Many of today's consumer products, commercial and industrial processing machines, and automotive components are being exposed to continually higher temperatures and more severe corrosion.

The H.L. Lyons Co., Louisville, Ky., began 40 years ago as an X-ray equipment company in the basement of Keith and Livingston Lyons parents' house. It later became a general metal fabricating business.

Just 20 years ago most heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) ductwork was cut by hand with snips and shears. Cutting out HVAC fittings was slow and labor-intensive. It took an experienced tinsmith with strong hands to slice through galvanized steel all day. It took even more skill to get the cuts and bends just right to coax flat panels of sheet metal into precise 3-D forms.

Manufacturers face relentless challenges in their efforts to meet changing demand. In their materials handling operation, these challenges include moving materials in tight spaces, providing just-in-time (JIT) delivery to production areas, and ensuring that lift trucks are available when and where they are needed. Maintaining production efficiency requires sturdy, dependable lift trucks that are maneuverable, easy to operate, and easy to maintain.

Laser cutting continues to grow in popularity with sheet metal fabricators. With developments in speed, cutting quality, and manufacturing economy in laser cutting, today's manufacturers have more options than ever before from which to choose the optimal manufacturing method for their specific applications.

Under controlled conditions, aluminum and steel powders can be mixed to create a chemical reaction to produce heat for welding. If you mix these materials under uncontrolled conditions, you will want to call the fire department.