Practical Welding Today July/August 2017

Is rework necessary if shielding gas blends are occasionally shared between GMAW and FCAW? The experts tackle this question and provide insights as to what argon and CO₂ bring to the weld.

Dive into our blog on determining weave bead width.

At what temperature does aluminum melt? Our experts answer this question as well as what filler is right for the job. Learn about aluminum melting temps here.

EWI DeepTIG uses specialized metal oxides to increase weld penetration in GTAW. The patented process uses proprietary oxide formulations which, when applied to the surface of the workpieces to be joined, increases weld penetration and consequently enhances process productivity. It has been shown to increase weld penetration in GTAW by up to 300 percent.

The foundational principles that will help beginners become good stick welders include choosing the correct electrode, properly setting up their power source, and mastering both a consistent work angle and a consistent travel speed.

A mechanized plasma table with state-of-the-art software opened a new realm of possibilities for a traditional structural steel fabricator based in Aurora, Ill.

Seventeen years ago, Harper College, located in northwest Chicago suburb of Palatine, Ill., had no welding program to speak of. Today it’s more than 500 students strong during fall and spring terms with an array of programs, including basic welding, maintenance welding, pipe welding, CNC machining, and most recently metal fabricating. The transformation is remarkable, and a lot of the credit goes to the man who, before taking the job, never even knew he wanted to teach. That’s why Kurt Billsten is the 2017 PWTeacher of the Year.