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Results: 94

What to know before selecting a manual plasma cutter: Understanding size, power, components, cost

The first plasma arc cutting (PAC) systems, developed in the '60s, were 1,000-amp monsters designed to blast through 6-inch stainless steel.

Publish date: July 26, 2001

Tech cell: Plasma Cutting


Plasma pleases plenty

Technological developments in lasers are positioning them as an attractive alternative to plasma. But fabricators are still sticking with plasma cutting for many applications where speed and cost-effective operation are concerns.

Publish date: June 8, 2004

Tech cell: Plasma Cutting


Trailblazing with waterjet: How one manufacturer broke ground with new technology

For Johnson Enterprises of New Brunswick, Canada, the waterjet cutting system with shuttle table has opened the door to business opportunities more diverse than the materials it can process.

Publish date: November 8, 2005

Tech cell: Waterjet Cutting


Abrasive control factors for mass finishing systems: Understanding the performance characteristics of various media

The article circulates around the different media styles for mass finishing systems, discussing the cost, weight, and ability of each style. The styles discussed are divided into several areas: Random versus preform shapes; ceramic versus plastic; spherical shapes versus angular shapes versus hybrids; and dry finishing options versus wet options.

Publish date: May 30, 2001

Tech cell: Finishing


The evolution of coatings with low levels of volatile organic compounds: Where the industry stands in its quest for zero VOC

A lot of advancements have been made in liquid coatings over the past 30 years toward the ultimate goal of zero-volatile-organic-compound paints. Anyone having to meet environmental regulations could benefit from knowing what has been done and what is brewing in the industry.

Publish date: May 30, 2001

Tech cell: Finishing


Folding technology makes sweeping changes: New developments in 200-year-old technology

Schwenkbiegemachinen, or swing bending machines, have been in use for more than 200 years. European manufacturers began to power them with electrical or hydraulic power after World War II, when an enormous amount of sheet metal was used in the reconstruction of Europe.

Publish date: December 11, 2003

Tech cell: Folding


Successful tube hydroforming: Watching parameters, accurately simulating the process yield good results

A typical tube hydroforming system is shown in Figure 1. Within this system, a host of factors must be taken into account, from starting tube geometry and material properties to the quality of the final part (such as thickness distribution and dimensional accuracy).

Publish date: June 15, 2001

Tech cell: Hydroforming


Hydroforming of tubes, extrusions, and sheet

Recent advances at the University of Stuttgart and acfross the industry have opened doors for hydroforming all kinds of materials and shapes.

Publish date: May 15, 2001

Tech cell: Hydroforming


Eliminating final trim shearing of hydroformed tube

The most common way to establish tube length after hydroforming is by cutting or shearing the tube to a specified dimension; however, cutting out this step can reduce scrap. A new method designed to eliminate this step combines forming the end of a tube to resemble its final form with using a hydroform die to correct end position variations off the bender. While this approach eliminates the final shear trim operation, it also presents new challenges.

Publish date: October 9, 2003

Tech cell: Hydroforming


Roll out the shelving

Just 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.

Publish date: August 28, 2003

Tech cell: Materials Handling


The importance of storage planning

Material and equipment storage can be a major concern for fabricators. Therefore, it is important to establish the purpose of a storage system and understand clearly what it needs to accomplish.

Publish date: October 23, 2003

Tech cell: Materials Handling


Assessing cutting and forming machine tool safety

The expanded breadth of recent standards typically includes the entire life expectancy of machines, the full scope of possible risks, the frequency and severity of risks, and the possibility of harm.

Publish date: November 15, 2001

Tech cell: Safety


Working safety with metalworking fluids: How to protect workers from their harmful effects

This 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.

Publish date: September 17, 2001

Tech cell: Safety


Promoting back safety—one company's approach

Publish date: October 9, 2003

Tech cell: Safety


Safeguarding machines with an ergonomic spin: The importance of human factors in indstrial safety standards

Human factors contain elements of psychology, engineering, statistics, and observation. Safety codes and standards often are written based on some aspect of human factors, and it may be critical to have a full understanding of the human factors behind the code or standard before applying the same concept to other equipment.

