"Cut costs, cut costs, cut costs" is a mantra that echoes from engineering cubicles to production floors in manufacturing companies far and wide.

Whether maintaining or changing the OD, knowing the basics of end forming—especially friction and lubrication—can help achieve a successful result.

Continuous improvement and statistical process control are useful,time-tested techniques—they have been used since the 1950s—but their use must be tailored to specific applications. For example, atypical manufacturing metric is parts per minute, but many roll formers should measure feet per minute. This and other tips can help roll formers accurately evaluate their productivity and measure the impact of process improvements.

Electricity demand grew an average of 15,000 megawatts per year from 1995 to 2006, and this trend will undoubtedly continue. The Energy Information Administration predicts that meeting future demands will require the equivalent of more than 20 new 500-MW power plants per year over the next 20 years or so. A critical component in power plant construction is titanium tubing, which is favored for its high strength and corrosion resistance.