that on the economic front there is still a long hard
slog ahead, and that COVID 19 will be an unwanted
companion on our journey for many months to come.
Perhaps the best advice is to “know
your enemy”. Burying one’s head in
the sand and pretending that the
pandemic is all an overblown hoax is
just what COVID needs to hold the
whip hand over us all.
Already we have all adjusted to a greater or lesser extent
in learning to live with the enemy. Let’s just continue to
get smarter, and apply our minds to growing our
businesses in as many unique and clever ways as we can,
despite the handicaps inflicted upon us.
Rest assured that SAMFA is a dynamic association with
excellent teams in place looking after the interests of our
industry. We will continue to be agile and adapt to meet
whatever challenges we face in the years to come.

44
 www.hi-techelements.co.za

JOHANNESBURG | Tel: 011 894 3937 | Fax: 011 894 3954

sales@hi-techelements.co.za | www.hi-techelements.co.za

KWAZULU NATAL | Tel: 031 701 1053/63 | Fax: 031 701 1062
ashwan@hi-techelements.co.za
CAPE AGENT: ABSO INDUSTRIES | Tel: 021 552 7303 | Cell: 082 555 9102
bobby@absoheating.co.za | www.absoheating.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

A Contribution from David Petrie

During 2019, Rheinmetall

Laingsdale embarked on an
electroplating training pro-
gramme with the help of Tony
vd Spuy from the South African
Metal Finishing Association.
Three courses were presented
namely: Electroplating, Anodis-
David Petrie, Manufacturing
ing and OHS Awareness, which
Manager, presents a SAMFA
spanned a number of weeks.
Training Certificate to Zane
Tony was assisted by Steve
Johnston from the Plating and
Codd of Orion SCO and John
Anodising Division
Danks of Turnstone Danks Filtra-
tion.
These courses were attended by the Plating team as well as
the Engineering and Maintenance team members. The reason
why Rheinmetall-Laingsdale included the Engineering and
Maintenance team members is that it was identified that these
team members also need to understand the concepts of
Electroplating.
The main benefits of the three courses were that there was a
greater understanding of the electroplating process across a
broader spectrum of Rheinmetall-Laingsdale employees and
that the plating team could reinforce their existing knowledge
to ensure good plating practices are followed.
Rheinmetall-Laingsdale thanks Tony for his input in this
programme.
46
Zinc & Iron Phosphate
Spray & Dip Applications
Aluminium Pre treatment
Paint Strippers
Complete metal treatment systems
tailor made for your plant
Down to earth products that are durable
in real world applications
Onsite Training
Personalised service
Call Greg or Vic Tearnan
Cell: 082 442 4834
Tel: +27 11 422 3860
info@synergychemicals.co.za
www.synergychemicals.co.za
16 Indiana Street, Apex,
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

The Creation of a Claim Culture

A Contribution from Antony Poeton

Chairman of Poeton Industries, U.K.

An increasingly interesting consequence of European and

UK employment improvements that we have been
experiencing over the last 20 years is the huge growth in
“No win No fee” lawyer activity. Maybe it’s the same in
SA. I hope not.

Lawyers advertise regularly their ability to win clients

substantial compensation from injuries or accidents from
employment issues .
Regrettably this is often lawyers fishing for rich catches
from successful companies with good Insurers, as they
usually take a big percentage of any successful awards.
A few months ago my team informed me, as a matter of
routine, that Gordon, a person employed in the 1980s, had
filed a claim against us quoting “damage to his hearing.”

48
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

This claim was being handled by our Employment Liability

Policy insurance company’s legal team whose action is
required by them as a condition of such policies. We are
not allowed to interfere. So I sought some clarification.
When all the papers were sent to us it was quite remarkable.
The employee in question had
.. employed in
worked for us at our Cardiff
unskilled work in
factory for two years in the mid-
our “quiet”
80s. He was employed in electroplating
unskilled work on the shop floor department ..
in our “quiet” electroplating
department. Here we carried out Zinc, Copper, Silver and
Nickel plating.
However he was claiming we damaged his hearing with
excessive noise in the Department. As most of our
younger team were unaware of operating conditions 35 -
40 years ago the insurers had proceeded to defend the
claim but without any specific details. I was able to ask
for all the papers.

…lawyers had filed The ex-employee’s lawyers had

claims against 30 filed claims against 30 employers
employers for his for his damaged hearing! So he
damaged hearing! had not stayed long in any job.