Publish date: June 8, 2004

Tech cell: Safety


Maximizing your scrap's value: Diligence in preparation and tracking pays off

The more uniform and contaminant-free that scrap is when fabricators provide it to recyclers, the more fabricators can benefit. This article addresses the two principles for selling scrap to recyclers: know what you're selling vs. what you're getting paid for, and incorporate sorting & cleaning into your production stream.

Publish date: November 29, 2001

Tech cell: For CEOs


Managing innovation in the factory: Turning improvements into intellectual property

In 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?

Publish date: February 15, 2001

Tech cell: For CEOs


Put your money where your mouse is: How to succeed in e-business

To decrease your chance of failure in e-business, focus on the business issues first and the technology issues second.

Publish date: February 19, 2001

Tech cell: For CEOs


Reflection—Getting the most from experience

Leaders, what have you learned about yourself, your employees, and your company in the past year? What were your business blessings? What did you learn about your leadership style or methods? What do you intend to take into the new year, and what will you leave behind?

Publish date: November 20, 2003

Tech cell: For CEOs


New Year's Resolutions: Making them work all year long

What are your resolutions for 2004? "I'm going to lose that extra 15 pounds." "I plan to exercise more this year." "I'm going to be more complimentary to my staff." "I'm going to be more patient." Or, did you remember the resolutions you didn't keep last year and ask yourself, "Why make resolutions? I won't keep them once I get back to the daily grind."

Publish date: January 13, 2004

Tech cell: For CEOs


Taxing situation: New tax incentives aimed at helping out people like metal fabricators

Most fabricators aren't knowledgeable about tax laws and don't have time to immerse themselves in tax updates. They're too busy on the shop floor.

Publish date: January 29, 2004

Tech cell: For CEOs


Slash maintenance inventory costs: Five steps for managing MRO parts

The quickest boost for most organizations' bottom line is finding opportunities for decreasing costs without sacrificing quality. An area frequently overlooked is the inventory of parts kept for maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).

Publish date: April 10, 2003

Tech cell: For Engineers


Keep it clean: Selecting the right waste treatment option

Are you having problems with wastewater discharges from your metalworking facility? Have you received a violation notice from your sewer use authority? Do your environmental experts speak a language you don't understand or continually reject new fluids you would like to use? Or perhaps you would like to use new or improved lubricants, cleaners, rust preventives, or detergents, but the products you've tried have failed the waste treatment tests.

Publish date: August 14, 2003

Tech cell: For Engineers


Family business going strong after 100 years

The average lifespan of a family-owned business is 24 years, and 60 percent of family-owned businesses do not have a clear succession plan. Tell that to the Peddinghaus Corporation and you might be in for a big "Oh really?" In business for 100 years and with a Peddinghaus still at the helm, the family-owned manufacturer of steel construction industry equipment clearly is a statistical exception.

Publish date: December 11, 2003

Tech cell: Fab Stories


Beating 'world' pricing: Nu-Way Industries finds the formula to take on competition from China

During the depths of the manufacturing slowdown that has cost the fabricated metal products sector nearly 300,000 jobs since 2000, Steven Southwell, president of Des Plaines, Ill.-based Nu-Way Industries Inc., faced a depressing challenge from one of his multinational OEM customers??either meet the ??total cost of acquisition? achieved in China or purchase the part from the Chinese supplier, inventory it, and incorporate it into the family of parts supplied by Nu-Way.

Publish date: January 13, 2004

Tech cell: Fab Stories


Staying lean in a lean economy

Slow times call for some desperate measures, but losing sight of a lean approach to manufacturing should not be one of them. Take an opportunity that slow times present to evaluate your business and take appropriate steps towards a lean operation.

Publish date: June 18, 2002

Tech cell: Industry Trends and Analysis


Welding Report: Sorting through industry trends

Major trends for the welding industry include developments in robotic automation, just-in-time production, and new ways to better serve customers.

Publish date: February 12, 2001

Tech cell: Industry Trends and Analysis


Fabricating precision parts for automobiles: Examples of Malaysian manufacturers stepping up to strong demand

The Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) trade ministers have agree to move ahead with a closer economic partnership with Australia and New Zealand as an initiative amid the global economic slowdown. This article describes how some Malaysian companies are addressing productivity and cost issues.

