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More from Eric Lundin
A few key takeaways from FABTECH 2021 for tube and pipe
- By Eric Lundin
- Dec 4, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
The skilled worker shortage is nothing new, but the pandemic made the situation much worse than before. Tube and pipe fabricators are seeking ways to produce more with less reliance on workers.
Tips for maximizing tube, pipe mill efficiency (Part II)
- By Eric Lundin
- Nov 2, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Article
Everyone in every processing industry wants maximum uptime and maximum yield, but when raw materials are expensive and scarce, these concerns are especially acute. Editor Eric Lundin interviewed several tube and pipe industry veterans about mills, tooling, and procedures that can help get the most out of a mill.
Small, mobile tube end forming systems provide alternative to large machines
- By Eric Lundin
- Oct 26, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
Large end forming machines have been around for decades, and they handle nearly endless applications, but a stationary machine isn’t the only option. Airmo Inc. makes hand-held and portable units that use a common hydraulic power source for mobility and convenience.
A look back at FABTECH 2021, a look ahead to 2022
- By Eric Lundin
- Oct 12, 2021
- Shop Management
- Blog Post
Looking back on a challenging yet successful 2021, and a successful FABTECH, Editor Eric Lundin casts a glance at 2022.
Charity and metalworking begin at home
- By Eric Lundin
- Sep 23, 2021
- Shop Management
- Blog Post
Vocation programs and STEM education are necessary now more than ever for metal fabrication and manufacturing sectors, but we shouldn’t leave the entire burden to the school system. Familiarity with hand tools and machines, fondness for metalworking, and the satisfaction of a job well done can, and probably should, begin at home.
Tips for maximizing tube, pipe mill efficiency (Part I)
- By Eric Lundin
- Sep 21, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Article
Maximum profit hinges on maximum uptime and maximum yield, but when raw materials are expensive and scarce, these concerns are especially acute. Editor Eric Lundin interviewed several industry veterans about mills, tooling, and procedures that can help get the most out of a tube- or pipemaking operation.
- From The Fabricator
Small-format laser helps high-mix, low-volume shop augment, optimize services
- By Eric Lundin
- Sep 13, 2021
- Laser Cutting
- Article
Blaine Bolich built the foundation for his career at Stanford University, where he spent a decade in the largest machine shop on campus. After setting out on his own and building a reputation as a reliable machinist, he needed a small tube laser and found one that didn't need much floor space or even an industrial power circuit, relying on a common 120-V circuit to optimize fabricating and machining services at American Prototype & Production.
New motorcycle racing class is reviving sport, interest in fabrication skills
- By Eric Lundin
- Sep 7, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
A new racing class, the 4.60 Index, has revived the Pro Mod class of motorcycles, breathing new life into the sport. Bruce Van Sant and his racing teammate, his brother Craig, think that this sport and others like it have unlimited potential to draw young people into manufacturing.
- From The Fabricator
Alternative hydroforming tech dispenses with bladder, achieves 60,000 PSI
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 30, 2021
- Hydroforming
- Article
A technology related to hydroforming, named fluidforming, dispenses with bladders and diaphragms, achieving much greater pressures and more comprehensive metal forming capabilities.
Blockchain technology secures traceability records for tube, pipe producers
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 24, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Production
- Article
Many people think that blockchain is synonymous with cryptocurrency, but that’s not accurate. Blockchain is a secure database that works as an accounting ledger, preventing cryptocurrency fraud. It also can be used for traceability throughout a manufacturing process, providing a complete and accurate manufacturing record of metal products such as the pipe that goes into making pipelines.
- From The Fabricator
Gearhead uses plasma technology, software to restore hot rods, antique cars
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 14, 2021
- Plasma Cutting
- Article
Georgia-based old hot rod and antique car restorer Wayne McDaniel found a way to make what he needs when he needs it. He fabricates many of the brackets, gussets, and cross members by cutting them using a Hypertherm plasma system and nesting software.
Construyendo una vasta estructura tubular, una sección de caja irregular a la vez
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 10, 2021
- Automation and Robotics
- Article
Los robots, programables y versátiles, a menudo se utilizan para realizar un proceso de fabricación. Cuando la firma de ingeniería Wenlock Ltd., Shrewsbury, Reino Unido, se enfrentó a un difícil desafío de fabricación, descubrió una forma de utilizar un robot para fijar componentes para el ensamblaje.
- From The Fabricator
Apprentice welder lends a hand on veterans memorial statue
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 7, 2021
- Arc Welding
- Article
Tupelo High school welder, Precision Machine & Metal Fabrication apprentice, and Nuts, Bolts & Thingamajigs manufacturing camp attendee lands opportunity to work on veterans memorial statue for Tippah County Veterans Memorial in near-by Ripley, Miss.
Tube bender fortifies automation strategy
- By Eric Lundin
- Aug 3, 2021
- Tube and Pipe Fabrication
- Article
A high-mix, low-volume fabricator through and through, Custom Tube Products has developed a core competence in automation. The skilled labor shortage is as acute in the local area as it is anywhere else, and the company has been automating processes for more than 15 years. To that end, it recently invested in a tube bender that fits its business plan and culture like a glove.
Workplace hazards never take a vacation – neither should a shop’s safety program
- By Eric Lundin
- Jul 15, 2021
- Safety
- Blog Post
Workplace safety incidents tend to increase every summer, and this summer might be worse than others. Regardless of the stage of production, any manufacturer that has been ramping up might be relying on workers who had been furloughed, workers new to manufacturing, and temporary help more than usual as industry recovers from the pandemic. This is probably a good time to shake things up in regard to safety briefings.
- Podcasting
- Podcast:
- The Fabricator Podcast
- Published:
- 04/16/2024
- Running Time:
- 63:29
In this episode of The Fabricator Podcast, Caleb Chamberlain, co-founder and CEO of OSH Cut, discusses his company’s...
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Nitrogen Generation for Laser Cutting: Navigating System Design for YOUR Operation
- April 24, 2024
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- Presented By: Purity Gas
Navigating Change: The Manufacturer’s Guide to Change Management with ERP Implementation
- May 16, 2024
- Sponsored
- Presented By: ECI Software Solutions, M1