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Home / Experts / Chad Morrison

Chad Morrison

Publisher at Fabricating & Metalworking Magazine Helena, Alabama USA [email protected] www.fabricatingandmetalworking.com

Articles by Chad Morrison

New Survey Reveals the Bane of Fabrication Bottlenecks

MC Machinery, production bottlenecks, material handling, fiber laser cutting system, Nick Plourde, FABTECH 2024

A new survey of over 500 fabricators found that more than 90 percent struggle with production bottlenecks, with 85 percent saying material handling and bending are the primary sources of gridlock. MC Machinery surveyed fabricators via an anonymous online survey…

OptiMAX 60X

OptiMAX 60X, OMAX Corp., OptiMAX 60X JetMachining Center, OptiMAX 60X, 10′-x-5’ 2”, EnduroMAX direct drive pump, IntelliMAX Premium is industry-leading software, IntelliTRAX drive system, OMAX Technology Guarantee, OMAX software upgrades for the life of the machine

The OptiMAX 60X is the culmination of three decades of engineering expertise for a new generation of waterjet systems that quickly turn prints into parts with reduced dependency on highly experienced operators.

Think Outside the Generator Box

Ryan Adams, George Myers, ESAB automation team, ESAB’s Technology & Research Center, Aristo® 500ix heavy industrial power source, RobustFeed U82 wire feeder, Universal Robots’ robotic arm, Siegmund weld table, TIG to MIG, A36 bar stock, 4340 ultra-high strength steel, ER90S-B9 filler metal, ER70S MIG wire, Grinding the plate to shiny metal., Using a fixture to clamp three base plates to the Siegmund table., Pre-heating the 4340 steel lifting hubs to 350oF using an oven, Pre-heating the 4340 steel lifting hubs to 350oF using an oven, Using a jig made in-house to perfectly center the hubs on the base plate, Using the cobot to make two tack welds on each hub, Using a rosebud to maintain the pre-heat temperatures, as well as checking the interpass temperature with an IR gun, Welding a root and cover pass on each hub, TIG welding process, Justin Mitchell, UR20e cobot arm, mechanized track welders, Brandon Allen, Exploring Automation, ASC deployed an ESAB cobot (collaborative robot), ¼” steel plate, I-beams and C-channel, Acoustical Sheetmetal Company (ASC), Think Outside the Generator Box

Power generation packager adds ESAB cobot, updates WPS from TIG to MIG and increases production five-fold for a critical part.

New THOR F Combines High Performance Thermal & Mechanical Cutting

Tecoi USA, THOR® F, Tecoi Hyper Operative Range, plate processing machine, Booth# S24189, heavy-duty thermal cutting, THOR F, plasma and oxyfuel cutting, optional beveling system, optional tube and profile lathe, plasma cutting operations, plasma cutting operations, central XX axis, Bevel Arc® beveling system, ± 50° with plasma or oxyfuel with maximum precision, Tecoi’s Driltec® system, CAT 50 tool storage, Tecoi’s THOR F cutting table, raisable drawers, Tecoi’s Ecotec® filters, Dustec® system, New THOR F Combines High Performance Thermal & Mechanical Cutting

THOR F integrates plasma and oxyfuel cutting with an optional beveling system, and an optional tube and profile lathe. It also combines plate cutting with edge preparation and numerous mechanical machining operations, including milling, drilling, tapping, countersinking, marking, etc.

Automated 6-Axis Structural Steel Robotic Beam Cutting Machine

Automated 6-Axis Structural Steel Robotic Beam Cutting Machine, Machitech, Beamcut BC25, robotic 3D CNC cell and platform for cutting metal parts and profiles, structural steel shape, high-definition Hypertherm plasma technology, Hypertherm XPR460 plasma, Silver Cut plasma table, pipe cutting attachment, Electric Press Brake, 2D DXF AutoCAD files, DSTV files, Beamcut Soft software, robotic cutting, CNC plasma cutting systems, fiber laser cutting systems, light industrial CNC plasma cutting tables, heavy-duty industrial CNC routers, pipe cutting systems, robotic beam cutting systems and press brakes

The Beamcut System 3D Robotic Profile Cutting Machine cuts any shape from mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with high repeatability and accuracy. It eliminates costly layouts and grinding, simplifies fabrication, minimizes errors, and boosts production speeds.

