Welding Design & Fabrication

Gallery: Single-Mode Fiber Laser Marking

Thu, 16 May 2013 11:37:00 +0000

Single-mode fiber-laser markers offer processing advantages versus standard beam-quality fiber-laser markers.

Kobe Steel, USS Start Continuous Annealing

Wed, 15 May 2013 03:47:00 +0000

Joint venture’s third process line adds 500,000 tons/year capacity for high-strength steel

Kobe Steel Ltd. and U.S. Steel inaugurated a continuous annealing line at their Ohio joint venture, PRO-TEC Coating Co. It’s the third process line at the 20-year-old operation, which also includes a cold-rolling mill and two hot-dip galvanizing line for high-strength automotive sheet.

Processing Advantages of Single-Mode Fiber Lasers

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:57:00 +0000

Geoff Shannon

High performance and superior beam quality enable fine marking and micro machining

Single-mode fiber-laser markers offer processing advantages versus standard beam-quality fiber-laser markers.

Respiratory Protection Gear for Hard Hats

Sun, 12 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Miller Electric introduces hard-hat head assemblies to its Powered Air Purifying Respirator series

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. added a hard-hat option to its Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) series of respiratory-protection products — designed to protect welders from hazardous welding fumes, including hexavalent chromium, zinc, aluminum and manganese.

Metalsa Adds to Automotive Manufacturing Portfolio

Tue, 07 May 2013 01:33:00 +0000

Buying ISE Automotive extends global network to China, Germany, Turkey, more

Metalsa S.A. de C.V. finalized its purchase of ISE Automotive, a German manufacturer of structural automotive parts with eight operations in Europe, China, Turkey, and South Africa.

GE Supplying “Smart” Wind Turbines for Texas Farm

Fri, 03 May 2013 02:27:00 +0000

First wind mills to incorporate power management, integrated batteries

GE Power & Water will supply three 2.5-120 wind turbines to Invenergy, a wind farm developer as part of an 86-turbine deal for the Goldthwaite Wind Energy farm in Mills County, Tex.

Pre-Engineered, Robotic Welding Cells

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 20:08:00 +0000

An economical configuration for shops introducing automation to their operations

ESAB Welding & Cutting Products introduced three pre-engineered, robotic welding cells, each one described as “an economic configuration,” well suited for job shops aiming to introduce robotics to their applications.

Weld Surface Inspection Using 3D Profilometry

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:24:00 +0000

Craig Leising

Critical analysis of surface cracks, porosity and unfilled craters may be necessary, and using axial chromatism makes it possible.

Inspecting welds is a visual task, but it may be necessary to investigate weld profiles with a more extreme level of precision. Weld characteristics such as dimension/shape, volume, roughness, size, etc., can be measured for critical evaluation.

Semi-Automatic MIG Gun for Heavy-Duty Welding

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:24:00 +0000

Users can customize their unit for amperage, cable length, neck style and more

Bernard targets heavy-duty welding applications with its T-Gun Semi-Automatic Air-Cooled MIG Gun — a straight-handle welding gun that can be built to order online.

MesoCoat Clad Pipe Manufacturing Process

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:23:00 +0000

At a plant in Euclid, Ohio, MesoCoat Inc. has installed a $70-million operation to apply a cermet cladding to the interior surface of line pipe, to enhance the products' corrosion-resistance. "Our new facility enables us to demonstrate continuous, automated production of 12-meter pipe segments," stated MesoCoat's CEO Andrew Sherman, "and is a major milestone toward realizing our mission to offer cost-effective life-of-asset protection in an effort to reduce the estimated $2.2-trillion wasted worldwide as a result of preventable corrosion and wear."

High-Speed Coating Line Aims to Shake Up Oil/Gas Market

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 04:01:00 +0000

The CermaClad process produces interior-clad pipe, quickly, able to meet market’s need for corrosion-resistant pipe

MesoCoat Inc. has started producing interior-clad seamless pipe for oil-and-gas processing, using a process called CermaClad™ to seal the pipes with a wear- and corrosion-resistant material.

Details Simplify Maintenance, Increase Reliability for MIG Gun

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:47:00 +0000

Modifications also extend life for robotic MIG guns and consumables, promote profitability

MIG welding equipment developer Tregaskiss introduced a new generation of its Tough Gun™ Reamer guns, the Tough Gun Reamer TT3 Series.

Portable Calibration for Orbital Welding Jobs

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 04:37:00 +0000

Swagelok system streamlines on-site power supply maintenance

Swagelok Company introduced the Swagelok M200 portable calibration unit, a new design that aims to streamline orbital welding power supply maintenance.

New Laser-Cutting Machine Has Customized CNC at its Core

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 03:46:00 +0000

Specialized control technology, and a novel flying-optical system, reduce product development costs

Customized CNC technology from NUM is helping a cutting machine manufacturer Favor Laser to accelerate product development and bring its products to new markets.

