OLD HABITS MUST DIE HARD

The number of experienced machinists in the U.S. is declining, but Randy Pearson of Siemens Industry explains how all shops that seek operator efficiency can achieve it through the education programs offered by machine builders and control suppliers alike.

FILLET WELDS USING STAINLESS STEEL SHIELDED METAL ARC ELECTRODES

In developing this welding procedure, Regis Geisler of Lincoln Electric includes how to look for the “keyhole” that is visible behind the arc and making sure that arc does not ride on top of the puddle.

WHO NEEDS AN ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENIST?

Phil La Duke of Rockford Greene International continues his look at the various specialties within the Safety function by exploring a role focused on maintaining regulatory compliance, protecting the workers, environment, and in some cases the products from coming into contact with hazardous chemicals.

THE INS AND OUTS OF PUNCHING TECHNOLOGY

Punch machines now do much more than simply punch holes. Mike Kroll of TRUMPF explains how today it’s all about completing multiple processes on the same machine, such as making up to 1 in high flanges, tapping holes, forming, extruding, ribbing, offsetting, removing burrs from parts and more.

THE SEDUCTIVE SIN OF MARKETING AND SALES CERTAINTY

John Graham of GrahamComm examines why there is no place for certainty in a business world that is in a constant state of flux. He says that doing everything right today in marketing and sales offers no comfort because the needs and opportunities of tomorrow will be even more demanding.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING AN IRONWORKER

As versatile as the ironworker is, it is still possible to purchase the wrong machine – or at least not the best one – for your application. Mike Albrecht of Scotchman Industries explains why careful examination of these factors will prevent that from happening.

FAST PROTOTYPING INNOVATION INTO EMERGING MARKETS

3-Dimensional Services used unconventional single part and low volume production technology to bring a game changing lighting system to market that also aids the environment.

RESISTANCE SPOT WELDING OF ALUMINIUM MOVES TO PRODUCTION LINE

Georg Fischer Automotive uses an innovative resistance spot-welding process from Fronius to join die-cast aluminium parts in the vehicle door-frame on the Porsche Panamera.

ROBOTIC WORK CELLS HELP DIVERSIFY BUSINESS

Kevin Summers of Miller Welding Automation shows how contract manufacturer K-zell Metals can diversify and compete against global competition by bidding and planning fabrication work more aggressively with its increased capabilities and automation flexibility.

IMPERIAL RE-IMAGINATION

TIG welding equipment from Lincoln Electric is used to reconstruct this vintage auto gem into a modern hot rod reincarnation at the hands of noted designer Murray Pfaff and his skilled crew.

OUT OF MANY, ONE

A Win-Win Situation: Machine tool builder EMAG uses the same Siemens Sinumerik 840D CNC and remote monitoring on all of the turning, grinding and turn/grind machines it sells to a major agricultural equipment manufacturer, resulting in substantial savings for both the customer and the supplier.

COST ESTIMATING SYSTEM BOOSTS QUOTING EFFICIENCIES

Defense contractor McNally Industries uses cost-estimating software from MTI Systems to better streamline their cost-estimating process, increase estimating speed, and enhance the accuracy of their quotations.

CUSTOM ELECTROPOLISHING SYSTEMS PROVIDE PRECISE CONTROL AND REPEATABILITY

Ideal for manufacturing catheters, scalpels, saws, and screens, electropolishing systems from Technic Inc. process parts from millimeters up to 20 in square with superior part-to-part uniformity over batch methods, with better throughput on stainless steels, Monel®, Hastelloy®, titanium and related metals.

FASTER INSPECTION FEEDBACK IMPROVES PART QUALITY

Let the Good Times Roll: At the Maryville plant of Kawasaki, Renishaw 5-axis scanning probes now collect data and reduce feedback to machining cells from hours to minutes and may ultimately eliminate the inspection systems for gears and cam lifts.

THE WHOS, WHENS, WHYS AND HOWS OF PREVENTIVE ROBOTIC MIG GUN MAINTENANCE

The robotic MIG gun and its consumables are frequently overlooked components in the system, but this maintenance primer from Tregaskiss shows that they are relatively easy to maintain and, by doing so, can positively contribute to the efficiency of the entire welding operation.

FAN TECHNOLOGY PROTECTS METAL FROM CORROSION

Steel distributor Aaron & Son used technology from Big Ass Fan Company in their New Jersey warehouse to overcome uneven ambient temperatures that created potentially disastrous condensation for their sweating steel inventory inside a non-air conditioned warehouse.