ICYMI—Most popular content published on thefabricator.com in 2017

The top 5 most popular articles published in 2017 on thefabricator.com have something in common. All are related to various aspects of welding. Two cover basics. Articles about the basics in all metal fabricating technologies tend to be highly read.

The other articles are more about the welders themselves—their skills, drive, and passion. One relates the story of a welder who saw a need while plying his trade and developed a product to fill it. Another is the story of a young man who overcame tremendous obstacles to become a skilled welder. These articles appeal to welders and nonwelders alike, as their messages resonate with people in all walks of life.

In case you missed them, here they are.

5. “GMAW for beginners—A checklist for success”
A good weld has many moving parts, so the more you know about the base metal, consumables, weld parameters, torch angle, and travel speed, the better chance you’ll have of producing a quality weld on a consistent basis. Some basics.

4. “Welding stainless steel right—A primer for metal fabricators new to stainless steel”
Stainless steel continues to gain popularity in applications across the fabrication industry, mainly thanks to its corrosion resistance, strength, and toughness. Compared to mild steel, however, the material poses some welding challenges, especially for less experienced welders. Stainless steel can be three to five times more expensive than mild steel; any welding mistake can compound the overall costs for rework. More basics.

3. “Welder’s unlikely invention leads to a growing business”
Welder Jason Marburger couldn’t really understand why he was using a squaring frame, just like a carpenter, as he worked on projects over the years. One day he decided to design a better tool. Today the welder is also a welding equipment entrepreneur. Falls under the “why didn’t I think of this?” category.

2. “For welders, passion is the tie that binds”
Welding technology has evolved exponentially during the last decade. The machines are lighter, stronger, smarter, and much more accessible. Information about all facets of the trade is available almost immediately on the supercomputer you hold in your hand. In the Information Age, welding is as vital to our everyday lives as ever before, and it is giving life to a new breed of welders and a unique genre of art. Even though entire factories of robots exist that can (mostly) do what humans used to, what they lack, at least currently, is our adaptability and our soul. Just who are welders?

1. “Still Building America—Don’t let anything hold you back”
After becoming a quadriplegic, Jeremy Hannaford thought he was doomed. But when he was broke and needed a gift for his mom, the opportunity to weld presented itself . With no hand function, his technique is unorthodox, but he has mastered MIG and TIG. Inspiration for us all.

What will be the most popular articles of 2018? That will be determined by you and your peers. Check back in January 2019.

Have a great 2018!