Home / Experts / Rick Hopkins

Rick Hopkins

Rick Hopkins is senior product manager – metal fabrication at Weiler Abrasives, One Weiler Drive, Cresco, PA 18326-0149, 570-595-7495, www.weilerabrasives.com. Email rhopkins@weilerabrasives.com.

Articles by Rick Hopkins

How Safe Use of Cutting and Grinding Abrasives Benefits Productivity

Weiler Abrasives Rich Hopkins

Some operators learn as they go or get advice from coworkers who may (or may not) have received appropriate training. Unfortunately, learning about abrasives through trial and error can cause unnecessary accidents and injuries while negatively impacting productivity and costs.

Precise Metal Cutting to Prepare for Welding

Precise cutting starts with preparation. Here are three tips to help you optimize performance and produce clean, smooth, straight cut lines in preparation for welding to minimize secondary operations like deburring and cleanup, and help operators achieve better weld penetration for higher quality welds.

Fit and Trimmable Flap Discs

Are you trying to blend and finish curved parts and other jobs where it’s difficult to reach the work or when a specific material finish is a priority? Trimmable flap discs are a versatile solution for these applications because the flaps and backing plate will also curve to match the shape during the process.

The Right Flap Disc Can Save Time and Money

Selecting the right disposable flap disc to use for a specific grinding, blending or finishing job also minimizes the risk of removing too much material and ensures the best possible finish. To maximize flap disc effectiveness and longevity, here are several key factors to consider for choosing the right tool for the job.

Tips and Tools for Cutting, Grinding and Finishing Aluminum

Pressure and heat are the main culprits of frustration when working with aluminum. To improve the quality, safety and productivity of your work while reducing downtime and labor costs, here are some insights on how to choose the right wheel or disc to address the needs of the pre-weld and post-weld operation.

Calendar & Events
Southeast Design – 2-Part Show
September 11 - 12, 2013
Greenville, SC
Mid-Atlantic Design – 2-Part Show
September 25 - 26, 2013
Phoenixville, PA
CMTS of Canada
September 30 - October 3, 2013
Mississauga, Canada
Wisconsin Manufacturing and Technology Show
October 8 - 10, 2013
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center Halls B&C
DISCOVER 2013
October 8 - 16, 2013
Florence, KY
WESTEC 2013
October 15 - 17, 2013
Los Angeles, CA
SOUTH-TEC
October 29 - 31, 2013
Greenville, SC
New England Design-2-Part Show
October 30 - 31, 2013
Marlborough, MA
DMG / Mori Seiki Manufacturing Days
November 12 - 15, 2013
Mori Seiki Manufacturing – Davis, CA
FABTECH
November 18 - 21, 2013
McCormick Place – Chicago, IL
Midwest Design-2-Part Show
November 20 - 21, 2013
Northern Kentucky Convention Center – Covington, KY
PCD Tool Manufacturing
November 20, 2013
United Grinding North America – Fredricksburg, VA