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FROM TRAINING TO PRODUCTION: NOW YOU SEE IT, NOW YOU DO IT
An offline personal computer can be used to train the operators, who then run the program on a virtual control to prove it out, all before running it on a costly machine tool . . . Randy Pearson of Siemens Industry explains how this evolution of the quasi-CAM system brings so many advantages to the shop.
USING 1 PERCENT NICKEL ELECTRODES FOR HIGHLY RESTRAINED WELDS, HIGHLY HARDENABLE STEELS
Circumstances exist in which the selection of low-hydrogen, mild steel electrodes such as ER70S-6 solid wire or E7018 stick electrode is not enough to prevent weld cracking. Regis Geisler of Lincoln Electric explores the reasons for this and offer possible alternatives to these filler materials.
JUST CULTURE
Does the overall culture of a company have at least as powerful an influence on worker safety as the actions of the workers themselves? In exploring this controversial safety philosophy, Phil La Duke of Rockford Greene investigates whether an environment where people feel comfortable making and reporting mistakes is better equipped to determine the root cause of a problem and implement counter measures to prevent recurrence.
PROPER CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Even though a machine tool spindle is a high-precision machine component, more often than not it is handled carelessly, forced to perform well beyond design limitations, or otherwise abused to the breaking point. Ed Zitney of SKF Machine Tool Services shows how proper care and maintenance can make all the difference in both its operation and longevity in service.
NON-WOVEN ABRASIVES EXPAND RIGHT ANGLE GRINDING POSSIBILITIES
Right angle grinders have traditionally used grinding wheels, fiber discs, wire brushes, and flap discs for stripping, deburring, blending, prepping and finishing. But David Long of Saint-Gobain Abrasives explains why non-woven abrasives are now replacing traditional coated abrasives as a faster and more cost effective method.
Improving Feedability in Aluminum Welding
Due to the poor column strength of aluminum, the wire easily bends or twists when pushed through a typical GMAW wire feeder and gun system, causing “bird-nesting.” Thom Burns of AltoTec shares some ways to prevent this problem.
PLASMA CUTTING: VERSATILE FOR BOTH MANUAL AND MECHANIZED CUTTING APPLICATIONS
The cut quality, consumable life and reliability of the plasma cutters used in the past is just that – a memory of the past! Let’s evaluate the different categories of new plasma cutting systems to show how they can benefit those fabricators of steel parts that have traditionally used traditionally oxy-fuel cutting.
The Evolution of the Hybrid Laser Arc Welding Revolution
Moving Beyond “Wait and See”: Geoff Lipnevicius of Lincoln Electric examines how the hybrid revolution is building momentum as manufacturers embrace the higher travel speeds, increased depth of penetration and deposition rates of a ‘hybrid’ materials-joining process that captures the unique advantages of two distinct sources of energy – laser power and arc welding.
Prairie Muffins: THE U.S. Debt Ceiling
A Reckless Threat: The clock is winding down as the markets anxiously wait for the honorables to make a decision about the government debt ceiling. Here’s the kicker: Even if the latest round of budget talks fail, well-known economist Peter Morici explains why the U.S. does not have to default on national debt and why higher taxes are not needed.
Closing the Wall Street Casino
The Elephant In The Room: Guest columnist and well-known economist Peter Morici shares some thought-provoking business insights in this great analysis of why kids are going to school to get degrees and no one is making things.
HELP – HILFE – AIUTO – AYUDA . . .
IN ANY LANGUAGE, YOUR CNC CAN FIND ANSWERS
Randy Pearson of Siemens Industry explains how, with help screens, full instruction manuals and troubleshooting advice embedded in various languages at the touch of a button, today’s CNC can help machine tool operators identify and overcome most in-cycle problems quickly, so they can make more parts.
FABRICATING RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE WELDING OF TWO-SIDED GROOVE WELDS
Regis Geisler of Lincoln Electric explores some real-world considerations and practices to improve quality and productivity during the welding of two-sided butt joints that are frequently used in pressure vessels and wind tower construction.
