http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_TechCell.cfm The Arc Welding tech cell is packed with specific links to help you find product information, suppliers, technical articles, case studies, seminars and conferences, as well as books, software, and videos on metal fabricating-related topics. en-us http://www.thefabricator.com/RSS/images/thefabricator_rss.gif http://www.thefabricator.com Copyright 2007 FMA Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. official publication date Tue, 21 Aug 2007 11:17:29 AM CDT Vicki Bell Laurie Harshbarger http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1700 Often overlooked as a factor in weld quality, shielding gas can play a significant role in improving, or impeding, welding performance. If you're reading this, you probably already know that shielding gas plays a critical role in achieving a strong, visually appealing gas metal arc weld. That's the easy part. However, why shielding gas is necessary, the practical differences between mixtures, which gases are appropriate for which applications, and how consumables... By Bill Giese, Contributing Writer Wed, 22 Aug 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1689 "Running blind" is an expression that can be applied to resistance welding operations throughout the manufacturing world. Many engineers and operators have no clear information on what is actually occurring during the weld or a means to verify the equipment. As the pressure mounts on fabricators to minimize downtime, reduce scrap, and provide tracking data for customers, the monitoring tools required to do so are now available in the latest range of weld monitors. Figure 1 ... Geoff Shannon Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1679 Welding chrome-moly steel has strict requirements concerning the welding process, preheat temperatures, and postheat temperatures. The specifications provided by the engineers for the New Hope Power Partnership project required GTAW on the first three passes of the pipe. Founded in 1988 in Miami, CMN Steel Fabricators Inc. has carved out a niche for itself in fabricating tubular sections, mainly structural steel and pipe for the waste energy, waste management, and quarry indu... Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1675 Sfi, a large steel and aluminum fabricator with headquarters in Memphis, Tenn., and a second plant in Conway, Ark., manufactures industrial equipment components and subassemblies, from locomotive oil pans to crane outriggers, for large companies such as UPS, MTD, Caterpillar, FedEx, International, General Motors, Case New Holland, and Black & Decker. Operating essentially as a large job shop, Sfi fabricates more than 350 custom products from carbon steel, stainless steel, a... Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1674 Whether you're a do-it-yourself welder who uses shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) only a few times a year or a professional welder who welds every day, one thing is certain: SMAW requires a lot of skill and electrode knowledge. Because variables such as storage techniques, electrode diameter, and flux composition all contribute to SMAW electrode selection and performance, arming yourself with basic knowledge can help you minimize confusion and ensure SMAW success. What are t... Mike Crawford Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1673 WWU’s Jake Parks drives the Viking 41 at the 2006 Mini Baja competition. Earning a reputation for innovation and quality is a difficult task. It is particularly difficult but equally impressive when this is achieved with a rotating group of students at a public university. That is exactly what the Vehicle Research Institute (VRI) at Western Washington University, Bellingham, Wash., has done. Launched by Dr. Michael Seal, a former professor in the engineering technol... Bob Hollingsworth Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1666 Welding trade publications are loaded with headlines proclaiming, "Critical welder shortage!" This fact is undeniable, but we need to add, "Many welders are undertrained!" Vocational schools (now referred to as technical centers) do a good job with hands-on training. (I need to say as an aside that all training is vocational training. I am not ashamed to be a product of a vocational school!) Vocational centers in West Virginia, my home state, were establis... Carl Smith, Contributing Writer Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1665 You can embark on a successful career even before beginning work by choosing a profession that fills your heart with enthusiasm, setting the career goals you want to reach, and outlining the steps necessary to achieve the goals within a reasonable time frame. Embarking on a lifetime career in any profession is not something that should be left to chance. Research, vision, thought, planning, and determination are important factors that help create positive feelings and impro... Elia Levi, Contributing Writer Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1636 Cost and efficiency dictate manufacturing and fabricating trends in most industries. In addition to implementing lean work flow practices—better, faster transportation and processing and minimal inventory—many companies turn to the use of higher-strength, lighter-weight materials to reduce costs and improve welding productivity. ASTM A514 and A514M-05 high-strength, low-alloy, quenched-and-tempered steels are among these materials. Although they have been availabl... Dean C. Phillips Tue, 12 Jun 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT http://www.thefabricator.com/ArcWelding/ArcWelding_Article.cfm?ID=1635 Photo courtesy of Hobart Brothers. Resource purchase price and utilization have an impact on welding shop economics. Both have real value, but the latter is by far a more practical concern. The general work forces in today's factories and industries are considerably smaller, less formal, and much less structured than those of yesteryear. Operations have changed drastically. Frequently a few employees wear many hats, and the responsibility for keeping operation costs in check... Phil Evans, Contributing Writer Tue, 22 May 2007 12:00:00 AM CDT