How to avoid the top 10 problems in plasma cutting: Practical tips you can use right nowAttention to detail at the outset can save plasma cutting operators a load of trouble during production.
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Using plasma arc cutting to clean-cut stainless steel sheet and plate: Variables to considerTo clean-cut stainless steel sheet and plate, fabricators first must choose the right CNC cutting equipment and then set the correct process-related variables. Precise machine motion controls, torch-to-material distance control, and the correct plasma and assist gases all are crucial to producing weld-ready plasma-cut edges on all stainless steel thicknesses.
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Designing for abrasive waterjet fabrication: Forethought, flexibility can help cut cornersArray
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Recent developments in abrasive jet softwareSoftware is an integral part of a waterjet cutting system. Advances in controller software compensate for common jet cutting errors, such as lag, striations, taper, and kerf; offer improvements in cutting functions; and reduce the time it takes to produce parts
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Jet cutting accessoriesThe right accessories can help you make the most of your waterjet cutting system and prolong system life. Among the accessories discussed in this article are garnet feeders, removers, and recyclers; abrasive agitators; taper management tools; optional nozzles; piercing accessories; standoff controls; water treatment solutions; and material handling and support options.
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Designing for abrasive waterjet fabrication Forethought, flexibility can help cut corners: Forethought, flexibility can help cut cornersThinking ahead during the design stage of a fabrication can save part production time, assembly time, fixturing, and, weld preparation time—and therefore, cost. Designers need to be familiar with abrasive waterjet features to optimize efficiency.
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Hydroforming of tubes, extrusions, and sheetRecent advances at the University of Stuttgart and acfross the industry have opened doors for hydroforming all kinds of materials and shapes.
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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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Equipping Your Press With the Right Tonnage MonitorThis article explains why it's useful to monitor press tonnage, the types of tonnage monitors available, the choices for mounting load sensors, calibrating a monitor, and options available for tonnage monitors.
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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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Die Design for flat parts: Achieving perfection in a difficult taskFlatness is one of the most difficult part characteristics to achieve in a conventional stamping die.
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Protecting dies against press system faultsThe 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.
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Selecting a pressure system for a stamping dieAuthor's Note: Before I begin, I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to thefabricator.com's readers. I hope you have enjoyed the stamping articles, and I am excited about writing for 2004. I also would like to wish all of you a great holiday season as well as a prosperous and successful year. Best holiday wishes!Art
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Die Basics 101: Part I |
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Die Basics 101: Part XThis article, Part X of a series covering stamping die fundamentals, begins an in-depth look at the metal cutting process. It covers piercing and cutting clearance and discusses some common piercing misconceptions. Descriptions of and links to the first nine articles in this series can be found at the end of this article.
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Die Basics 101: Part XIThis article, Part XI of a series covering stamping die fundamentals, offers an overview of slug pulling—a problem that can damage parts and tools significantly—and explains the different causes. Part XII will cover corrective and preventive actions. Descriptions of and links to the first 10 parts in this series can be found at the end of this article.
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Die Basics 101: Part XIIPart XI of this series covering stamping die fundamentals defined slug pulling and discussed some underlying reasons that it occurs. This article describes some methods for resolving slug pulling problems. Descriptions of and links to the first 10 parts in this series can be found at the end of this article.
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Die Basics 101 -- Part XIIIPinch, breakout, and shimmy trimming are cutting methods often used in stamping operations. This article, which is a continuation of a series on die basics, discusses these processes. Descriptions of and links to the first 12 parts in this series can be found at the end of this article.
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Getting the most from your cutting punches: Part ISelecting the right cutting clearance and tool for an application is among the challenges stampers face. Material properties and other factors influence this decision. Following some basic guidelines presented in this article can help you select or design the best tool for your needs.
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Getting the most from your cutting punches: Part II |
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Sheet Metal Stamping 101: ArrayArray
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Sheet Metal Stamping 101 Part IV: Cutting processes: Part IV: Cutting processesContinuing his series about sheet metal stamping, tool and die expert Art Hedrick explains common cutting operations used in stamping: trimming, piercing, blanking, notching, shearing, lancing, and pinch trimming. Find out how they work and which applications are appropriate for each.
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Producing holes in tubing: Comparing the piercing and punching methodsNeed to put a hole in a tube? This article provides an overview of tube punching and tube piercing, exploring the different variations of each method and comparing the two methods on cost, safety, and flexibility.
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Making seamless tubing with a floating mandrel mill |
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Cutting through five myths about modern lasers: The truth behind laser cutting technologyWhether 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.
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Getting into the thick of high-powered lasers: Increased resonator wattage opens the door to plenty of opportunitiesThe new high-powered lasers allow fab shops to serve a broader range of custom needs.
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