Publish date: November 29, 2001

Tech cell: Industry Trends and Analysis


Any good news in manufacturing?

Publish date: August 14, 2003

Tech cell: Industry Trends and Analysis


Pinpointing future laser welding markets

Aficionados of laser welding technology at times must feel a little like telephone vendors beamed back to 1603. They know almost everyone is going to use them in the future, but getting buy-in today can be like hawking loans at 25 percent-lots of interest and few takers.

Publish date: October 23, 2003

Tech cell: Industry Trends and Analysis


5 tenets for finding and keeping new business: These tips can help fabricating companies achieve their marketing goals

Publish date: March 25, 2008

Tech cell: Shop Strategies


Shedding light on negativity—Part 1

Publish date: October 9, 2003

Tech cell: Training and Retention


Shedding light on negativity—Part 2

Publish date: November 6, 2003

Tech cell: Training and Retention


Flatness in coil processing operations: New turns in the leveling process

Most flat-rolled coil processing operations use some sort of roller leveling technology. Operations people understand what these machines can do to improve the quality of the product they produce. In the competitive marketplace, customers demand and get more that just flat sheets or slit coils.

Publish date: August 16, 2001

Tech cell: Coil Processing


Pairing a servo feed with a pull-through straightener: Applications for noncosmetic stamped parts

This article explores the possibility that servo feeds can be used with pull-through straighteners as opposed to a conventional feed line that uses a powered straightener. Using the servo-PTS (pull-through straightener) can save money on equipment and material. The only limitation may be marking the material so noncosmetic applications are recommended.

Publish date: December 13, 2001

Tech cell: Coil Processing


The basics of uncoiling: A review of standard equipment

A review of the basic components of a coil handling system which covers servo drive roll feeds, cradles and reels, straighteners and combination units.

Publish date: December 13, 2001

Tech cell: Coil Processing


Appliancemaker reduces downtime with stamping press feed system: Inconsistent feeds caused die jams, inconsistent parts

The Whirlpool Co. builds refrigerators at its facility in Fort Smith, Ark. The company stamps the appliance parts—large and small, galvanized, cold-rolled, and aluminum—on approximately 35 presses. The majority of its stamping presses are straight-side machines, although some are open-back inclinable (OBI), and a few are hydraulic.

Publish date: January 13, 2004

Tech cell: Press Feeding


Contract stamper increases die life and draw die productivity: Link-drive presses, value-added services, and employee initiative keep the company competitive

Publish date: November 15, 2001

Tech cell: Press Technology


Metal stamping and electromagnetic forming: New process improves material formability, reduces wrinkling

This article describes the development of electromagnetic forming (EMF) and how EMF works.

Publish date: October 25, 2001

Tech cell: Press Technology


Auto industry demands shape the future of stamping

As the stamping industry heads into a new century, it continues to be driven primarily by the automotive industry.

Publish date: February 19, 2001

Tech cell: Press Technology


Increasing stamping press productivity in the appliance industry: Advances in press technology and materials leave their mark

An appliance plant with 80 to 100 presses in opeation is likely to buy new presses regularly. Under these circumstances, it makes good sense to pursue aggressive productivity goals inch by inch through steady advances in such prosaic concerns as machiner ergonomics, prventive maintenance, tooling efficiency, and material quality.

Publish date: February 19, 2001

Tech cell: Press Technology


Truckin' along through a stamping plant: Redesigned truck cab leads to new plant, processes

International Truck and Engine Corporation's Springfield, Ohio, plant recently undertook the challenge of building a high-performance truck with the dimensional tolerances that meet today's quality standards within a cost structure that would allow it to remain competitive. This new product launch was the first of its kind for the company in more than 20 years.

Publish date: April 24, 2003

Tech cell: Press Technology


What's driving your press?

Mechanical presses are challenged to provide high-speed production with a greater number of hits per minute, smaller batch runs, and quicker die changes.

Publish date: August 14, 2003

Tech cell: Press Technology


Stamping 101: Chicago-area training facility offers a hands-on education

To promote real-world stamping training, the Tooling & Manufacturing Association (TMA) wanted to create a resource whereby stampers could receive a consistent, recognized, hands-on education on the industry's most current equipment.

