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The Fabricator January 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.
A check list for a plasma cutting table retrofit
- By Chris Kuzma
- Jan 10, 2017
- Plasma Cutting
- Article
When considering a retrofit to an older plasma cutting table, a fabricator needs to consider equipment location, state of table components, the types of shielding gases and consumables that might be needed with a technology upgrade, and any possible training that may be needed.
The peculiar world of metal sculpture
- By Amanda Carlson
- Jan 9, 2017
- Arc Welding
- Article
A Missouri man’s fairly recent immersion in metal sculpture has yielded confidence and surprising results, at least to him.
Press brake bending basics: Breaking the time barrier
- By Steve Benson
- Jan 9, 2017
- Bending and Forming
- Article
Making accurate time estimates requires both complete information about the job at hand as well as technical talent, both in engineering and in press brake operation.
What makes estimating effective in metal fabrication?
- By Tim Heston
- Jan 9, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
Good estimating involves more than just numbers crunching. A good estimator needs to communicate and collaborate with various people, from the owner to the machine operator. That person also needs the right organizational structure and technology in place to be effective.
The future of work in metal fabrication
- By Tim Heston
- Jan 9, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
The future of work in metal fabrication may be less about a specific task and more about uncovering better ways to satisfy customer demand and get the job done.
What does continuous improvement mean to you?
- By Jeff Sipes
- Jan 6, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
How do you define “continuous improvement”? Turns out, it depends on your organization and your role within it. Altogether, the mix of continuous improvement perspectives within a company should strike a balance between two concepts: efficiency and effectiveness.
3 things you should know about air-assisted laser cutting
- By Robert Farrell
- Jan 6, 2017
- Laser Cutting
- Article
Laser cutting with nitrogen as an assist gas is still the No. 1 choice for applications in which edge quality is critical. Air as an assist gas, however, might work in some not-so-critical applications, and its use will generate sustainable cost and time savings while boosting productivity.
4 ways to save on aluminum extrusion processing costs
- By Spencer Dick
- Jan 6, 2017
- Sawing
- Article
Fabricators that cut a lot of aluminum extrusions probably end up with plenty of scrap. Traditional thinking suggests that’s not so bad because recyclers pay them for the aluminum scrap. Over the long term, however, that thinking is costing them money. If fabricators can minimize scrap, they can maximize revenue because that raw material, once destined for the scrap bin, will be transformed into something of high value. Optimization software and cutting automation can help fabricators keep their material out of that scrap bin.
Does ventilating large-part welding applications have you fuming?
- By Travis Haynam
- Jan 6, 2017
- Safety
- Article
A one-size-fits-all approach to ventilating welding fumes from large fabrications isn't going to work, because while it may remove the fume hazard, it likely won't keep the welder's breathing zone completely clear of particulates. That's why a fabricator should consider several different elements to create a suitable ventilation setup.
FABTECH 2016: Closing the loop for manufacturing perfection
- Jan 6, 2017
- Shop Management
- Article
More than 31,000 attendees came to the Las Vegas Convention Center for FABTECH® 2016. As always, new technologies didn’t disappoint. Exhibitors, conference speakers, and attendees all talked about positive changes ahead, about “closing the loop” to make their manufacturing organization one cohesive, determined unit, ready to compete.
Anatomy of an automated welding system
- By Bob Rochelle
- Jan 4, 2017
- Automation and Robotics
- Article
A robot is part of an automated welding system with most projects needing personnel involved. We review the components of automated welding systems here.
Shaping the laser beam for the best cut
- By Tim Heston
- Jan 4, 2017
- Laser Cutting
- Article
The Fraunhofer Institute in Germany has developed a system that quickly oscillates the beam in specific patterns as it cuts, welds, or otherwise processes material. These patterns have the effect of “shaping” a laser beam, allowing the technician to tailor the beam’s shape to fit the application.
Understanding modern press brakes
- By Paul LeTang
- Jan 4, 2017
- Bending and Forming
- Article
This overview provides a brief discussion of press drives, crowning systems, and tooling setup found on today's press brakes.
Construction project showcases best of metal fabrication
- By Eric Lundin
- Jan 4, 2017
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
Editor Eric Lundin interviewed several of the people who were instrumental in the design, fabrication, and installation of the decorative façade that adorns FMA’s new office in Elgin, Ill
Shop technology and 3-D CAD: Sheet metal modeling
- By Gerald Davis
- Dec 7, 2016
- Shop Management
- Article
Columnist Gerald Davis shows seven different ways to deliver the same 3-D model.
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 04/16/2024
- Running Time:
- 63:29
In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Caleb Chamberlain, co-founder and CEO of OSH Cut, discusses his company’s...
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