Cleveland – Lincoln Electric is offering a free Pipeline Welding Seminar intended for contractors and professionals in the pipeline industry. The three-day, in-depth session will take place on March 29-31, 2011, at Lincoln Electric’s corporate headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

With the growing demand in energy markets, rehabilitation of existing infrastructure and construction of new cross-country and subsea pipelines will continue to increase. The seminar will focus on these topics, as well as new solutions for overall improved safety, productivity and quality.

Topics will include:
• Solutions to common pipeline welding challenges
• Understanding hydrogen cracking and how to minimize it
• Effects of welding essential variables, including heat input, on weld metal properties

Sessions will be followed by welding demonstrations on the latest pipeline welding techniques, equipment and consumables. Tours of Lincoln’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities will also be included.

For more information on this free informational seminar or to reserve a spot, contact Lincoln Electric at (216) 383-8355. Space is limited, and the deadline to register is Tuesday, March 15, 2011.

The Lincoln Electric Company, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is the world leader in the design, development and manufacture of arc welding products, robotic arc welding systems, fume extraction equipment and plasma and oxyfuel cutting equipment. The company holds a leading global position in the brazing and soldering alloys market. For more information, visit their Web site at www.lincolnelectric.com.

This would also be a good time to check out some of the performance proven pipe welding accessories at Arc-Zone.com like purge film and heat resistant purge bladders and purge baffle systems for localized purging…  not to mention our incredible stock of top performing CK TIG Torches and Weldcraft TIG torches, parts and accessories.

The extremely popular 2010 Fabtech  expo is right around the corner, and Miller Electric Mfg. Co. is introducing some really cool new products, including the new Titanium Series welding helmets as well as the new WeldX protective apparel (available at Arc-Zone.com).  And if you’re looking for other TIG related products to go with your Big Blue welder generator, be sure to check out Arc-Zone’s TIG parts and accessories.  And be sure to look for Joe Welder himself, who will be attending this year.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. will showcase a wide range of new and popular welding products, technologies and safety accessories at the FABTECH 2010 show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, November 2 – 4. Miller’s booth this year (#6811 in Hall C) will provide attendees with product selection clarity by featuring market specific solutions designed to address the specific needs and challenges of the manufacturing, fabrication, shipbuilding, construction and commercial welding markets.

• FILTAIR^™ SWX-Series wall-mounted fume extractor
• Big Blue^® 400 Eco Pro welder generator
• Titanium^™ Series heavy-duty welding helmets
• XR^™ Control push-pull wire feeders
• WeldX^™ protective apparel
• Dimension^™ NT 450 WCC

In addition those listed above, Miller will be unveiling several new products and technologies that increase welding productivity, reduce weld costs and improve application adaptability.

Miller’s TIG Solutions Marketing Manager, Brent Williams, will also be giving a presentation on the benefits of TIG inverter technology, and the advanced arc controls it offers, as it relates to aircraft engines and components. The presentation will take place from 4:05 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. on Wednesday, November 3.

Plus don’t forget to regularly check Miller’s social media outlets — YouTube, Facebook and Twitter — for regular updates, videos and special promotions from the trade show floor.

FILTAIR SWX

Miller’s new FILTAIR™ SWX Series of space-saving wall-mounted welding fume extractors, are available in either the self-cleaning SWX-S model or the disposable filter SWX-D model. SWX-Series extractors can be fastened to a variety of wall surfaces, allowing companies to improve air quality and protect employees without cluttering their shop floors.

Like the mobile FILTAIR™ MWX Series, the SWX-Series uses surface-loading nanofiber filters designed specifically to capture the 95 percent of sub-micron particles found in welding fumes, including hexavalent chromium and manganese. Because the nanofiber filters are “surface-loading,” they offer more holding capacity and less pressure drop than competitive, “depth-loading” fume filters.

The SWX-S and SWX-D provide 875 CFM (cubic feet per minute) airflow for excellent fume removal up to the maximum recommended hood distance of 14 in. from the welding arc. Designed for heavy-duty industrial use, both models are suitable for continuous filtration of Stick, flux-cored, MIG and TIG fumes. For added application flexibility, both SWX models are available with one or two extraction arms that come in lengths of 7, 10 or 12 ft.

