Band saw cutting of tube and pipe: Tips for blade selection and machine settingsProduction quantities of cut tube and pipe can be produced economically with a band saw. However, the choice of which blade to use is very important in maintaining a low cost per cut.
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Making the most of hydroforming: Pursuing product potential and possibilitiesHydroforming has become a competitive metal forming method and has succeeded in many applications because of its weight- and cost-saving attributes, elimination of joining operations, and ability to offer part design for confined spaces.
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Tube Hydroforming Design Flexibility—Part IV |
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Roll out the shelvingJust as office managers look for the most efficient way to store files, shop managers must look for efficient ways to store heavy, expensive dies. Many offices have file cabinets with an index system for locating files quickly. The shop equivalent for storing and retrieving dies may be air-powered rollout shelf units.
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A breath of fresh air: ArrayArray
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Working safety with metalworking fluids: How to protect workers from their harmful effectsThis article examines the hazards associated with metalworking fluids. Health effects, including skin and respiratory disorders and cancer, are addressed. A look at engineering and administrative controls that can be implemented to ensure the safe use of metalworking fluids is included.
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When sparks fly ...This article combines examples of fires caused by inadequate protection from welding with information on heat-resistant textiles and how they can be used to provide that protection.
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Workplace stress—Part 1Stress is a fact of life. It's here to stay, and even if we could abolish it, we wouldn't want to. At its best, stress can be the catalyst that moves us to make changes and achieve great things in life. At its worst, it can create all kinds of emotional and physical problems. What determines whether stress is a friend or foe? Whether it precipitates changes that improve our lives or whether it greatly diminishes the quality of our lives? One determining factor is how we handle or manage stress. We can be our own best friend or our own worst enemy.
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Workplace stress—Part 2If you've visited a doctor recently and were told that stress is the cause of or a contributing factor to what ails you, you're not alone. Although you can't expect to eliminate all of the stress in your life, you can learn to manage it and reduce its negative effects.
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A breath of fresh air - Taking a look at in-plant filtration systems: Taking a look at in-plant filtration systemsThe article explains how to carry out a facility and process evaluation and discusses the basics of in-plant air filtration system selection.
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Managing innovation in the factory: Turning improvements into intellectual propertyIn many industries, more than three fourths of new products start out as direct requests from customers. How can you find and capitalize on the opportunities hidden in offbeat requests?
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Put your money where your mouse is: How to succeed in e-businessTo decrease your chance of failure in e-business, focus on the business issues first and the technology issues second.
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Building a better business model: Strategic planning basics for automotive stampers to improve profitJust what is a strategic business model, and how can it be developed and used by an automotive stamping supplier wanting to boost its bottom line?
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Managers are not necessarily leadersOften we are told that leadership is the key to the success of any business or organization. What is leadership? Is it the same as management? And whatseparates would-be or so-so leaders from world-class leaders?
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What price workers' compensation insurance?It's a Catch-22 for many manufacturers. Not having workers' compensation insurance can put them out of business. Paying for workers' compensation insurance can put them out of business. How is a company to survive?
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Designing progressive dies: Reviewing the basics of progressive toolingDecisions and compromises must be made when designing progressive dies to produce a part. Knowing ahead of time what this process entails just might help you.
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Sharpening for a longer life: Maintaining the cutting edge on punch and die componentsRoutine maintenance—grinding, using surface treatments, sharpening ejector pins, and minimizing potential grinding damage—can extend tool life and save you a lot of headaches.
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Incorporating available technology into die design: Tools of the trade are evolvingDesigning progressive dies has increasingly become a high-tech process. The more able an operation is to use computer technology, the more able it is to use the latest advances in the field in its own designs.
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Automotive motives - Tips for cutting per-piece prices for automotive customersToday's automotive industry is more competitive than ever. To compete with the European, Mexican, and Asian markets, the U.S. market must become more aggressive in finding ways to cut costs.
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Examining tube mill roll tooling, setup, and maintenanceIn today's competitive market, two of the most important considerations for high-quality production are proper roll tooling setup and mill alignment.
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GMAW vs. FCAW for beginners: Choose the best process for your small operationThere are several pros and cons to using the gas metal arc welding process versus the flux cored arc welding process in compact applications.
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Examining the GTAW environment: Choosing the right electrode and booth for your applicationThe author outlines basic components of a welding booth suitable for GTAW, and offers possible solutions to a decline in availability of the thoriated tungsten used in a GTAW electrode. He also offers ideas for providing a clean air supply for the GTAW operator.
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Is robotic welding right for you?: Making an informed decisionThis article examines robotic welding and discusses the considerations behind choosing to use (or not use) welding robots. It answers the questions what comprises a robotic welding installation, what costs are associated, and what industries are best suited for robotic welding.
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Making the most of the daily grind: How to choose and use abrasives for welding and fabricating applicationsThe article divides grinding equipment into three application categories: welding/heavy metal removal; metal fabrication and construction; and light metal removal, finishing, and sharpening. It also discusses grits and grains and operator safety.
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Three optional techniques for beveling: Understanding the advantages and drawbacks of eachMany fabricators use standard plasma cutters and abrasives to create beveled edges. Along with these traditional methods, welders also have the option of using three alternative beveling techniques: punch and nibble, peeling and shearing, and milling and routing. Each has advantages and drawbacks.
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Repair Brazing: Fixing Faulty Jobs and worn-out componentsBrazing has myriad uses for shop repairs. Knowing what seperates a proper brazing job from a poop one can save you alot of headaches and produce some slick results in the process.
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