49 …..flip to pg 52
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Tel: 011 894 2046 74 Skew Road,

Anderbolt, Boksburg

Decorative Finishes Industrial Finishes

● Nickel/Chrome ● Zinc
● Black Nickel/Chrome ● Tin
● Satin Nickel / Chrome ● Silver
● Brass - Bright/Satin ● Copper
● Copper - Bright/Satin ● Electroless Nickel
● Gold ● SS Electro Polishing
● Silver
● Antique Finishes

Darren: 082 605 1265 darren@eplate.co.za

Jarryd: 072 219 2471 jarryd@eplate.co.za

Trevor: 082 605 1106 trevor@eplate.co.za

Guaranteed Quality at Affordable

50 Rates - www.andele.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

● Rectifiers
● Heaters (Titanium, Quartz and Teflon)
● Filter Units
● Magnetic Drive Pumps
● Titanium Baskets
● Spin Driers
● Deburring/Polishing Wheels
● Eductors

Contact Us today on
51 011 894 2046
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

More specifically, they identified

… they identified
that during his work with us he
that he had
had endured 8 hours a day of
endured 8 hours a
day of extremely dirty and extremely noisy hand
noisy hand grinding which had damaged his
grinding … hearing. We had provided no ear
protection.
Within the claim packet was the 3 page report from a
well-qualified professional engineer who lived in Newcastle-
on-Tyne, some 320 miles from our Cardiff plant. The report
was supported and quoted tables of typical decibel
readings for hand grinding machines. Such machines, if
operated in the vicinity of employees that hadn't had been
issued with ear defender or other protective gear, would
beyond doubt have damaged someone’s hearing.
The engineer had not visited our company or had any direct
contact with us. So an engineer for hire……… without
responsibility? He took no actions to assess what we do
now, or could have done in the 1980s.
Age has its benefits and I could
I could clearly
clearly remember that we did not remember that we
do hand grinding at all. We were, did not do hand
and still are, platers, not grinding at all

52
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

fabricators. Also I could recall the name and some contact

details for our peacefully retired General Manager, Paul,
from that era, who had been responsible for the plant at
the time.
Having talked to him, he
confirmed my recollections were Indeed the GM
correct, and offered his remembered the
alternative view to the insurance employee by his
company’s lawyers as a written nick name,
statement. Indeed he “Gormless” Gordon.
remembered the employee by his
nick name, “Gormless” Gordon.
The insurer’s lawyers informed us that the time had passed
for offering further written evidence and our only hope was
to attend the Magistrates Court where the matter was
going to be looked at in a couple of weeks’ time.
Our retired General Manager
He was interested in was very happy to break the
seeing Gormless
boredom of retirement and go
Gordon again
to court for a few hours. He was
interested in seeing Gormless Gordon again as he was due
to appear in person. So he duly accompanied our lawyer
and current GM to court.

53
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Mr Gormless was called and arrived in court …… he took

one look at our retired GM, panicked, broke his glasses and
said that he couldn't attend the court any further and left
fast, leaving his lawyer high and dry with what was
obviously a fictitious claim .
I guess the moral of the story is keep records and
investigate every claim !

Credits for Graphic Materials Used

This publication uses a number of free graphic images from
Pixabay.com. Below we listed the contributors whose
artwork we have used. You can view their work by clicking
the green icon links to the right.
Mohamed Hassan - Pixabay

Clker-Free-Vector-Images - Pixabay

Christina Smith - Pixabay

Cover Background Picture

Book pages flying into a tablet computer
ID 48328810 © Andreus | Dreamstime.com

54
 SERVING THE INDUSTRY FOR OVER 25 YEARS

Tel: 011 494 4444 Fax: 011 494 2222

email: sales@swiftheat.com24
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Foreword by Tony van der Spuy: In Issue 29 of this journal

we reported that at the 2018 KZN year end meeting we had
bid farewell to Chairperson, Mark Wright, after he
announced his decision to emigrate to the UK. It’s great that
he hasn’t forgotten us yet and has taken the time to pen
this letter updating us on how things have gone for the
family in their new home.

