Two standard laser assist gases are oxygen and nitrogen. However, a third gas — shop air — has become a viable alternative.

While the first step in successful punching is to pay close attention to the quality and features of punching tooling, other factors come into play. Punched slugs are clues, and examining them can reveal whether the punch and die clearance is too loose or too tight and whether the machine is properly aligned.

Since 1945 family-owned and -operated Tarter Gate has grown in staff and sales as it has changed the design of its products. To keep up with sales, continue growing the company, and absorb as many rising costs as possible — particularly in steel and fuel prices — the company uses custom machines and new technologies to its advantage.

Lack of safe operating procedures and safety rule enforcement, as well as insufficient or inadequate training, lead to tens of thousands of injuries each year. Safe forklift practices through proper use, adequate maintenance, sufficient clearing for travel, and correct load stability are the best way to prevent these injuries.

A stamping die is a special, one-of-a-kind precision tool that cuts and forms sheet metal into a desired shape or profile. Most dies are constructed of several basic components, including die plates, shoes, die sets, guide pins, bushings, heel blocks, heel plates, screws, dowels, and keys. Dies also need stripper, pressure, and drawing pads, as well as the devices used to secure them—spools, shoulder bolts, keepers, and retainers; and gas, coil, or urethane springs.

CMI Enterprise is a 107-person fabricating shop located in the scenic region of Saint Sylvain D'Anjou, France, serving the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and chemical industries. CMI began experiencing growing pains. For the process equipment and heat exchanger projects, CMI selected orbital welding equipment from Polysoude [U.S. division is Astro Arc Polysoude Inc.]. to increase productivity rates. A welder can make more welds per day because the weld presents a regular geometry without overlay, and requires no secondary operations, such as grinding or cleaning.