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From May/June 2012 issue of
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Aluminum MIG

Published: May 25, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

The push for lighter, corrosion-resistant components has brought aluminum to the forefront of the minds of traditional steel fabricators. Those that approach the material the same as steel often run into weld quality issues that can prove costly....

From April 2012 issue of
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A character sketch of the code welder

Published: April 16, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

A career in code-level welding involves an odd concoction of hands-on work, excellent hand-eye coordination, on-the-job focus, and a dash of lawyerlike thinking. Some can be loud extroverts who get the most attention, but others can be quiet...

From April/May 2012 issue of
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Cup walking on stainless steel tube, pipe

Published: April 11, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Cup walking, a tube or pipe gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) technique suitable for some stainless steels, can improve weld quality. The method involves resting the torch’s cup on the workpiece and making a weaving motion across the weld joint....

From April 2012 issue of
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Vessel fabricator bases hiring on attitude, not experience

Published: April 3, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

In a 2010 survey from the Fabricators & Manufacturers Association, respondents cited welding as the most sought-after, difficult-to-find technical skill. But at Mitchell's Specialized Fabrication, managers don't look for that experience. They look...

From April 2012 issue of
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How metal-cored wires reduce hidden welding costs

Published: April 3, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Metal-cored wire typically costs more than solid wire, but the benefits often offset the per-unit price. In reality, any consumable comprises a relatively small portion of overall welding costs; in fact, material and labor make up the lion’s...

From March 2012 issue of
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Learning MIG welding

Published: March 20, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Welding instructor Marty Rice teaches his students to short-circuit MIG weld to create a unique coin holder, a project that provides plenty of opportunity for practice.

From March/April 2012 issue of
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Tales of TIG welding

Published: March 9, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Welding professionals of varying backgrounds share their personal journey through TIG welding; the helpful advice theyíve learned along the way; and the lessons learned from the occasional blunder.

From March 2012 issue of
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Taking cost out of the welding fixture

Published: February 28, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Owsley “Oz” Cheek--a tool and die engineer who recently launched his own fixture company--shows how he reduces fixture build costs. For instance, who says fixtures need to be made out of machined components?

Llegando al fondo de la pérdida de productividad del proceso de soldadura

Published: February 16, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Las operaciones de fabricación no pueden permitirse largos periodos de tiempo improductivo en sus departamentos de soldadura. Afortunadamente, varias causas de tiempo prolongado de arco apagado pueden atenderse con algunos ajustes sencillos.

From February 2012 issue of
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GMAW guns, consumables, and more: 7 common questions answered

Published: February 7, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Following a few guidelines when selecting and using GMAW equipment and consumables can help improve productivity and quality in your welding operation.

From January/February 2012 issue of
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New year, new welding helmets

Published: February 1, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Taking a closer look at a few new welding helmets.

From January/February 2012 issue of
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SMAW is in session

Published: January 10, 2012
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Welding educators discuss why SMAW still holds a relevant place within their classrooms and in today's high-tech industry.

From December 2011 issue of
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Juggling the variables of GTAW

Published: December 9, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Gas tungsten arc welding isn’t the easiest process to learn. With so many things going on at once, GTAW is a little like juggling while riding a unicycle. With practice, the welder’s eye, arm, hand, and foot coordination will improve.

From November 2011 issue of
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What employers expect from welders

Published: November 8, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

In his inimitable style, Marty Rice shares his thoughts on the welding job market and what today’s employers want from their welders. He also gives examples of some deficiencies employers are seeing.

From November 2011 issue of
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Getting to the bottom of lost welding productivity

Published: November 8, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

When a welder is not welding, he's not making the company money. Fabricating operations can't afford their welding departments. Luckily, several reasons for extended arc-off time can be addressed with some simple adjustments.

From November 2011 issue of
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New process, new welding dynamics

Published: November 8, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

A process called TIP TIG uses a constant-feed hot-wire that imparts additional energy to the weld. The wire also is superimposed by a secondary high-speed oscillation. The hot-wire’s current combines with the weld-pool agitation to disrupt the...

From November 2011 issue of
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Robotic welding: Don’t forget the consumables

Published: November 7, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

When designing and operating a robotic welding cell, don't overlook the consumables. Choosing the wrong consumables can over time lead to serious costs.