Greetings from over the Seas

To those of you who remember me, I
wanted to say hello to my old friends,
work colleagues and fellow metal
finishers from a cool and wet England.
It’s been almost two years since I left
the sunny climate of Durban and
embarked on a new chapter in my life’s
adventure story. Mark Wright

After nearly twenty five years of running an

electroplating company (there were 3 altogether) and
being “my own boss”, it was fairly daunting to leave it
all behind and launch into the unknown. Fortunately,
I have an amazing wife, Sanette, who most of you
know, who always looks for the bright and positive
things in life.
56 …..flip to pg 62
LEAD FREE
CADMIUM FREE
TROUBLE FREE
NiKlad ELV & WEEE Compliant
Electroless Nickel Range

MEDIUM PHOSPHOROUS

● Exceptionally Bright Deposits

● Consistent Alloy
● EDTA Free
● Ammonia-Free Options

HIGH PHOSPHOROUS
HIGH PHOSPHOROUS LOW
LOW PHOSPHOROUS
PHOSPHOROUS & PTFE
& PTFE

● Excellent Corrosion Resistance ● Outstanding Wear Resistance

● Resistant to Oxidising Conditions ● Fast Plating Speeds
● Automotive Approved ● Very Ductile Deposits
● Ammonia-Free Options ● Low Coefficient of Friction [PTFE]

www.esmowat.co.za

Richard Langston Tel: 011 493 8223 | Cell: 082 334 4161 | Email: richard@esmowat.co.za
David Smart Tel: 031 335 1260 | Cell: 079 222 6143 | Email: david@esmowat.co.za
 S.ORLIK (PTY) LTD
since
2007

Specialised Turnkey Plastic Fabrication, Welding and Design for

the Metal Treatment Industries

A leading force within the industry, S.Orlik (Pty) Ltd strives to provide
best quality, best service and best end results for all projects
undertaken. Our products are made in house to ensure the highest
quality materials to ensure long life low maintenance operation.. We
are fully equipped with International Standard Machinery to ensure
that all projects, designs, manufacturing, testing and assembly are
undertaken on our very own premises .

■ Single Source Full Project Design and Manufacture

■ Optimized Design to save chemical operational costs and
produce the highest quality of components.
■ Full Inhouse Manufacturing
■ Fully Machine Welded and Bent Tanks
■ Full Installation and Commissioning
■ National Installations
Completed Projects in South Africa:

■ Electroplating Plants ■ Automated 30 Plate Filter Press

■ Anodizing Plants ■ Plant Upgrades
■ Effluent Treatment ■ Plant Relocation
■ New Barrels ■ Titanium Jigs and Baskets
■ New Tanks ■ Fumeless Pickling Plants
■ Danglers ■ Water Recycle Systems
■ Filter Media ■ Chemical Air Scrubbers

www.sorlik.com
(T) +27 74 110-6959 / 074 110 6959 / 074 115 3985
(U) 481 Flower Close, Sam Green Street,Tunney Ext 9, Germiston
GPS Co-ordinates: 26˚09’25.3”S28˚10’55.8”E

Struan Orlik (Director) sorlik@sorlik.com +27 82 411 2427

Gavin Jacobs (Technical) gavin@sorlik.com +27 60 800 2704
 www.tdfiltration.co.za

WE SOLVE EFFLUENT PROBLEMS AFFORDABLY

Typical 40 plate filter press from Turnstone Danks

Stop having sleepless nights worrying about effluent
treatment problems! Let us give you a confidential
evaluation of what you need. We’ll quote you on basic
affordable equipment to ensure that you comply with
discharge regulations.
We’ve been in the electroplating, anodising and general
metal finishing business for more than 50 years. There
isn’t an effluent treatment situation that we haven’t
seen, nor a problem that we have not been able to
solve. Most importantly, we will sort your problems out
within your budget.

CONTACT: John Danks 083 326 5741

Apart from supplying the basic equipment needed to
monitor, dose and settle out solids we also build the
finest robust filter presses to squeeze water out of the
sludge. One thousand litres of watery sludge will
compress into a mere 20 litres of filter cake for disposal
- payback starts right away!
Call us today 083 326 5741. Learn how we customise a
system to deliver results for you!