Better Ergonomics, Clearer View of Cutting Path with New Oxy-Fuel Torch

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 05:36:00 +0000

End-user-driven features include new contoured handle, three-tube cutting attachment design, and color-coded and labeled valves knobs

Victor introduced the 400 Series of two-piece oxy-fuel torches, emphasizing better ergonomics for operators, including a novel handle design and cutting attachments that improve control and give a better view of the cutting path.

Get Sharp on CO2 Laser Cutting

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 04:15:00 +0000

John Karpus

With high accuracy and repeatability, thermal-cutting laser systems frequently become the preferred tool of metal fabricators. It’s critical to understand the gas-delivery systems that laser cutting requires

Another New Order for Wind Towers Lifts Broadwind

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 01:33:00 +0000

Third order of 2013 brings total to $127 million, fabricating capacity filling up

Broadwind Energy Inc. announced a $14-million order for towers from an unnamed U.S. turbine manufacturer, marking its third big assignment in that sector this year.

Groundbreaking Refinery Project Now Underway

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:33:00 +0000

In North Dakota, a new diesel-fuel processing plant is being built to support demand driven by oil-and-gas exploration

Developers of a new, $300-million diesel refinery broke ground in Dickinson, N.D.

New Friction Welding System for Drill Pipe Machines

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:15:00 +0000

TFW direct-drive system streamlines production, raises accuracy

Thompson Friction Welding introduced a line of friction welding machines specially designed to produce all types of drill pipes.

Combo Press/Weld System Wins Kudos for Innovation

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 23:11:00 +0000

The new ABB Robotics system allows Ford plant to optimize production volumes, eliminating overcapacity and underutilization of equipment

A flexible tube press and welding system developed by ABB Robotics for Ford Motor Co. has been honored by the automaker as one of its best new technologies for 2012.

Complex Laser Processing Helps Fabricator Stand Out

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 22:40:00 +0000

Wisconsin operation is a strategic manufacturing partner, and a market leader in the practical development of laser processing techniques for precision parts

Ace Precision Machining Corp. stands out for its multi-axis laser processing capabilities.

Wind Tower Builder Gains $35-Million Order

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 03:00:00 +0000

Broadwind sees demand moving toward full capacity for 2013

Broadwind Energy Inc. has a new order to fabricate tower structures for a U.S. manufacturer of wind turbines, destined for installation at several domestic wind farms. With a stated value of $35 million, it’s the second significant order from the wind-energy sector that Broadwind has booked this year.

Adapting Space Shuttle Tank Production for LNG Storage, Transport

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 03:59:00 +0000

Lockheed Martin developing new niche from current business expertise

Lockheed Martin Corp reports it will begin manufacturing cryogenic tanks for storing and transporting liquid natural gas, apply technologies it developed as a manufacturer of external fuel tanks for the NASA Space Shuttle.

MSC Industrial Paying $550M for Barnes Distribution

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:24:00 +0000

Metalworking/MRO supply specialist to incorporate “in-plant” supply specialist

MSC Industrial Direct Co. Inc. is buying Barnes Group Inc., including substantially all of its assets and certain, undetailed liabilities, in a $550-million deal.

Continuous Tube Welding for California Steel

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:15:00 +0000

Induction welding line will expand product range for API 5L line pipe

California Steel Industries in Fontana, Calif., chose German plant developer and equipment builder SMS Meer to design and supply a 24-inch high-frequency tube welding line.

Compact Wire-Feeder, for Jobsite Mobility

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 06:04:00 +0000

At sea or on the job, an “ultracompact” design for use with MIG/MAG power sources

Fronius International is introducing a compact welding wire feeder that also is rugged enough for jobsite durability and effectiveness. The portable VR 5000 Case wire feeder was developed specifically for use in dusty, damp, and salty environments.

Employers Should Prepare for More OHSA Whistleblower Investigations

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:58:00 +0000

Richard Alaniz

Federal regulators have made changes to safety program policies, training, and internal systems — which is leading to a more aggressive approach to enforcement.

OSHA’s increased efforts to prosecute plant safety violations may have a severe impact on manufacturers.

ABB Robotics, Fronius to Collaborate, Integrate

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 05:51:00 +0000

Global cooperation for cost-effective robotic welding systems, easier operation, and integrated programming interfaces

ABB Robotics established a global agreement to co-develop fully equipped robotic welding packages with Fronius International.

New Breed of Abrasive Disc

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 22:27:00 +0000

“Get the Edge” with Weiler’s new Tiger Paw™ abrasive flap discs!

SkillsUSA Welding at the Daytona 500

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 13:12:00 +0000

SkillsUSA is holding its Team USA weld finals this week as part of SpeedWeek at the Daytona 500.