Norton Invites FABTECH attendees to “Work Smart with Norton”

Norton, “Work Smart with Norton”, FABTECH 2024, Booth #W3301, October 15-17, Norton RazorStar, Norton Abrasive Process Solutions (APS) Program, Norton Vortex® Rapid Prep Non-Woven Flap Discs, Norton Vortex® Rapid Blend Coarse Grit Wheels and Discs, Norton QUANTUM3™ (NQ3) Line of Grinding and Cutting Wheels, “Norton for Aluminum” Thin Wheels, self-sharpening aluminum oxide grain, smear-free finishes, hard-to-grind metals, carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel, nickel alloys, automated grinding, toughest grinding applications

Saint-Gobain Abrasives, one of the world’s largest abrasives manufacturers, has announced that at FABTECH 2024, Booth #W3301, located in the Orange County Convention Center, 9800 International Drive Orlando, FL from October 15-17, it will feature how to “Work Smart with…

VDW to Host Complimentary Breakfast and Panel Discussion at IMTS 2024

VDW, Host Complimentary Breakfast and Panel Discussion, IMTS 2024, The German Machine Tool Builders' Association (VDW), Emo Hannover Breakfast

The German Machine Tool Builders’ Association (VDW) is pleased to announce a special complimentary breakfast event at the upcoming International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) 2024 in Chicago to promote the EMO Hannover Trade Show, the world’s leading trade fair for the metalworking industry. This exclusive event will take place on September 10th from 8:00 to 10:00 am in Room S404D 250 at McCormick Place, South Building, Level 4.

2D Vision Sensor Delivers Out-of-the-Box AI Machine Vision Inspections

Inspector83x 2D vision sensor, SICK, AI inspections, AI machine vision, SICK Nova foundation software, SICK dStudio

With the launch of its Inspector83x 2D vision sensor, SICK has enabled out-of-the-box Artificial Intelligence machine vision inspections for common inline inspection tasks in demanding high-speed production. The no-stress teach-in capability of the SICK Inspector83x can be used by non-specialists…

New Kwik Kut-100 Cutting Machine

Kwik Mark, Kwik Kut-100 Cutting Machine, Kwik Mark Inc.

Simple to operate and understand, the Kwik Kut from Kwik Mark transforms manual cutting tasks into a streamlined process with enhanced accuracy, cut quality, and improved employee morale.

New Cabinet Cooler Systems for Explosive Environments

EXAIR, electrical enclosures, ATEX Cabinet Cooler Systems, NEMA 4/4X, CE compliant and UL tested

EXAIR’s new 316 Stainless Steel ATEX Cabinet Cooler Systems have cooling capacities up to 5,600 Btu/Hr., and are an ideal answer for protecting electrical enclosures with problematic overheating in areas with explosive atmospheres, both indoors and outdoors.

New Cutting-Edge OptX 2kW Handheld Laser Welder

Miller Electric, Miller Electric Manufacturing, Dave Lambert, OptX™ 2kW handheld laser welder, IPG Photonics Corporation, welding shops, welding, laser welder, precision welding, fabrication, TIG

Miller Electric Mfg. developed the new handheld laser welder in collaboration with IPG Photonics Corp., to create an easy-to-use welder to support welding shops amid the ongoing labor shortage by unlocking the capacity of their workforce and dramatically boosting productivity.

Advanced Parting at a 90° Angle

Fredrik Selin, Sandvik Coromant, CoroCut QD Y-axis, parting tools, turning centers, multitasking machines

Sandvik Coromant announces CoroCut QD for Y-axis parting, which improves surface quality, and creates less vibration compared to conventional parting off, resulting in less noise.

Advanced parting at a 90-degree angle

Sandvik Coromant, CoroCut® QD Y-axis parting tools, CoroCut® QD Y-axis tools, improved surface quality, reduced vibration, higher blade stiffness, Y-axis parting, X-axis of the machine tool, CoroCut® QD, Fredrik Selin, increased blade stiffness of up to 600 percent, turning centers, multitask machines with Y-axis

Sandvik Coromant announces CoroCut® QD for Y-axis parting. Optimized to enable improved surface quality, reduced vibration and higher blade stiffness.

Shaft Collars and Mounts Adjust Quickly Without Tools

Stafford Manufacturing Corp.’s Quick-adjust Products, Flip-Lok, Staff-Lok Lever-actuated shaft collar, Python™ Flange Mounting Collar, SlipKnot

Stafford Manufacturing Corp.’s Quick-adjust Products feature the Flip-Lok with a split hub and an integral adjustable clamp, the Staff-Lok Lever-actuated shaft collar, and the Python Flange Mounting Collar with a six-hole bolt pattern and keyway.