From November/December issue of
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Where the rubber meets the road

Published: November 7, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Joshua Shaw describes himself as half archaeologist and half fabricator. Those qualities come in handy when he's restoring vintage Sprint race cars, which can provide a number of historical and fabrication and welding challenges. To do it right...

From October 2011 issue of
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Adventures in titanium—WPS

Published: October 26, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding, For Engineers, Welding Inspection

Your customer wants two pieces of metal welded together. Why should you bother with a welding procedure specification? Because conformity leads to quality and enhances safety.

From September 2011 issue of
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From GTAW torches to accessories:

Published: September 27, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Learning the facts about five common misconceptions about gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) equipment can help you optimize this highly versatile process.

From September 2011 issue of
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Consumables make a difference in the welding of wind towers

Published: September 9, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Advancements in consumables for the submerged arc welding process have made it possible to increase the strength of welds in wind turbine components while also increasing production efficiency.

From September 2011 issue of
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A welding inspector’s tools of the trade

Published: September 9, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Weld inspectors, especially those who are new to the trade, put a lot of emphasis on the equipment needed to do the job: flashlight, mirror, high-low gauge, pit gauge, bridge camera, and a borescope. However, this isn’t the entire toolkit. A...

From July/August 2011 issue of
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Avoiding mix-ups with shielding gas mixes

Published: July 8, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Today's job shops must be prepared to deal with a variety of materials for fabrication and welding. As each material may require a different mixed shielding gas for gas metal arc welding (GMAW), familiarize yourself with these gases and the most...

From July 2011 issue of
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5 wire-feeding advancements welders need to know about

Published: July 8, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Modern wire-feeding technology can boost welders' performances and overall productivity. If they are working with old feeding equipment, disadvantage

From June 2011 issue of
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Adventures in titanium—3 questions about repairing titanium eyeglasses by welding

Published: June 2, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding, For Engineers

Nguyen needs his titanium eyeglasses repaired and wants some expert advice about how this can best be achieved. The answers to his questions about the process provide valuable insight into some aspects of welding titanium.

From May/June 2011 issue of
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Subarc for structurals

Published: May 10, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

SAW offers a cost-effective and efficient means for automated welding of plates, beams, flanges, and profiles found in structrual steel environments. Technology advancements in flux combinations and SAW equipment have helped boost arc-on times,...

From May/June 2011 issue of
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A journey of 1,000 welds

Published: May 9, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Seven years ago Doug Wilkinson of Reinke Mfg., Deshler, Neb., set out to start up a welding education program for high school and adult students that would give them the opportunity to earn AWS D1.1 or D1.2 qualification. It's been an uphill...

From May/June 2011 issue of
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Little by little

Published: May 9, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Determined to make a life for herself and provide for her family, Mioshi Neal juggled full-time work,night classes, and single-parent duties to ultimately land her dream job—welding instructor.

From March 2011 issue of
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Adventures in titanium—Why is my stovepipe hat assembly warping, turning blue, and cracking?

Published: March 21, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding, For Engineers

Fabricating a titanium stovepipe hat assembly had one shop perplexed. What was causing the material to turn blue, warp, and crack? Why was it so difficult to make this part fit into the next assembly?

From March 2011 issue of
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Answers to 6 FAQs about FCAW-SS

Published: March 7, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

A reliable process for heavy-duty applications, self-shielded flux-cored welding (FCAW-SS) has its challenges. Here are some FAQs about these challenges and suggestions for overcoming them.

From February 2011 issue of
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What would-be MIG welders want to know: Where can I learn, and what equipment do I need?

Published: February 22, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Welding instructor and reader-favorite author Marty Rice answers the two questions he’s most often asked by those interested in learning to MIG weld.

From February 2011 issue of
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More arc-on, less arc-off

Published: January 27, 2011
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

A North Georgia fabricator analyzes welder productivity and revamps its operations so that welders spend more time actually welding, and less time moving material and fixtures, as well as typing in data.

From December 2010 issue of
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FCAW-S basics: Fast, no gas cylinders required

Published: December 3, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

In a nation striving to upgrade its infrastructure, FCAW-S has become the process of choice for many. It combines the efficiency of wire welding with the portability and flexibility of SMAW.

