Fabricators frequently react to the idea of automation with powerful objections, many of which are based on information that is obsolete, incomplete, or simply incorrect. The reality is that automated systems can increase quality, profitability, and production rates; reduce costs and setup times; improve safety; simplify machine operation; and provide manufacturing flexibility.

When welding a chromium-molybdenum alloy, selecting the optimal filler wire is critical to the long-term durability of the weld. Fortunately, matching the filler metal to the alloy is no more difficult than it is for matching a filler metal to any other family of alloys. Understanding the chemical and mechanical properties of the materials can go a long way in making strong, corrosion- and creep-resistant welds.

The energy sector is hot right now, and so is pipe production. Finding the optimum material for making pipe for this industry is tricky. Low-alloy carbon steels tend to be strong, but lack corrosion resistance. Stainless steels resist corrosion but lack strength. Cladding low-alloy carbon steel with a thin layer of a corrosion-resistant alloy is a suitable process, one that AWS Schaefer has devised for manufacturing such pipes.