40mm Pneumatic Diaphragm Pump

Custom Modular Effluent Treatment Plant

john@tdfiltration.co.za www.tdfiltration.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

As business owners in South Africa we sometimes

lose the positive outlook, as the reality of political
turmoil, labour issues, inconsistent power supply and
the continual battle to have money in the bank, tend
to strip away the joy of life.
The move for us has gone wonderfully well. Thanks
to Tony van der Spuy, a chance meeting with a
semi-retired English gentleman and his wife in Cape
Town, turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for me
to find employment in one of his electroplating plants,
based in Gloucester.
The gent is Anthony Poeton and his company is called
Poeton Industries (www.poeton.co.uk), a metal
finishing company supplying specialised coatings into
the aerospace industry.
I started here as a compliance engineer in the quality
department and then moved into the estimating
department, where I cost new work coming into the
company.
England has been very good to us, we enjoy the
lifestyle, the people we work with and especially the
“pub culture”! It’s not all a walk through the tulips
though. Right now, I miss the sun of Durban and we
miss the friends we left behind. We are, and always
will be, Africans in a strange land (and we are different
62
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

to the local folk, I can assure you), but we are loving

our new adventure over here in the UK.
Everything works here – it’s
amazing, but one thing the English … one thing the
do not have is a “boer maak ‘n plan” English do not
attitude. If a tank leaks, or the have is a “boer
extraction system is not working
maak ‘n plan”
properly, then we shut down the
line until some professional has attitude
looked at and repaired the problem!
I would like to wish you
all, on behalf of Sanette
and my beautiful son
Thomas, a wonderful and
blessed Christmas
season. It’s been a really
difficult year, if we can
get through this, we can
get through anything.
Take care, all of you,
regards Mark Wright.
Looking Up!

63
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

A Contribution from Frans Wilbrink

of Wilbrink and Associates

In the first of a series of articles, Frans Wilbrink

outlines a different method of resolving disputes
outside of actual litigation

The dispute resolution we all know

best is Litigation. We also know that we know that
litigation is extremely costly and litigation is
time consuming. In the following costly and
articles I would like to explain the time
different methods that can be used
consuming
to resolve disputes, as well as their
advantages and disadvantages.
The Alternative Dispute Resolutions
(ADR) to Litigation is Mediation,
Arbitration and Conciliation. Today
we would like to focus on Mediation,
a process that should be on every
one’s mind.

64 …..flip to pg 66
 ADVANCED HIGH TEMPERATURE
ZINC ELECTROPLATING WITH SUPER
BRIGHT ORACLE AZ-SB BRIGHTENER

KROME INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN THE

WORLD OF ZINC ELECTROPLATING

Zinc Electroplating allows the coating

of metals with a zinc layer to protect
the bare metals from corrosion or rust.
However, at high temperatures, acid-
zinc systems tend to oil-out, burn the
high current density areas and effect
the brittleness of the parts to be plated.
The ORACLE AZ-SB SOLUTIONS are
temperature stable allowing for 9A/dm² when run at 50°C without
compromising the quality and standard of the work.
Oracle AZ-SB System allows a customer to process higher outputs of
an existing system over a range of temperatures.

CONTACT KROME METAL CHEMICALS:

HIGH AMMONIA
HEAD OFFICE JHB BRANCH: 011-450-2680
TEMPERATURE FREE
DURBAN BRANCH: 031-701-1126
STABILITY BRIGHTENER
CAPE TOWN BRANCH: 021-551-0230
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

MEDIATION
Mediation is the processes whereby two
parties who are in a legal dispute with
one another use an impartial third party
(mediator) to assist in resolving the
dispute in the best interest of both
parties. The mediator will assist in
identifying the disputed issues, develop
options, consider alternatives and endeavour to reach
an agreement. Mediation may be undertaken
voluntarily, under a court order or subject to an
existing contractual agreement. Since recently Rule
41A of the Court Rules stipulates that Mediation must
have been considered (attempted) before a civil case
can be taken to court.
Some of the most important
advantages of mediation are: Important
● The relatively high rate of set-
advantages
tlement of mediation
● The high level of compliance
with the terms of the settlement agreements
● Great cost savings
● The speed by which a settlement can be
reached (weeks rather than years)
66
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

● The dispute remains confidential. (This is for

most clients an especially important fact, not like
with litigation which happens in an open court)
● It preserves an ongoing working relationship
(both parties work to a mutual beneficial
arrangement – not winner takes all)
● The terms of the settlement are optimal – (they
have been mutually agreed upon)
Some of the factors that favour mediation are:
● A good ongoing working rela-
tionship between the parties
is of importance (both par-
ties have worked towards a
mutually beneficial agree-
ment)
● Both parties want to retain control over the
outcome of the settlement
● Both sides believe that they have a good case
● There is no great disparity in power between the
parties and if there is, a good mediator will
ensure that the dominant party does not
overshadow the smaller party

67 …..flip to pg 70
 S A Metal Finisher Issue 30
KROME introduces a novel ACID
ZINC/NICKEL PLATING PROCESS to
South Africa from leading Global
supplier, ATOTECH

NEWEST

Zinni® 220 is a highly innovative

improvement of the well-known and
established predecessor Zinni® 210.
Depending on the requirements, Zinni®
220 allows to choose between bright, semi
bright or matt coatings. Zinni® 220
combines the outstanding corrosion
protective properties of Zinni® 210 with
an improved throwing power resulting in
higher thickness in low current density
areas.