The New Benchmark Grade for Thread Milling

Walter Tiger·tec Gold grade WSM37G, inserts, thread mills, multiple layer coating, indexable inserts

Walter’s Tiger·tec Gold grade WSM37G is for indexable insert thread mills. The indexable inserts feature a unique, one-of-a-kind, physical vapor deposition aluminum oxide (Al2O3) coating technology.

Collet Pads and Jaws Enhance Job Shop Capabilities and Efficiencies

Dillon collet pads and jaws allow job shops to expand their machining capabilities, with thru-hole chucks that hold small bar stock for Swiss-type machining, and tube stock. Dillon’s unique Carbinite coating securely grips parts with varied geometries and allows more…

New Quick Zero Setting Devices Enhance Efficiency

Fixtureworks Quick Zero Setting Devices, clamp, mounting plate

These new innovative and practical devices from Fixtureworks help reduce downtime and improve quality. The easy-to-use and easy-to-install devices are used to locate and clamp workpieces to further ensure stability and precise location.

New Subscription Service for 3D Fixture Modelling Software

FixtureBuilder 8.1, Renishaw, advanced CAD-based metrology fixturing, software, modelling software, fixturing components

Renishaw’s FixtureBuilder allows quick creation and documentation of advanced CAD-based metrology fixturing setups for repeatable and productive part inspection. Full CAD compatibility, custom libraries, and a “Build It” function that automates set ups and simplifies purchasing of components.

SigmaNEST 24 Suite Connects CAD/CAM, Shop Floor and Business Systems

SigmaNEST 24 Suite Connects CAD/CAM, Shop Floor and Business Systems, SigmaNEST 24 Suite, Connected Shop workflow, ERP system, Connected Shop, SigmaBEND AP, SigmaTUBE 24, SOLIDWORKS, SigmaNEST platform, SigmaNEST/SimTrans environment, SimTrans 24, SigmaQUOTE, SigmaMRP, Sandvik, Sandvik SMF, Kevin Ramirez

SigmaNEST, is pleased to announce version 24 of the software suite. The new release gives fabricators the tools to reach higher productivity throughout the shop, while being easy and intuitive to use. SigmaNEST 24 suite helps users in three ways: Deeper software integration, a more effective UI, and CAD/CAM enhancements that drive predictably high-quality output at the machine.

Wintriss Expands U.S. Sales and Service Representation

Brandon Robbins, Director, Southern Press Solutions, Midwest Press and Automation, LLC, Wintriss, sales and service

Wintriss distributor Midwest Press and Automation, LLC has broadened its coverage to include southern Ohio and Kentucky after successfully covering Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina, Virginia and Illinois. Wintriss has also added a new distributor partner, Southern Press Solutions (Blairsville, GA), covering Alabama and Georgia.

Seco Partners With Instagram Influencer Swemachinist

At Seco, this opportunity has entailed working out completely new strategies and approaches, the goal being to provide added value to customers and other stakeholders, as well as the Swemachinist followers.

Hunter Precision Tool Builds Foundation on Precision Ground Saw Blades

Hunter Precision Tool, Vollmer Vpuluse 500 wire EDM machine, CNC grinding, PCD tools, carbide, and HSS tools, drilling tools, boring tools, inserts, machining centers, VOLLMER CHD270 with an ND230 automation system, Johnny Migedt, Ron Migedt

The cornerstone for Hunter Precision Tool is the sales, re-grinding and servicing of circular saw blades – a business division that continues to grow. At the core of this department is the VOLLMER CHD270 with an ND230 automation system. The company has recently invested in the VOLLMER VPulse 500 wire EDM machine.

ProCAM Software Suite Developed for Profilers by Profilers

HGG Profiling Equipment, pipes, profiling machines, software, ProCAM, ProCAM Lite, 3D profiling, Weibe Wiersma, CAD/CAM

HGG Profiling Equipment recently partnered with SDS/2 to create a plugin that directly links to ProCAM. The plugin enables direct definition of cutting information in the SDS/2 CAD model, including detection of holes and pipe notches.

Mazak Brings Speed and Precision Machining to PRI 2023

Mazak, Mazak’s QT-Ez 8MSY Turning Machine, PRI 2023, VC-Ez 20X Vertical Machining Center, SYNCREX 38/9X Swiss-style Turning Machine, Performance Racing Industry, MAZATROL SmoothEz5 CNC

Mazak will demonstrate three automation-ready machines designed with motorsports part production in mind, including the VC-Ez 20X Vertical Machining Center that provides accurate and cost-effective processing of complex parts via 3+2 or full 5-axis machining.