Publish date: September 25, 2003

Tech cell: Press Technology


High-tech presses: Servo technology meets mechanical presses

Publish date: November 20, 2003

Tech cell: Press Technology


Dangerous curves: Jaguar successfully mass-produces the industry’s first aluminum body structure

Publish date: June 8, 2004

Tech cell: Press Technology


Achieving straight-side capabilities in a gap-frame press: New developments in motion and frame technology

Recent changes in tooling technologies, material specifications, part quality requirements, and inventory levels have driven the demand for new developments in the way a mechanical press operates. This article discusses how link motion and bridge-frame structures help stampers. This includes a description of what link motion is and how it works, and how bridge frame presses affect frame deflection.

Publish date: October 25, 2001

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Gettin' down with downtime: Reducing unprofitable die changeover time

Reducing the time it takes to change dies it important to all stampers, especially for custom stampers that run small-quantity jobs. This article summarizes the ways in which automation has helped in this process and then covers two die change methods that are used in a quick change system: the standardized clamping system and the V-notch, or key, system.

Publish date: November 29, 2001

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Incorporating available technology into die design: Tools of the trade are evolving

Designing 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.

Publish date: September 17, 2001

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Rising expectations spark new approach to draw die development: Reconciling demands for increased quality at lower costs

A recently formulated approach to draw die development incorporates simultaneous engineering to identify and address potential problems before dies are built.

Publish date: June 13, 2001

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Protecting dies against press system faults

The need for die protection has existed ever since the first die was produced. The most elementary form of protection has always been an alert, dependable operator. However, an operator cannot always react to a problem before it damages a die.

Publish date: May 30, 2001

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Choosing the proper steel to minimize abrasive adhesive tool wear

The most disruptive type of failure in any tooling application is when the tool cracks. To prevent this type of failure in cold-work applications, it's important to select the correct steel.

Publish date: September 25, 2003

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Rolling bolsters bolster productivity

To thrive and experience growth and healthy profits, a stamping company must have systems in place that allow flexible manufacturing and minimize press downtime. Changing from one job to the next in the least amount of time possible is one of the primary factors impacting productivity and a company's ability to adjust to the changing needs of customers quickly and efficiently.

Publish date: January 13, 2004

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Gaining from friction and formability data: Beating rising steel prices and offshore competition

As steel prices rise and offshore competition increases daily, steel and overhead optimization are driving U.S. metal stamping and forming companies. Companies that survive and thrive are taking a different approach to managing change and cost and are discovering savings in areas never seriously considered before.

Publish date: February 12, 2004

Tech cell: Tool and Die


Bending tube with an all-electric machine: Characteristics and capabilities

This article discusses the ins and outs of all-electric tube bending machines, discussing the challenges, performance characteristics, and typical options of all-electric benders.

Publish date: December 13, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


Magnetic pulse welding for tubular applications: Discovering new technology for welding conductive materials

A review of how magnetic pulse welding works, in what applications it can be used, and what considerations users must take to perform it properly.

Publish date: July 26, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


Cutting tube in a recut operation: How to decide on a method and equipment

This piece, which originally appeared in TPJ-The Tube & Pipe Journal in 1997, explains how to decide whether to cut tubing on the production line or cut it later in a recut operation. Discusses various types of recutting equipment and focuses on the dual-blade shear cutting method.

Publish date: October 25, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


The growing use of orbital tube welding: Quality, repeatability, and documentation drive the technology

Although orbital tube welding has been used in aerospace, semiconductor, and other high-purity applications for a long time, general industrial markets just now are beginning to view it as a viable and economical option for joining stainless steel tubing.

Publish date: July 12, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


Automating your end forming operation: How to maximize efficiency in the shop

Efficiency, productivity, and quality are focal points for end forming operations, and many manufacturers are looking to automation to improve those dimensions of their businesses.

Publish date: February 19, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


The wrinkle-wiper for tube bends: How to choose and use wiper dies

A wiper die is a piece of tooling used in tube bending that helps keep the bend from wrinkling. While there are many reasons and ways to use a wiper die in a tube bending maching, you should also know what types are available, their differences, and how to choose the right one for your application.

