Take the Airline & Aerospace Finishing (CAF) live at SUR/FIN 2025 in Rosemont, Illinois.

4 Sessions, Monday, June 2-Thursday June 5, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM CT. 

Course Description: This course will provide a broad range of information related to metal finishing operations that are ‎common in the Airline/Aerospace industry.‎

Learning Objectives: Those completing this course and/or earning the CAF certification are able to demonstrate

• Expertise in each step of the surface finishing process related to the aerospace industry ‎from preparation & manufacturing to final inspection.‎
• The ability to anticipate, recognize, diagnose, troubleshoot, and correct surface finishing ‎discrepancies, anomalies, or defects.‎
• Competence in matching plating strategy to the end-use application and environment

Recommended Time and Experience: The CAF Prep Course and Exam covers advanced processes and techniques that require a strong ‎Foundation in chemistry and math only provided through work experience and/or specialized ‎training. The course and exam are structured for an individual who has at least 3 years’ experience in ‎the Aerospace or the Surface Finishing industry. A two-year degree or higher in a STEM related ‎program is helpful but not required.‎

Designed For: Individuals working in a facility following NADCAP standards. It is recommended, but not limited to ‎individuals in the following positions: Quality & Plating Management; Vendors and Suppliers of ‎Chemistry & Equipment on the commercial and technical level; Technical Specialists (R&D, Lab) ‎within Aerospace.

Course Content Level: Advanced (300 level)‎

Approx Hours to Complete: ‎40 Hours‎

Elective: Primary Elective for Master Surface Finishers (MSF) designation.‎

Instructor: Doug Deeken

The CAF Exam covers advanced processes and techniques that require a strong Foundation in chemistry and math only provided through work experience and/or specialized training. The exam is structured for an individual who has at least 3 years’ experience in the Aerospace or the Surface Finishing industry. A two-year degree or higher in a STEM related program is helpful but not required.   

‎18 Sessions, Tuesday & Wednesday, 12:00 – 2:00 ET.  Begins August 19 and ends October 15, 2025. ‎

Registration Deadline: August 11, 2025

Course Description: This course will provide a broad range of information related to metal finishing operations that are ‎common in the Airline/Aerospace industry.‎

Learning Objectives: Those completing this course and/or earning the CAF certification are able to demonstrate

• Expertise in each step of the surface finishing process related to the aerospace industry ‎from preparation & manufacturing to final inspection.‎
• The ability to anticipate, recognize, diagnose, troubleshoot, and correct surface finishing ‎discrepancies, anomalies, or defects.‎
• Competence in matching plating strategy to the end-use application and environment

Recommended Time and Experience: The CAF Prep Course and Exam covers advanced processes and techniques that require a strong ‎Foundation in chemistry and math only provided through work experience and/or specialized ‎training. The course and exam are structured for an individual who has at least 3 years’ experience in ‎the Aerospace or the Surface Finishing industry. A two-year degree or higher in a STEM related ‎program is helpful but not required.‎

Designed For: Individuals working in a facility following NADCAP standards. It is recommended, but not limited to ‎individuals in the following positions: Quality & Plating Management; Vendors and Suppliers of ‎Chemistry & Equipment on the commercial and technical level; Technical Specialists (R&D, Lab) ‎within Aerospace.

Course Content Level: Advanced (300 level)‎

Approx Hours to Complete: ‎40 Hours‎

Elective: Primary Elective for Master Surface Finishers (MSF) designation.‎

Instructor: Jeff Lord

The Airline & Aerospace Surface Finishing (CAF) Self Study Course will provide a broad range of information related to metal finishing operations that are common in the Airline/Aerospace industry. It is designed for, but not limited to, individuals working in a facility following NADCAP standards in the following positions: Quality & Plating Management; Vendors and Suppliers of Chemistry & Equipment on the commercial and technical level; Technical Specialists (R&D, Lab) within Aerospace. 

The Aluminum Finishing Exam covers the pre-treatment, application of topcoats, anodizing, and testing of Aluminum substrates. it is designed for, but not limited to, operators with some level of aluminum finishing experience including but not limited to plating line work, supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎

The Aluminum Finishing Self Study Course provides an in-depth understanding of the pre-treatment, application of topcoats, anodizing, and testing of Aluminum substrates. In addition, it provides the student a clear understanding of the steps necessary for properly finishing ‎aluminum alloys. It is designed for, but not limited to, Operators with some level of aluminum finishing experience including but not limited to plating line work, supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎

Welcome to the NASF Foundation Chemistry Challenge! We're excited you're here and look forward to supporting your professional development journey. This short, 8-question Chemistry Challenge is designed to assess your understanding of chemistry concepts related to the surface finishing industry. So, are you ready to test your knowledge?

The Chemistry Refresher course will cover important concepts that must be mastered to be successful in the courses listed on the previous tab and on any of the respective exams where a demonstration of knowledge will be required.  It covers basic chemistry concepts including definitions, chemical reactions, and chemical ‎properties as they relate to the industry. ‎

It is designed for individuals who scored less than 100% on the NASF Foundation Chemistry Challenge and/or are intending to take the more advanced plating courses listed below.     

• Aluminum Finishing 
• Chromium Plating 
• Electroless Deposition 
• Wastewater Management  
• Industrial & Precious Metals  
• Plating Essentials 
• Zinc & Zinc Alloy 

The Chromium Plating Exam covers the applications, properties, and safety requirements of using functional chrome. It is designed for but not limited to operators with ‎some level of chrome plating experience including but not limited to plating line work, ‎supervisors,‎ sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.‎ ‎

8 Sessions, Tuesday & Wednesday, 12:00 – 2:00 ET.  Begins April 29 and ends May 21, 2025.

Registration Deadline

April 21, 2025

Course Description

This course provides an in-depth understanding of the applications, properties, and safety requirements when using functional chrome.  It explains why functional chrome would be used and how it would be applied to a substrate.

Learning Objectives

Those completing this course and/or earning a certificate in Chromium Plating are able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the application and properties of functional chrome as well as the safe handling, storage, and uses for this chemistry.
• Recognize the proper functions of equipment, waste-treatment handling, regulatory requirements, and the role of catalysts and additives in hard-chrome applications.
• Articulate the importance of pre-treatment preparation including masking, blasting, and monitoring and control of the most common chemical methods.

Recommended Time and Experience

Some experience or training in the art and science of functional chrome plating is recommended. For those a few years away from taking any chemistry courses, the Chemistry Refresher course offered by NASF Foundation is highly recommended, but not required as a pre-requisite.

Designed For

But not limited to: Operators with some level of chrome plating experience including but not limited to plating line work, supervisors, sales personnel serving metal finishers and managers.

Course Content Level

Intermediate to Advanced (200 to 300 Level)

Approx Hours to Complete

10 Hours

Elective

Core Elective for Master Surface Finishers (MSF) designation.

Instructor

Doug Deeken