Online Exclusive: Klöckner & Co.’s Acquisition of U.S. Metal Components Fabricator Expands Its Offerings in North America

Klöckner & Co., Kloeckner Metals Corp., expansion, John Ganem, heavy machinery OEMs, steel fabrication market, metal fabrication, steel and metal products, distribution, Industrial Manufacturing Services, fabrication business, National Material of Mexico, CO2-reduced steel and metal products, machinists

The Kloeckner Metals Corp.’s addition of Industrial Manufacturing Services marks a significant step up the value chain by creating a growth platform for the company. Kloeckner’s ability to offer a fully integrated supply chain solution for fabricated parts and components creates value by simultaneously increasing efficiency and reducing complexity for its OEM customers.

TRUMPF’s Leibinger Receives the Schawlow Award

Peter Leibinger, TRUMPF Supervisory Board Chairman, Laser Institute of America, Schawlow Award

The award recognizes outstanding achievements leading to a fundamental understanding of laser technology and its applications. The award is named after Nobel Prize winner Arthur L. Schawlow and has been presented since 1982.

Powerfully Simple, Simply Powerful: GibbsCAM 2024

Tobias Unosson, GibbsCAM 2024, GibbsCAM, Sandvik Coromant, CoroPlus Tool Library, cutting tool software, ISO 13399, cloud-based tool library, digital connectivity, CAM, CAD, Sandvik Coromant’s PrimeTurning, inserts, milling, Thorsten Strauß, Marc Freebrey, machining centers

GibbsCAM announces the release of GibbsCAM 2024, which continues to boost end-user productivity for programming advanced machining centers, underpinning the GibbsCAM promise of Powerfully Simple, Simply Powerful.

Versatile Parting and Grooving to Stay on Track

Sandvik Coromant, CoroCut 1-2, CoroCut 2, parting, grooving, Jenny Claus, internal coolant, clamping finger design, parting blades, inserts, Fredrik Selin, CoroCut QD, CoroCut QF

Cutting tool and tooling system specialist Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its long-established CoroCut® 1-2 parting and grooving concept. Improved stability, even greater flexibility and significant productivity gains are just some of the benefits offered by the new CoroCut® 2 system.

A Drill to Trust for Nickel-based HRSA Components

CoroDrill 860 with -SD geometry, Sandvik Coromant, Robert Smith, HRSA materials, fine-grained cemented carbide substrate, PVD coating, aerospace industry, aircraft engine parts

Global metal cutting leader Sandvik Coromant has introduced a new solid carbide drill optimized for drilling in nickel-based heat-resistant super alloy (HRSA) materials, with a standard drilling depth capability of up to 8 × D.

Smart, Self-programming Robot that Sets Its Own Weld Path

TRUMPF, Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, arc welding robot, Sven Klingschat, smart seam tracking function, TruArc Weld 1000 arc-welding machines, cold metal transfer

TRUMPF’s new arc-welding robot that programs its own weld path is now available in North America. The smart sensor enables the robot to determine weld spots automatically, and the technology helps tackle the shortage of skilled workers.

Innovation on a Larger Scale

Siemens, Ingersoll Machine Tools, digital twin, robotic fiber replacement, additive manufacturing, automation, Sinumerik 840D sl CNC to include Run MyRobot, Robotic FP, Siemens Virtual NC Controller Kernel (VNCK) simulation software, MasterPrint, Jason Melcher, 3D printing, CNCs

Robotic fiber placement and 3D printing enable disruptive breakthroughs in today’s manufacturing processes. See what Siemens and Ingersoll Machine Tools are up to.

New Audio AI and Solutions for Welding Quality Control

New Audio AI and Solutions for Welding Quality Control, Xiris Automation, camera-based solutions, quality control in the metal fabrication industry, groundbreaking artificial intelligence (AI) audio tool for welding, Audio AI tool, Xiris’ WeldMic™, Xiris’ WeldStudio™ 3 Pro software, Cameron Serles

Xiris Automation’s showcase at FABTECH is the release of its AI tool designed to process welding audio signals. With the Audio AI tool, fabricators can now establish an acceptable range of audio signals for welding processes and receive real-time alarms for anomalies such as burn-through and wire feed skips that could indicate welding defects.

New Medical Product Sales Manager for Star SU

James Doughty, Star SU, product sales manager, medical sales, NXT 5-axis tool grinder

James Doughty is the new product sales manager responsible for national medical sales for Star SU, part of the Star Cutter Co. He will be responsible for expanding the use of the company’s NXT 5-axis tool grinder.