Publish date: September 25, 2003

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


Using a gel-type tube lube: Manufacturer decreases waste, improves lubrication

Publish date: October 23, 2003

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


Choosing the right robotic weld cell for your operation

Your company's first robot may cause more trouble than expected. This doesn't mean that the robot will not work, but it is a piece of

Publish date: January 29, 2004

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Fabrication


Skiving strip edges for tube and pipe producing: New equipment developments address coil preparation challenges

Edge treatment of coil strip before it enters a tube and pipe mill, called skiving, is a rapidly advancing technology. Improving the coil edge before it is welded helps increase the quality of the seam join and helps prevent rejected tube or pipe.

Publish date: September 4, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Production


Achieving faster, more efficient tube mill changeovers

Tube mill changeovers involve more than just tooling. Several variables

Publish date: July 26, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Production


Using existing tooling for new product applications: Evaluating the tooling's capabilities and limitations

The article outlines factors for consideration when changing material type, grade, coatings, efficient speed requirements, specialty shapes, etc. Special consideration is given to the difference in speed between the minor relief angle and the root diameter.

Publish date: November 29, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Production


Taking the troubles out of tube mill tooling: Preventing and solving some common problems

This article discusses the prevention of problems associated with tube mill tooling, touching on maintaining tooling, as well as troubleshooting common problems that may arise during the tube production process.

Publish date: October 11, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Production


Examining tube mill roll tooling, setup, and maintenance

In today's competitive market, two of the most important considerations for high-quality production are proper roll tooling setup and mill alignment.

Publish date: September 17, 2001

Tech cell: Tube and Pipe Production


Choosing a GMAW machine for occasional aluminum welding

Publish date: September 25, 2003

Tech cell: Aluminum Welding


GMAW vs. FCAW for beginners: Choose the best process for your small operation

There are several pros and cons to using the gas metal arc welding process versus the flux cored arc welding process in compact applications.

Publish date: August 16, 2001

Tech cell: Arc Welding


Considering the benefits of pulse spray transfer GMAW

Publish date: October 25, 2002

Tech cell: Arc Welding


Ironworkers and contractors adapt to FCAW trends

Welders who want to become proficient in a technology whose time has come should look into getting certified for flux-cored arc welding.

Publish date: May 15, 2001

Tech cell: Arc Welding


Gun Control: GTAW torch design innovations enhance productivity, quality

This article discusses improvements to the GTAW torch that should enhance the productivity and quality of welding operations. It specifically discusses the welding gun's affect on ergonomics and cooling capacity.

Publish date: November 15, 2001

Tech cell: Arc Welding


Designing for successful robotic arc welding automation

For a fabricator to enjoy the benefits afforded by a robotic welding system, the parts to be welded and the system itself must be designed properly.

Publish date: February 19, 2001

Tech cell: Automation and Robotics


Automated welding for job shops

A robotic weldingsystem represents a significant capital investment for a job shop.

Publish date: July 12, 2001

Tech cell: Automation and Robotics


How to Kill a Robotic Project in Five Easy Steps

How would you like to fail utterly in your quest to modernize your shop with robotic weldingequipment? Look no further—we've got all the bad advice you need right here.

Publish date: July 12, 2001

Tech cell: Automation and Robotics


Setting realistic goals for robotic welding projects

Expecting a robot to solve all of your production problems can inflict the cruel irony of ceating more. If you want your robots to speed up your operation, know what they can and can't do from the start.

Publish date: November 15, 2001

Tech cell: Automation and Robotics


Is robotic welding right for you?: Making an informed decision

This 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.

Publish date: November 15, 2001

Tech cell: Automation and Robotics


Welding exhaust system components: Laser technology may aid this traditionally high-volume application

In the field of automobile exhaust systems, such components as manifolds, pipes, catalytic converters, and mufflers are joined either by the car manufacturer or by a subcontractor to form a subassembly ready for attachment.

Publish date: September 17, 2001

Tech cell: Automation and Robotics


Gas-shielded cored wires find their niche: Suitable applications for flux-cored and metal-cored electrodes

Gas-shielded flux-cored and metal-cored wires are growing in popularity because the wires are fabricated and can be applied to many applications.