From November 2010 issue of
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22 possible causes of weld metal porosity

Published: November 1, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Porosity is a weld defect that is fairly common, but also fairly easy to fix. What issues contribute to weld porosity? This checklist gives a welder a good idea of what might be causing the problem.

From October 2010 issue of
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Better shielding gas flow, efficient welding

Published: October 21, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

After an automative supplier examines its automated and manual welding operations, it discovers greater efficiencies after analyzing and optimizing shielding gas flow.

From October 2010 issue of
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Better cladding, better inspection

Published: October 14, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Hot-wire GTAW and inspection advances are meeting the oil and gas industry's ever-increasing need for cladding.

From October 2010 issue of
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Specialty fabricator goes wireless with GTAW foot pedals

Published: October 4, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Tangled up in cable clutter in your welding shop? An Orlando, Fla.-based fabrication shop reduced clutter and improved safety by using wireless GTAW foot pedals.

From October 2010 issue of
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Welding guns 101: light- or heavy-duty?

Published: October 4, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

From tacking operations that require short arc-on times to completing long, continuous welds on thick plate, the welding gun needs to offer the appropriate welding capacity for the job.

From September 2010 issue of
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Welding the fast and narrow

Published: September 13, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Advancements in SAW concentrate on faster deposition rates and narrow-groove welding. And today's controls, power supplies, and consumables are meeting industry's demand for process efficiency.

From September/October 2010 issue of
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The small world of welding large fixtures

Published: September 13, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Every welder is likely familiar with fabricating a fixture for a job, but only a select few work on fixtures for very large weldments. Those unfamiliar with large fixture-making may be surprised to learn about

From August 2010 issue of
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Automatic orbital welding simplified

Published: August 4, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Automatic orbital gas tungsten arc welding is used in a variety of industries in which maximum leak integrity, high performance, or ultra-cleanliness is important. Automatic orbital welding provides enhanced precision and reliability compared to...

From July/August 2010 issue of
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Accelerating business with EB welding

Published: July 16, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Thanks to a specific vision and a high-end equipment purchase, C.F. Roark Welding & Engineering Co. Inc. is anything but ordinary. Founded in 1949, the company specializes in electron beam (EB) welding of complex, specialty parts and components...

From July 2010 issue of
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Autogenous orbital GTAW of large, high-purity tubes

Published: July 15, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Autogenous orbital welding on large projects has become nearly routine with large numbers of successful welds completed with very low reject rates. Thus it is very easy to become complacent. However, installers need to be alert to potential...

From May/June 2010 issue of
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Prioritzing U.S. infrastructure needs

Published: June 11, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Author and co-founder of New America Foundation gives his insights regarding the U.S.'s crumbling infrastructure and provides tangible ways the federal government can address the situation.

From May/June 2010 issue of
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Wire welding in the structural steel world

Published: June 1, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Many structural steel fabricators are loyal to shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). But technology advancements in the wire feed process known as flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), paired with an increasingly competitive market, have changed the...

From May/June 2010 issue of
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High-frequency electric resistance welding: An overview

Published: June 1, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Architects and engineers are designing structures with new and innovative shapes. To meet these ever-changing requirements, manufacturers may turn to solid-state, high-frequency electric resistance welding (HF ERW) to produce engineered structural...

From May 2010 issue of
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Improving productivity with submerged arc welding

Published: May 25, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Submerged arc welding (SAW) can be performed in various ways, from the simplest process using a single wire and DC power to more advanced twin-wire and tandem operations. Choosing the right SAW process for your operation can help you increase...

From May/June 2010 issue of
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We've come a long way, baby

Published: May 5, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

The orbital welding process has seen significant advancements in electronic control technology that have helped open the door to a wider array of applications while making it more cost effective to use.

From May/June 2010 issue of
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Teaming up to clean up

Published: May 4, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Like many companies, Ultra Machine and Fabrication Inc., Shelby, N.C., a fabricator of armored military vehicles, believed the welders should clean up their own weldments for spatter, slag, and other discontinuities. But when welders were...

From May 2010 issue of
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Welding metals of dissimilar strengths

Published: April 30, 2010
Tech Cell: Arc Welding

Welding metals of dissimilar strengths requires that a welder consider some specific factors, to ensure a solid joint.