Big Blue 400 Eco Pro

For pipe welding, structural steel, fabrication, field maintenance and repair applications, the new Big Blue^® 400 Eco Pro welder generator reduces fuel use up to 25 percent and is 44-percent smaller/41-percent lighter than other models with similar output.

Providing Stick, TIG, MIG, FCAW and CAC-A processes, the Big Blue 400 Eco Pro offers 5,500 watts of peak power — plenty to run lights, grinders and many electrical tools. Its Mitsubishi S4L2 Tier 4i compliant diesel engine is designed to run 10,000 hours before a major overhaul and produces 50-percent less noise than previous models.

Taking into account average diesel costs of $4.00/gallon and the habits of a typical user — 50 percent idle time, 40 percent at 150 amps, and 10 percent at 400 amps — a welder can save up to $1,990/year per machine in fuel costs without sacrificing performance.

Titanium Series Helmets

Miller’s new Titanium^™ Series offers a comprehensive choice of helmets to meet the daily demands of industrial welding applications. From standard passive to auto-darkening helmets, with one model featuring an integrated grinding shield, the Titanium Series redefines industrial welding protection through optimal comfort and performance.

Designed for industrial protection, performance and comfort, the Titanium Series is built upon a shell design that is lightweight for extended wear, provides excellent skin coverage, reflects radiant heat and features a quick-release front cover lens to reduce welder downtime.

The Titanium Series is available in three auto-darkening models, featuring auto-on/auto-off, grind mode, independent arc sensors, excellent low-amperage TIG performance (5 amps), magnifying lens holder and they all meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 (High Impact) standards. Also available is a shade #10 passive lens model that features a large, 16-sq.-in. lens.

XR-S/D Controls

Miller’s new XR™-S Control and XR™-D Control push-pull wire feeders feature upgraded point-of-use functionality and performance for a wide variety of aluminum MIG, Pulsed MIG and extended reach welding applications.

Weighing under 43 lbs., the XR-S and XR-D Controls provide a highly portable solution for working up to 135 ft. from the welding power source. An A/C variable speed, high-torque “push” motor responds in real time to the gun-mounted DC “pull” motor to provide true push-pull performance. This allows the welding wire to overcome bends and extreme angles when working in and around large weldments.

The XR-S Control provides a simple, intuitive design and basic functionality, featuring adjustable run-in, pre- and post-flow options and a digital wire feed speed display that allows the user to easily see and adjust wire feed speed with the turn of a dial.

For more advanced applications and increased point-of-use adjustability, the XR-D Control offers remote voltage control, programmable pre- and post-flow and manual start and crater control options.

For the ultimate in aluminum MIG welding technology, Miller offers its Aluma-Feed Synergic Aluminum Welding System, featuring built-in Pulsed MIG programs that set the optimal parameters for the most commonly used aluminum alloys. The Aluma-Feed’s synergic welding mode provides the simplicity of single knob control by automatically choosing the correct voltage and amperage when the welder selects the desired wire feed speed.

WeldX Apparel

Miller’s exclusive new WeldX^™ line of welding safety apparel uses a revolutionary new material that provides exceptional flame and spatter resistance and is 60 percent lighter than leather, resulting in reduced heat stress and operator fatigue.

Originally designed for military applications, the WeldX fabric uses a patented carbonized acrylic base fabric that is then strengthened for durability and treated with a compound that causes weld spatter and sparks to literally “roll off” the material upon contact.

Unlike leather, the WeldX fabric is easily washable and is guaranteed to retain its flame resistant qualities for the life of the garment.

Only available from Miller, the WeldX line of safety apparel includes traditional welding jackets, 1/2 length sleeves, aprons and cape sleeves with an optional bib.

Dimension 452 WCC

Ideal for shipbuilding, marine repair and other applications where the power source and wire feeder are separated by up to hundreds of feet, the new Dimension^™ NT 450 WCC multi-process welding system saves time and increases safety by reducing trips to the power source for parameter adjustment. It also reduces weld quality problems caused by “working around” improper parameter settings, and eliminates control cable set up, maintenance and repair costs.

Using the built-in WCC (Weld Control Cable) feature and a WCC-enabled voltage sensing wire feeder, welding operators can control voltage at the wire feeder, eliminating the need to travel to the power source for parameter adjustments. And, fewer trips to the power source means fewer potential accidents along the way.