A homogeneous nickel incorporation of

12–15% is achieved within a wide
current density range.
Zinni® 220 was especially developed
for the direct plating of cast iron in rack
applications and is approved by the
brake calliper industry.
It is also applicable for barrel production.

68
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Std
Std Acid
Alkaline Zinni®
Zinc
Zinc 220
Nickel
Nickel

Barrel Plating onto Cast Iron - + ++

Best Choice for Rack and Barrel ++ + +++

Brightness (Homogenity) + ++ +++

Current Efficiency/Productivity + ++ +++

Thickness Distribution +++ + +++

Corrosion Protection +++ +++ +++

Wastewater Treatment ++ ++ ++

Total Running Cost (energy,

additive consumption, plating + ++ +++
speed,…..)

- problematic + good + + very good + + + excellent

CONTACT KROME METAL CHEMICALS FOR MORE INFORMATION

JHB: 011-450-2680 KZN: 031-701-1126

69
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

● A speedy resolution is of importance (weeks

rather than years)
● Both communication and misunderstanding are
largely to blame for the dispute
● Highly complex technical issues are involved
● Adverse publicity is not desired by either party
● Confidentiality is of importance to the parties
● The case will in all probability be settled out of
court anyway
● Neither side really wants to litigate
What can be mediated?
Nearly any dispute can be mediated,
mediation is
provided the opposing party is ready
for mediation. Where a settlement often the
is possible in principle, mediation is most
often the most effective process to effective
achieve it in terms suitable to both process
parties.
Matters that cannot be mediated are:
● Where a precedent needs to be set (this can only
be done by a court)

70
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

● There is no bona fide dispute

● There is no need for a remedy that mediation
could not achieve such as an interdict,
mandatory order, divorce, criminal matters or
liquidation of a company
● It would not be in the public interest for a person
to compromise his / her rights e.g. determining
a person’s sanity
AN EXAMPLE OF A RECENT MEDIATION CASE:
Company A had a credit limit of R 1 million with
company X for the supply of various chemicals. At the
end of March 2020 the well-known level 5 lockdown
was proclaimed. No company except for “essential”
companies, was allowed to operate. This resulted in
a loss of income, yet certain expenses had to be met.
Company A was no longer able to pay its supplier X
as:
a) it was waiting to be paid by its clients and

71
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

b) it had to pay certain essential services. In real

terms Company A was insolvent. It approached
Wilbrink and Associates to assist with the
dilemma they were in.
We approached Company X to “discuss” the
predicament of Company A. If they demanded full
payment immediately, Company A would have had no
choice but to go into liquidation. Company X would
then only receive a fraction of the money owed. We
were able to persuade them to mediate a better
outcome.
We brought the two companies together at a neutral
venue. During the first combined meeting both parties
put forward their companies’ problems / limitations.
We then split them up into their own
companies and I had discussions suggestions
with each group individually. I put on how to
forward some suggestions how to overcome
overcome the “impossible” hurdles. “impossible”
Some were rejected, others were hurdles
accepted and others were accepted
with conditions to them.
Once I felt that we could reach some form of
consensus I bought the two parties together and with
some hard bargaining we were able to reach overall
72 …..flip to pg 74
Krome Metal Chemicals has been appointed as the official
CyPlus Röhm Cyanide distributors for the South African
Metal Finishing Industry.
High plating and purity grade Sodium Cyanide
and Potassium Cyanide, that meet German,
European and International standards of
Cyanide for the Metal Industry are available
from Krome Metal Chemicals.
All legal regulations and procedures are
followed by Krome Metal Chemicals and
Partners to ensure safe, proper and legal use
of CyPlus product offering. Contact Krome to
be placed on the register.