Publish date: June 15, 2001

Tech cell: Consumables


Making the most of the daily grind: How to choose and use abrasives for welding and fabricating applications

The 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.

Publish date: November 29, 2001

Tech cell: Consumables


Supporting the defense: Manufacturer uses direct diode laser to weld missile canisters

Publish date: September 25, 2003

Tech cell: Laser Welding


Producing side-impact profiles: Automotive body part combines roll forming, punching, laser welding

The ramming machine bores into the side of the new automobile at a speed of 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour. Within a fraction of a second, sensors situated all over the test dummy signal details of the stress load. Shortly afterward the overall results of the Euro-NCAP crash test will appear in all the specialized automobile magazines.

Publish date: January 13, 2004

Tech cell: Laser Welding


Revving up weld quality: Ford Development Center uses RW system to reduce costs, improve quality

Publish date: June 8, 2004

Tech cell: Resistance Welding


Selecting a new press brake

Prospective buyers of press brakes are advised to consider their purchase in terms of its end use, the amount of deflection likely to occur in a give machine, the inside radius of their parts, and several other factors before speding their money.

Publish date: March 23, 2001

Tech cell: Bending


The Brakes: Press Brakes and You -- Preventing common mistakes on press brakes

Most common mistakes made while operating press brakes can be avoided with a little diligence and awareness of where others have gone astray.

Publish date: August 16, 2001

Tech cell: Bending


The Brakes- Press Brakes and You -- How to get the most out of your press brake

Problems with your press brake imperil what could be the most valuable machine you have. Take pains to ensure the health of this valuable piece of equipment.

Publish date: June 18, 2001

Tech cell: Bending


Mobilizing equipment-saving time and talent

It's hard to believe that machines such as press brakes and hardware setting equipment can move around on wheels or be moved by forklift and still function correctly. But I can tell you, from experience, that it is true and can be done.

Publish date: November 29, 2001

Tech cell: Bending


In search of the perfect bend: Advancements in press brake angle measurement and bend springback systems

Press brake manufacturers have made tremendous advances in the art of machine design and manufacturing.

Publish date: August 16, 2001

Tech cell: Bending


New PC-based controls open path to better press brake utilization: Control improvements simplify operator use

Press brake forming always has been a labor-intensive process. Shrinking lead-times and smaller lot sizes demand more frequent setups, which cut into productive output hours and put more pressure on manufacturing efficiencies. Fabricators need to find ways to reduce machine downtime for setup and operator adjustments.

Publish date: November 6, 2003

Tech cell: Bending


Adaptive bending: Achieving accurate first-piece bending results

Adaptive bending allows press brake operators to measure a bend angle during the forming process and feed the information to the numerical control. The article discusses springback and how to determine it and the fact that when air bending, 90 percent of problems result during initial setup, and only 10 percent result from springback. It also discusses using an angle control system, methods of measuring angles, and requirements for angle measurement systems.

Publish date: November 15, 2001

Tech cell: Bending


Repair Brazing: Fixing Faulty Jobs and worn-out components

Brazing 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.

Publish date: July 26, 2002

Tech cell: Repair and Field Welding


Monitoring laser beam performance: How beam focusability helps evaluate beam quality online

This article discusses online laser beam monitoring and its alternatives, with emphasis on beam quality and focusability.

Publish date: September 17, 2001

Tech cell: Laser Cutting


Cutting through five myths about modern lasers: The truth behind laser cutting technology

Whether you're operating a 10-year-old laser machine or evaluating the purchase of a new one, staying up-to-date on current laser cutting technology and techniques can be the key to maintaining a competitive edge.

Publish date: February 12, 2004

Tech cell: Laser Cutting


Laser cell system gives job shop the home field advantage

Contract manufacturer CGI Automated Manufacturing Inc., Cicero, Ill., fabricates parts as an outsource resource for vertical manufacturers. The company started out as a stamping operation, then added other fabrication technologies, including welding, press brake forming, drilling, punching, rolling, shearing, and cutting.

Publish date: February 12, 2004

Tech cell: Laser Cutting