Sandvik Coromant’s Mills-Hendrix to Speak at Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT

Aisha Mills-Hendrix, Sandvik Coromant, Women in Manufacturing SUMMIT

Aisha Mills-Hendrix, a regional sales manager for Sandvik Coromant, will present “Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Advancement, Self-Advocacy, and Resilience” on Tuesday, Sept. 26, from 1 to 1:45 p.m. She will discuss how women can overcome challenges while also offering best practices and strategies to support the advancement of women in the manufacturing industry workplace.

10 Tips for Purchasing Tools on a Budget

David Zagar, Paula Bass, KBC Tools & Machinery, machinists, tool and die makers, millwrights, CNC operators, Digital Read Out, KBC Brand, drilling tools, band saws, threading tools, abrasives, metalworking fluids

“Anticipating problems and equipping your teams, with hard-to-acquire products, is more important than ever. Having the right items “on-hand” eliminates time and problems — even better at a discount.”

ANCA Launches Inaugural Female Machinist Award

Female Machinist Award, CNC grinding machines, ANCA, tool and cutter grinding, Johanna Boland

The new award will celebrate women’s achievements in the tool and cutter grinding industry. The winner will be rewarded with a fully funded ticket to attend a prominent trade show where ANCA is exhibiting, providing an invaluable opportunity for the winner to connect with industry professionals.

Air Powered Abrasive Belt Machine Converts to a Die Grinder or Drill

Work Smarter to Achieve Consistent and Higher Surface Quality, Air Powered Abrasive Belt Machine Converts to a Die Grinder or Drill, Dynabrade, Inc., Dynafile II air powered abrasive belt machine, grinding head that pivots 360°, 20,000 rpm direct-drive air motor, powers abrasive belts 1/4"-to-3/4" x 18" long, trouble-free belt tracking, cold air transmission, reducing tool vibration, 1/4" collet, abrasive power tools

40320 Dynafile® II offers ergonomic 7° offset design. The tool’s grinding
head pivots a full 360° for securing in most efficient position. Application
shows Dynafile® II fitted with optional 11204 Contact Arm, allowing
slack of abrasive belt to efficiently polish radiused areas.

Sneak Preview: FABTECH 2023

Speed to Market Matters: Manufacturer Shares how to get There Faster, Bluco® Corp., Brian Dodsworth, 100% square welding application, manufactures positioning, robotic and machining applications

Foremost metal fabrication event returns to Chicago with live product demonstrations, a comprehensive conference portion, unique events and much more.

New Rigid Industrial-grade Micro Fiberscopes

Titan Tool Supply, micro fiberscopes, visual inspections, L-Series Rigid Industrial Micro Fiberscopes

Titan Tool Supply Inc.’s L-Series is designed to perform accurate and reliable remote visual inspections and diagnostics in hard-to-reach, remote areas without the need for machinery and equipment disassembly or disruption.

Made to Measure

Metrologic Group, 3D measurement software, Sandvik, 3D metrology, 3D metrology, Metrologic’s software, Bertrand Gili, Industrial Metrology Technology, ZeroTouch® Flexible Metrology Platform, DWFritz, Sandvik Group, Metrologic Group’s Metrolog X4® software, DWFritz laser-based machine, Metrologic’s 3D point cloud computation, ZeroTouch solution, ZeroTouch

Modern 3D metrology is becoming the eyes and ears of the production floor, bringing multiple advantages to the manufacturing world.

BLM GROUP at FABTECH Mexico 2023

BLM GROUP, FABTECH México, AST8-VE, E-FLEX, ELECT40, LS7, SMART, laser cutting, bending machine, electric tube bending machine, all-electric vertical tube end-forming machine, wire bending machine, BLMelements, software, BLManalytics, production data

This international event is the ideal venue to present BLM’s LS7 together with its broad portfolio of technological innovations.

Siemens creates new vertical market dedicated to Intralogistics in the U.S

Siemens, Intralogistics, best-in-class material handling, hardware automation, digital transformation, cybersecurity, safety, Joel Thomas, Intralogistics vertical, intralogistics industry, Siemens TIA Portal, Siemens software portfolio, Supply Chain Suite (SCS), data-driven analysis, simulation and optimization of logistical processes

Although the industry is evolving to facilitate the market’s demands, businesses continue to struggle with both traditional and new challenges. Either it is growing inventory, turnover rates, small order quantities with fast delivery times or increasing need to save energy and to be sustainable. With the reliable technology for material handling equipment, we help you overcome these challenges.