Further, because they can control parameters at the wire feeder, operators are less likely to attempt to “weld through” improper settings, a practice that often results in structural and visual weld defects.

By eliminating the need for control cables the WCC feature reduces the time and expense associated with purchasing, repairing and maintaining control cables.

The Dimension NT 450 WCC’s Ez-Bind feature guarantees remote control operation with multiple power sources connected to the same workpiece.

Chris and his wife Julie run the TC’s Promise Foundation.  TC’s Promise is a non-profit organization based out of Northeastern Ohio that gives kids coming out of the foster care system a scholarship to the Lincoln Electric Welding School.

Their fundraising event this year is on Saturday, October 23 at the Euclid Lakefront Community Center in Euclid, Ohio.  You can read more about TC’s promise and purchase tickets to the event on the website.  Chris and Julie started the foundation as a way of honoring their son, Therlow Cash “TC”, who passed away on November 8, 2008.  In their own words:

“We’ve spent a lot of the past year thinking about Therlow, and what we can do to honor his life, potential and promise. So much positive came out of the whole situation that we refused to let the tragedy part “win.” We will never be rich people, so we won’t be able to endow a wing of a hospital in his name. But we wanted to make his life and its impact on us and all of you, resonate.”

Joe Welder couldn’t think of a more fitting way to get young people into welding.  And the Lincoln Electric Welding School has graduated more than 200,000 Welders!

Chris himself worked for Lincoln for a few years, and told me recently “I took the job on the floor just to get a “foot in the door” and in my time in marketing got to see just how important welding is to this country. I got to interview people who are welding bridges & pipelines, as well as people who are literally able to live their dreams through welding like Chip Foose , Bryan Fuller and Jessi Combs. I got to see first-hand the creativity and ingenuity of welders in almost every situation. And I think that if we can find kids who have that level of skill, artistry, and hands-on ability, we owe it to them to give them a start in welding.”

So support a good cause and help enrich the life of a young adult through welding!



A job weld done by Alistair!
02 March 2010
By Leah Strug

TWO apprentices were welding their careers in place at a regional competition.

South Tyneside College students were celebrating after winning two of the top prizes at the annual SkillWeld regional finals.

Alistair Brummit won first place in the SkillWeld competition.

The 20-year-old was awarded with a trophy, an iPod, vouchers and a certificate from SkillWeld.

Alistair recently completed his Btec in fabrication and welding at South Tyneside College, and he took on the best trainee welders from colleges across the country in the national final of the BOC Apprentice Welder 2009.

He will now represent Britain at the 2011 Worldskills Welding Event in London.

Alistair, from Bedlington, Northumberland, said: “I was thrilled to win the regional SkillWeld. It means so much to me to be recognised for my work and it gives me the confidence and motivation to push myself further.

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Project puts Caledonia students in the limelight
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor

While it’s not quite Orange County Choppers or the hit TV reality show American Chopper starring Paul Teutul, Sr. and his two sons Paul, Jr. and Mike, a group of motorcycle builders from Caledonia are basking in the limelight just the same.

Eight students of Caledonia Area High School industrial education instructor Scott Martin hit the big time last week when it was announced the Caledonia Chopper Club has been selected as one of just five school groups in the United States to compete in a national motorcycle building contest.

The eight students include Ricky Pitts, Rebecca Sabo, Ben Schoh, Bill Ranzenberger, Elliot Breeser, Brandon and Lyndon Becker and Albert Kilger.

The contest is called the 2010 Donnie Smith Chopper Class Challenge. Judging for the motorcycle-building challenge will take place March 27 and 28 at the St. Paul River Centre, St. Paul, Minn.

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Gone are the days of waiting hours and hours for your length of pipe to warm up to the right temperature –

Miller has just released the new ProHeat 35 Induction Heating System, which works by inducing heat electromagnetically, rather than via a conductor, thus saving the operator incredible amounts of time and energy.

Simply wrap the induction coils around whatever piece of metal you’re working on, and in just a few minutes, you’re ready to go!

This picture was taken looking inside the length of pipe that was being heated up by the ProHeat 35 — you can’t see it here, but that tube was glowing red hot on the inside!

And even better, when I tried touching the coils wrapped around it?
Cold as ice! This product is simply amazing!

But perhaps the best part about this whole new system is that you don’t even have to buy it! Red-D-Arc will rent out one of their machines to you for as long as you need!