FUMECONTROL LF 21-2 Fume & Spray

Suppressant for Chromium Plating.
Significant reduction of chromic acid mist in the work area and meets
required emission rates for safety. Exceeds any competitive processes
available to market. Lower chromium replenishment costs resulting from
reduced drag-out and spray-loss of plating solution and less chance of
contamination of adjacent plating solutions by chromic acid mist.
Can increase life of ventilating and other plating room equipment. Low to
Medium Foam Blanket. Designed to run like the old chrome suppressants.

Contact KROME METAL CHEMICALS for more information

JHB: 011-450-2680 | KZN: 031-701-1126 | CPT: 021-551-0230
www.krome.co.za
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

agreement. An agreement was drawn up and signed

by both parties. This agreement could, if the parties
wanted, have been made an order of court.
In essence the parties agreed:
● Company A was in debt to Company X to the tune
of R 874 998.98
● Both agreed that if Company X does not supply
Company A with chemicals, Company A would
not be able to operate and it would have had to
go into liquidation.
● The outstanding debt would be the
kept on hold but attracting
outstanding
interest of 5% per annum.
debt would
● Company X agreed to sell be kept on
Chemicals to Company A on an hold
absolute limited credit basis.
● Once a turnover of 60% of its original turnover
was achieved, Company A would pay the interest
attracted as well as 2.5% of its original debt
monthly.
● Once the turnover reaches 80%, the repayments
would be increased to 7.5% of its original debt.

74
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

● Once the Company achieves 100% of its original

turnover, the repayment rate would increase to
10% of its original debt.
● Company X would have access to Company A’s
books to ensure fair handling of the situation.
Wilbrink and Associates were also retained to
oversee the process and ensure fairness.
Both companies had to give something (Company A
had to open its books to Company X, while the latter
lost some liquidity) but both have won, i.e. Company
A can continue to be in business and Company X’s
losses have been minimized to possibly zero or very
close to zero. A WIN – WIN Situation.

Frans originally obtained his BSc degree from

University of Natal. In later years he completed
post graduate studies in civil mediation at the
North West University. Today Frans is an AFSA and
ADR mediator assisting companies with labour and
technical disputes. During 1992 he had founded
Wilbrink and Associates, a consultancy
specialising in Occupational Health and Safety. Frans is well known
to SAMFA for his assistance in the DANIDA sponsored health and
safety project in the metal finishing industry.

Wilbrink & Associates

Tel: 031 266 9035

75
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Advertisers Index
Page Links

Accurate Automation 32
Accurate Automation - Effluent 21
Anderbolt Electroplaters 50
Astro Aluminium 14
Coating Techniques SA 7
E S Mowat & Sons 23
E S Mowat & Sons 57
Elio Electro Tech 12
G W Industries 79
Hanna Instruments 2
Hi-Tech Elements 45
Krome CyPlus Röhm Cyanide 73
Krome Oracle Zn Brightener 65
76
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30

Page Links

Krome Zinni 220 Zn/Ni System 68

Metalchem 36
Nexor 240 10
Powder Rite 78
Powder-Lak 18 25
Pro-Galv Hot Dip Galvanizers 39
PTL Products 11
Pulver Coatings 29
S Orlik (Pty) Ltd 58
SDE - Electroplating 38
St Kilda Chemicals 42
Swift Heat 55
Synergy Chemicals 47
Turnstone Danks Filtration 60
77
S A Metal Finisher Issue 30
POWDER-RITE CC
We manufacture the following
equipment:
● Cyclone Recovery Systems
● Reverse Pulse After Filters
● Powder Coating Spray
Booths
● Powder Coating Spray
Tunnels
● Infra Red Ovens
● Camel Back Ovens
● Batch Ovens
● Conveyors
● Pre-treatment Systems
● Reciprocators and Sieves
● Spare parts for all makes
of powder coating units
● Gravity Chain
● Paint Spray booths & Dry
Filters

CONTACT US ON 011 609 0783

14 Simba Street, Sebenza, 1610
www.powder-rite.com
78
 G.W. Industries
Plating & Anodising Tanks
Fume Extraction Ducting & Hoods
Plastic High Drainage Floor Grating
Chemical & Water Storage Tanks
Plastic Pipe, Fittings & Valves

www.gwindustries.com

KZN Phone 031 700 4525 JHB Phone 011 452 2325
Fax 031 700 2908 Fax 011 452 2904
 Published by the South African Metal Finishing Association
December 2020

SAMFA, PostNet Suite 39, Private Bag X3, Plumstead, 7801.

Email: headoffice@samfa.org.za | www.samfa.org.za
Tel: 021 761 8537 Cell: 082 553 2463