Content tagged with "testing"
Results: 16
Article
June 12, 2007
Bend process monitoring—small changes lead to big results
In many advanced fabrication shops, tube bending is a highly automated process that uses robotic and CNC bending machines to produce high volumes of complex tubes, each one formed to precise specifications. Robotic, automated operations are fascinating to watch as the steel tube... Read more...
Article
March 13, 2007
Error-free tube fabrication
In addition to detecting the weld seam, some modern electronic sensors are sophisticated enough that, when properly programmed, they can differentiate between a good weld and a bad one. Picture the activity in a typical automotive assembly plant. Dozens of synchronous industrial processes... Read more...
Article
September 12, 2006
Starting a portable GTAW business
Editor's Note: This is the last part of a four-part series on owning and operating a portable gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) business. Part I , which appeared in the July/August issue of Practical Welding Today, focused on equipment and self-evaluation; Part II addressed potential... Read more...
Article
July 11, 2006
Article
June 13, 2006
Measuring the plastic strain ratio of sheet metals
Drawing metal successfully relies, in part, on understanding precisely how the metal reacts to tensile forces. When subjected to tensile forces, a flat section of sheet material becomes thinner because of dimensional changes in its width and thickness. The ratio of the changes in width... Read more...
Article
April 11, 2006
Weld inspection before you weld
A welder conducts a GMAW fillet weld test.
While patrolling a shop floor playing "parameter police," a welding inspector may commonly hear questions like "Why can't I run my machine above XXX wire feed speed?" or "XX volts?"
Welding parameters aren't guidelines... Read more...
Article
April 11, 2006
What do you monitor to ensure quality?
The crimp force monitor is sensitive enough to indicate a process failure when a single sheet of paper disrupts the crimping cycle. This level of sensitivity isn't practical for most manufacturing operations, but it does demonstrate the process variation monitor's capability. It's... Read more...
Article
April 6, 2004
Don't throw away your profit margin
Grinding applications can be divided into three broad categories, especially with regard to tube and pipe: Welding preparation and heavy metal removal Metal fabrication and construction Light metal removal, finishing and sharpening Abrasives for grinders come in many grains, shapes, and... Read more...
Article
May 15, 2003
Inspecting welds on complex tube forms
Many manufacturers are familiar with using eddy current systems to inspect their sheet and tubular products. Eddy current testing (ECT) is a nondestructive electromagnetic test that offers a rapid examination to detect surface-breaking flaws or cracks. It can be applied easily to straight... Read more...
Article
October 24, 2002
Quality as Part of the Contract
Leaders who oversee weld designs, materials, methods, personnel training, and manufacturing teams should ensure high-quality welding performance by addressing quality and testing in work contracts. Owners must understand what is needed to manage every quality system diligently if they... Read more...
Article
July 11, 2002
Technology modernizes CMMs
Coordinate measuring machines have progressed since their inception in the 1970s. Original machines were benchtop-mounted, cumbersome to use, and limited to five axes. In addition, some complex tube applications required two software programs for a complete set of measurements. These days,... Read more...
Article
November 15, 2001
Rockwell hardness and Brinell testing of tube and pipe
All hardness testing methods require a good understanding of the testing process to obtain accurate results. Hardness, while technically not a material property, is used extensively to determine quickly if the material being tested is suitable for its intended use. If the material is too... Read more...
Article
November 15, 2001
Using NDT systems to monitor welded tube production
Figure 1 Although tube producers almost universally accept that using some form of nondestructive testing (NDT) is a requirement in tube production, many place too much emphasis on cost when purchasing test equipment. Any savings realized in the purchase price can quickly evaporate if an... Read more...
Article
October 11, 2001
Article
April 24, 2001
Troubleshooting your stamping operation
A manufacturing process can be defined as altering the configuration or shape of raw material and/or previously manufactured components with a combination of equipment, tools, and operators to create a new product. Over time, any manufacturing process becomes vulnerable to alteration through... Read more...
Article
March 26, 2001
Producing quality ASTM A249 and ASME SA 249 pressure tubes
Object Producing quality ASTM A249 and ASME SA249 pressure tubes takes more than just applying a stencil to the product. It requires a manufacturing process and a quality system that not only provide an excellent weld, but also condition the weld through proper cold working (forging) and... Read more...
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