How about some welding supplies?

Hair trade: Student donates ponytail in return for contibutions of steel to welding program

BY TRIBUNE STAFF • NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Scott Stekly lost his ponytail Wednesday.

Stekly got a buzz cut from a classmate in the Construction Trades Building, courtesy of Joe Filipowicz, Salvage Manager of Steel Etc.

Scott Stekly, a welding student at MSU-Great Falls, gets a buzz cut by classmate Rachel Kaiser Wednesday in the welding shop. (TRIBUNE PHOTO/ RION SANDERS)

Filipowicz’ company agreed to contribute metal to the welding program as an added incentive for the hair loss.

Prior to entering the welding program to pursue a second career, Stekly had been a longtime local cosmetologist, where he met Joe Filipowicz and his father Jimmy, owner of Steel Etc.

When Stekly entered the fall semester, he made a challenge to the Filipowiczes. He would allow them to cut his hair in return for donations of steel materials to the MSU-Great Falls Welding Program. Steel Etc. accepted, and the hair cut was scheduled.

The donated steel will consist of pipe and plate that can be used for the college’s welding students to practice various welds and cuts. After being used by the program, the scrap materials will be returned to Steel Etc., which will recycle the metals, sending them to a steel mill for melting and reprocessing.

ROBOTS ARE TAKING OVER THE WORLD!!!

Ok, not the whole world – just the job parts…

ABB’s VirtualArc robot welding simulation software teaches robots without waste

19 August 2009

ABB says its VirtualArc robot welding simulation software allows welding robots to achieve precise, clean, mass-produced welds.

Human welders draw on experience, intuition and trial-and-error to establish the right parameters for a welding job. Transferring this skill to robots can be complex.

While robots speed productivity, and provide accurate repeatability of tasks, they can only get the welding right if they have been programmed correctly.

“Teaching” a robot to perform a arc-weld, means providing it with the knowledge that comes from many years of human experience and the intuition that enables it to choose the appropriate process for a new task.

Traditionally, experienced welder set up the welding parameters on robots by performing a series of test welds and adjusting parameters to hone the result. This approach uses up materials, manpower and energy.

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So, what do you think?  Yay or nay to robots on the job?

Poll: Manufacturers detail recession survival strategies, report better conditions

Opportunities for manufacturers abound as economy improves suggests a poll by sponsors of the Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show, including Metalform, in Chicago. Sponsors are American Welding Society (AWS), Fabricators & Manufacturers Association Int’l (FMA), Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME), and Precision Metalforming Association (PMA).

– Manufacturing Business Technology, 9/8/2009 8:02:43 PM MDT

To survive what many view as the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression, 69 percent of manufacturers indicated they reduced their workforce, followed by delaying capital expenditures (66 percent), negotiating with suppliers for better deals (48 percent) and cutting promotional activities (37 percent.) The survey asked 1,046 past or prospective registrants of Fabtech International & AWS Welding Show, including Metalform. The poll was conducted in late July.

However, with signs that the economy is currently improving, those surveyed plan to reverse downsizing — nearly one-third of those surveyed said they expect to add to their workforce in the next 12 months. Manufacturers reported an increase in demand in product as the leading factor that would prompt an increase to the workforce (78 percent) followed by the opportunity to upgrade workforce (7 percent) and the need for new skill sets (6 percent).

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Some ships built on Coast flawed, Navy says
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS • JANUARY 25, 2010

NEW ORLEANS — The Navy says numerous welds may be bad on warships built in the past two years by Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding at Gulf Coast shipyards.

(File photo/The Associated Press)

Since last summer, engineers have been inspecting Northrop Grumman-built warships after engineers found that between 10 percent and 15 percent of pipe welds inside vessels built at the shipyards in Pascagoula and Avondale, La., were not thick enough and could shorten a vessel’s life-span, the Navy said.

“We’re talking about thousands and thousands of welds to inspect, and we’re probably talking about hundreds of welds that need to be fixed on each ship,” said Jay Stefany, the Navy’s program manager for the LPD 17 amphibious assault ships.

The Navy said faulty pipe welds were found on destroyers, LPD assault ships and on one LHD big-deck amphibious assault ship. All were built at Northrop Grumman’s Avondale and Pascagoula shipyards.

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