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The Fabricator March 2017
The Fabricator is North America's leading magazine for the metal forming and fabricating industry. The magazine delivers the news, technical articles, and case histories that enable fabricators to do their jobs more efficiently. The Fabricator has served the industry since 1970.
Generous spirit forms essence of welder/fabricator/artist
- By Eric Lundin
- Mar 3, 2017
- Arc Welding
- Article
Having grown up on a farm, John Eckbold learned a lot about fixing machinery and raising animals. Both have a place in his venture, Flying J Metal Arts & Fabrication, Egg Harbor Township, N.J.
Technology Spotlight: Modular design meets the press brake
- By Tim Heston
- Mar 3, 2017
- Bending and Forming
- Article
A press brake manufacturer uncovers an alternative to the conventional C-frame design. According to the company, the modular design eliminates the need for a conventional crowning system and makes machine installation easier.
Technology Spotlight: Managing manufacturing information overload
- By Dan Davis
- Mar 2, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
IGear has developed what it is calling an Industrial Internet of Things messaging platform to help decision-makers cope with the voluminous amount of machine information and human conversation involved with running a modern manufacturing facility
Do precision fabrication rules apply to me?
- By Steve Benson
- Mar 2, 2017
- Bending and Forming
- Article
Do the rules of precision bending apply to heavy plate fabrication? Of course they do. After all, it’s really just a matter of scale.
Advancement challenges in metal fabrication
- By Tim Heston
- Mar 2, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
As technology and globalization force manufacturers to produce more with fewer people and more productive machines, the manufacturing career ladder has fewer rungs. This has changed how people learn (or fail to learn) the ins and outs of metal fabrication.
Shop technology and 3-D CAD: The design intent battle between visualization and fabrication
- By Gerald Davis
- Mar 1, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
Columnist Gerald Davis compares assembly modeling to multibody modeling.
How to make office work flow
- By Tim Heston
- Mar 1, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
Rework runs rampant in the office, although few notice it or work to eliminate it. A conversation with Kevin Duggan, president of Duggan Associates, reveals how operational excellence helps eliminate this rework and other inefficiencies, including those long email exchanges and overlooked work buried in email and desktop inboxes. He does this by introducing office workers to the concepts of flow and operational excellence.
Role changes in lean manufacturing
- By Jeff Sipes
- Mar 1, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
Columnist Jeff Sipes describes how front-line employees’ roles change with a lean transformation. The workday changes, and they must adapt. But as long as the changes are made with employees (and not to them), front-line workers should thrive.
New GTAW variant boosts aluminum welding throughput
- By Erwan Siewert and Nakhleh Hussary
- Mar 1, 2017
- Arc Welding
- Article
A new gas tungsten arc welding variant uses two gas streams, an outer shielding gas and an inner focusing gas, to constrict and stabilize the arc. It is designed to increase throughput and quality and reduce heat input.
How to build a rep with reps in custom metal fabrication
- By Tim Heston
- Mar 1, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
Manufacturers’ representatives can help a shop grow and diversify. But finding the right rep isn’t straightforward. The rep and fabricator need to be a good fit, and both need to scrutinize the other’s relationships and reputation.
Reducing thermal spray hazards with proper dust collection
- By Taylor Morgan
- Mar 1, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
The fine dust particles generated during powder spraying can contain a variety of metals with potential health risks. The proper dust collection system can keep workers safe and a manufacturer in compliance with regulations.
A square deal on continuous improvement in custom manufacturing
- By Tim Heston
- Mar 1, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
After adopting quick-response manufacturing, Square Deal Machining Inc. (SDMI) in Marathon, N.Y., cut lead times and inventory levels in half. The change required focus on the new manufacturing method, technology, and company culture.
Choosing a gas for oxyfuel cutting
- By Phil Evans
- Feb 27, 2017
- Oxyfuel Cutting
- Article
Fuel gases have been used in manufacturing for decades, but how much do fabricators know about what has become such a common part of the manufacturing process? Phil Evans, a certified welding inspector and educator, discusses the basics.
Technological advances in powder coating spray and recovery
Gone are the days of the large monolithic powder coatings systems that snaked around a shop floor and the need to have multiple booths for color changes. Technology advances now make more compact, one-booth systems capable of quick and easy color changes a reality.
Punch up your production
- Feb 24, 2017
- Punching and Other Holemaking
- Article
Automation and software have helped streamline punching significantly—and not just by scrutinizing the machine cycle time and total green-light time, but by looking at the overall punching cycle time, from sheet loading until a punched part reaches the next operation.
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 04/30/2024
- Running Time:
- 53:00
Seth Feldman of Iowa-based Wertzbaugher Services joins The Fabricator Podcast to offer his take as a Gen Zer...
- Industry Events
Pipe and Tube Conference
- May 21 - 22, 2024
- Omaha, NE
World-Class Roll Forming Workshop
- June 5 - 6, 2024
- Louisville, KY
Advanced Laser Application Workshop
- June 25 - 27, 2024
- Novi, MI
Precision Press Brake Certificate Course
- July 31 - August 1, 2024
- Elgin,
- Upcoming Webcasts
Navigating Change: The Manufacturer’s Guide to Change Management with ERP Implementation
- May 16, 2024
- Sponsored
- Presented By: ECI Software Solutions, M1
Managing Dangerous Dusts from Metalworking
- June 26, 2024
- Sponsored
- Presented By: Camfil Air Pollution Control