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The Best of Times, The Worst of Times
Many manufacturers are feeling cautious about the economy and hesitant to make new investments until they get a better sense of certainty. But things are changing faster than ever now. Here are some industry forecasts about some market sectors that could be hot and others that may not.
How Wireless Foot Controls Improve Productivity and Quality in TIG Welding
Even small improvements in production can add up over time. Wireless foot controls offer a return on investment by helping to improve productivity and efficiency in TIG welding operations and eliminating the time and money spent on control cord repairs and failure, reducing weld clutter in the work space, and improving operator comfort and mobility.
Is Your Plant Running in Place or Gaining Ground?
The deep-seated cultural change required by Lean manufacturing is difficult for many metal fabricators that are trying to become more competitive by attempting to apply certain Lean principles without a deeper understanding of the process itself and its parts. The willingness to transform firmly established business approaches is not easy, but it is a requirement for success that will pay dividends in the long run.
A Peak Behind the Curtain
The value of a major trade show is that exhibitors give you so many opportunities to gain a leg up on your competition. Here are some insights to consider so that the next event you attend will speak directly to your bottom line.
Wind of Change May Reroute the Future of Electric Cars
Reduced gas spending and environmental impact are big with electric cars. But instead of refilling, the need to pull over for recharging has still limited them. What if that changed? Take a closer look at a new concept that is pushing the limits of what is known today.
A Look Ahead: Five Air Quality Trends to Watch in 2017 and Beyond
Modern air quality systems are smarter, more efficient and more effective than ever before. If you’re looking into a new air quality system, be sure to consider these future-focused trends.
Tips for Choosing the Right Product for Welding and Fabrication Surface Finishing
Here are some insights on how to address the varying levels of surface finishing requirements that depend on industry demands and the eventual end use of the finished product.
Great Expectations
This family-owned and operated machine shop explains how they found a grooving and cut-off system at a competitive price point that performed beyond their expectations by cutting their insert costs in half and tripling their tool life.
Best Practices for Success in Self-Shielded Flux-Cored Welding
This welding process offers good weldability, high deposition rates, and excellent chemical and mechanical properties for structural steel erection, bridge construction and heavy equipment repair. But it does have some challenges. Here are some tips to help address these challenges and save time, money and frustration.
Getting the Edge You Need When Beveling
Beveling is an integral part of joining components. There are many ways to create a beveled edge, and the method or tool you choose makes a big difference in completing the operation quickly, reliably and safely. To help you in this selection, let’s take a closer look the beveling process, which is still considered by many to be as much of an art as a science.
Machining Heat-Resistant Super Alloys? Hold On Tight
The chances of a tool slipping or pulling out in its holder during work is increasing as more shops opt for heat-resistant super alloys – stainless steel, Inconel, titanium and others – over aluminum. These metals are lightweight, strong and corrosive-resistant, but they are very difficult to machine. Here are some insights into tool wear in these applications that can help you select the proper holder for your work.
Keeping the Green in Green Energy Manufacturing
How clean are your manufacturing processes to build clean energy components? Here are some steps that go a long way towards improving the health and safety of workers in the clean energy industry and reducing the environmental impacts of manufacturing clean energy components.
Industry News
