Articles written by David Bell

David Bell

Contributing Writer,

David Bell is president of Witt Gas Controls LP, 380 Winkler Drive, Suite 200, Alpharetta, GA 30004. www.wittgas.com. He also is a member of the Practical Welding Today® Editorial Review Committee.

phone: 770-664-4447

Contact via email

Results: 12

	Blended laser-assist gases: Recipe for successful materials processing Now processing a greater variety of materials with their lasers, fabricators are exploring new assist gas blends of up to four gases. What's the best way to blend and deliver these gases? For some, on-site blending systems can help optimize cost savings and improve quality. Publish date: February 23, 2010 Tech cell: Laser Cutting
	The X's and O's of oxyfuel If properly used and well-maintained, this equipment can cut, heat, and weld metals safely. But damaged, worn, or improperly handled equipment can lead to safety hazards such as fire and explosions that can cause serious injury or death. To know how to handle and care for the equipment and devices found in oxyfuel cutting and welding, you have to first be familiar with them and the kind of care they need. Publish date: January 15, 2010 Tech cell: Oxyfuel Cutting
	Optimizing CO2 laser use: Part II As explained in Part I of this two-part series, many factors can affect laser processing efficiency. This article explains basic laser beam delivery requirements; discusses laser gases and supply methods; and lists common problems caused by using incorrect pressure, flow, and laser speed. Publish date: March 7, 2006 Tech cell: Laser Cutting
	Optimizing CO2 laser use: Part I Many factors can affect laser processing efficiency. This article, Part I of a two-part series, stresses laser system maintenance and discusses factors that can affect beam quality and efficiency—namely, impurities introduced by laser gases and gas supply systems and how to prevent them. It also has a supply system requirements list. Publish date: January 10, 2006 Tech cell: Laser Cutting
	Site-based telemetry systems streamline gas supply Publish date: October 12, 2004 Tech cell: Consumables
	Laser-gas delivery systems for all applications, including 24/7 operation When laser gases are used in significant volumes or in an around-the-clock operation, a centralized gas delivery system is a practical necessity. A well-conceived delivery system reduces operating costs, increases productivity, and enhances safety. Publish date: July 13, 2004 Tech cell: Laser Cutting
	Efficient shielding gas supply methods The introduction of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in the 1940s changed the way metals were joined. The automation of these processes meant the gas supply system also had to be automated to achieve optimal productivity. Publish date: February 26, 2004 Tech cell: Consumables
	Choosing the right oxyfuel gas and supply system Mixing oxygen with fuel gases for brazing, cutting, heating, and welding metal has been around since the early 1900s. Oxyfuel processes have remained in use over the years despite the introduction of other metal fabrication processes, such as arc welding, plasma cutting, and laser materials processing. Finding the most economical method for supplying oxyfuel gases requires a basic understanding of the process. Publish date: November 6, 2003 Tech cell: Arc Welding
	Efficient use of compressed gases can increase productivity The metal fabrication industry has used compressed gases for more than one hundred years. Oxy-fuel cutting and welding have existed since the beginning of the 20th century. The more automatic welding processes, such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), began as early as 1920. Publish date: August 28, 2003 Tech cell: Arc Welding
	Selecting the correct shielding gas and gas delivery system Requirements for selecting shielding gas, filler metal, and welding processes are well- documented to help welders ensure high quality and consistency in their welding applications. Publish date: January 10, 2002 Tech cell: Consumables
	Choosing the right shielding gas and supply system for GMAW Selecting the right shielding gasses for your welding operation can mean the difference between mediocre production rates and peak efficiency. Publish date: July 26, 2001 Tech cell: Consumables
	Making solid delivery and storage choices for assist gases in CO2 laser cutting How you store and deliver assist gases to your laser cutting system is of critical importance to the effectiveness of your whole fabricating operation. Publish date: May 15, 2001 Tech cell: Laser Cutting