Departments
10 From the Editor-in-Chief Face-to-face still best place
Many fabricators need the face-to-face meetings to ensure as-smooth-as-possible sailing in the tumultuous
sea of low-volume, high-mix manufacturing.
11 Readers’ Forum
18 Calendar of Events
20 Industry News
44 Applications Integrated cutting machine speeds production for steel processor |
Weldment manufacturer reduces setup, inspection time with spatial positioning system
46 Product Highlights Cutting machine incorporates six oxyfuel torches, two plasma |
Software performs FEA simulation of roll forming process
48 Technology Spotlight Seeing is achieving higher quality
An online sharing tool helps manufacturers communicate critical information, including step-by-step visual
work instructions.
52 Technology Spotlight Automation designed for speedy small-parts bending
A robotized press brake cell is designed to overcome the challenges of bending a high product mix
of small parts.
54 Technology Spotlight Taking the “backbreaking” out of labor
A 3-axis work positioner, which can handle workpieces up to 13,200 pounds, presents options for
greater welding and assembly e;ciency.
56 Technology Spotlight Scratch me not
A new laser/punch combination machine o;ers advanced punching capabilities and gets out of the way
when not forming, resulting in mar-free parts.
66 Precision Matters Job shop estimating: Control and feedback methods
Columnist Gerald Davis explains how the process of estimating is supported by buddy checks, databases,
and report cards.
105 The FABRICATOR’s Metal Market
106 Product News
112 Classified Ads
113 Advertisers’ Index
114 The Back Page Apple picking for the 21st century
Contributing Editor Amanda Carlson described how one welding shop designed and fabricated a machine
that makes apple-picking easier.
Coming in December 2013 …
Discover how one Wisconsin fabricator enhanced its press brake training.
Learn who’s buying what in ;e FABRICATOR’s annual capital spending report.
Uncover the importance of determining minimum bend radii when forming plate.
contents
November 2013 Vol. 43 No. 11
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What’s on thefabricator.com?
Skill and infrastructure Professor Carl Smith discusses the shortage of welding personnel and how it’s
a;ecting the infrastructure.
Read the pulse. Learn about the benefits pulsed-GMAW o;ers for aluminum and stainless steel welding.
Miss Manufacturing Day? Read about some of the many events in “Celebrating Manufacturing Day”
on THE FABRICATOR blog.
