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Weld Fusion vs. Weld Penetration
It is not accurate to assume in all cases that an increase in weld penetration directly correlates to an increase in weld strength. Here’s why.
Breakthroughs in Laser Cutting
Suddenly, the range of applications where CO2 lasers had an advantage is significantly smaller. For the first time, an all-purpose solid-state 2D laser cutting machine can cut all the standard types and thicknesses of materials at excellent quality without downtime – one of several groundbreaking technologies that will change the way shops choose to invest.
The Maintenance Platform of the Future
For shops that have operated the same way for 50 years and don’t really know where to start a predictive maintenance program or where to focus PDM for competitive advantages in the future, Tom Hoenig of GTI Spindle Technology shares some critical insights into starting up and sustaining an effective system using the latest technology and devices.
Advanced Tube Benders Speed Construction of Subsea Wellhead Trees
FMC Technologies boosted their subsea tree system building productivity with a new process that uses all-electric Unison tube bending machines from Horn Machine Tool to drastically reduce the batch fabrication cycle times of uniquely shaped tubes made for each tree from very expensive alloys, such as Super-Duplex and Inconel 625.
The Internet of Things
Want to know what lies ahead in manufacturing? Markus Löffler and Andreas Tschiesner of consulting
firm McKinsey & Company share some valuable insights from executives at Robert Bosch who discuss the technology-driven changes that promise to trigger a new industrial revolution that will affect how your shop operates — and competes.
CNC Safety . . . Integrated On Your Machines
Nothing is more important than protecting your people, your programs and the machines in your shop . . . and the CNC can help you, in many new ways!
Why Can’t I Stick Weld with My MIG Machine?
An explanation of the difference between Constant Current and Constant Voltage Output.
Hazard Analysis: Working In A Perfect World
Hazard analysis is key to appropriately protecting workers from dangers in the workplace, but too often we do a mediocre job by pretending that the workplace is perfect and all workers will never make mistakes, take risks or behave badly. Instead, we should use the “What Would Doris Do?” approach to portray real world risks. Here’s how it works.
Rethinking Bending Automation
Don’t attempt to adapt an assembly robot into a bending cell. New application-driven robots work alongside press brakes to simplify part programming and minimize cycle times. Instead, add process reliability enhancements and offline software and your return on investment for bending automation becomes clear and highly achievable. Here’s how to do it.
Business DNA: Get What You Need From Your Company’s Marketing
Companies, like people, can become so preoccupied with themselves that they fail to see themselves as they are. When you think about it, getting the most from your company’s marketing has less to do with ads, sponsorships, events, websites and press releases than it does with applying the analytical capabilities and insights of marketers to a company’s basic business issues.
Field of Dreams
Take a look at how this Wisconsin fabricator uses the portable all-in-one Multimatic 200 multiprocess power source from Miller Electric to gain versatility and increase their welding productivity by 25 to 30 percent on field repair and fabrication jobs.
How Fabricators Can Foster Real Growth
Guest columnist Jerry Ward of Metcam shares some insights that can help you grow your output, your bottom line and your employee count.