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The Future of Metal Fabrication: Gen Z
In just a few short years, the sheet metal fabrication industry has been rejuvenated, in part due to exciting new technologies like automation and the industrial internet of things (IIOT), 5-axis machining, co-bots, and robotic welding. While in the short term, the rise of industrial robots is projected by the consultancy firm Oxford Economics to result in…
Read MoreAutomation and the Metal Industry
Automation and the Metal Industry Industry 4.0 is the latest buzzword in steel industry news. This term reflects what historians see as the fourth world-wide industrial revolution, which is going on today though it’s not yet fully realized in the sheet metal industry. The first industrial revolution occurred when humans learned to build and harness…
Read MoreWhen to Use Welding Clamps and Welding Magnets
You only have so many hands and sometimes to achieve that perfect weld you need help. That’s where welding magnets and clamps come in to play. They can be used to create inside and outside corners as they can hold metal (tube and sheet) at a variety of different angles. Magnets are useful when you…
Read MoreWomen in Welding
Welding – the act of joining two pieces of metal in a permanent bond – has long been a male-dominated career. According to the American Welding Society, only about 5 percent of welding personnel are female, but that number may be growing. More than ever before, women are breaking in to the welding trade. And it’s…
Read MoreJessi Combs in Memoriam
Jessi Combs was more than just a TV star and an off-road racing fanatic. Her accidental death on August 27, 2019, cut short a life of creativity, ambition, dedication, and inspiration to many. Her career spanned a wide range from fabrication & metal artistry to racing to the entertainment industry. In the process Jessi became a hero…
Read MoreMaking A BBQ Grill from Scrap Metal
For all you metal DIY enthusiasts, building a barbeque grill from scrap metal could be the ultimate project. Just imagine the crackling fire, the fragrant woodsmoke, the sizzle of steaks, and that heavenly first bite! But first, you need to think through a few issues before you start to build a DIY grill. The ideas…
Read More304 vs. 316 Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is one of the most popular and well recognized metals, known for its attractive appearance, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to corrosion and staining. Unlike regular carbon steel, stainless steel does not readily corrode in the presence of water. When the strength and toughness of steel are required, along with the need for…
Read MoreMelting Point of Metals
Melting Point of Metals Knowing the melting points of different metals is important for fabricators and welders. Metals melt gradually, as the metal absorbs heat. Well before a piece of metal reaches its complete melting point, it may begin to soften and warp. To keep things simple, we generally classify the melting point of a…
Read MoreMetal Jewelry Making Project
Gift Giving – Awesome Metal Jewelry Project to Gift this Season ‘Tis the season for giving great gifts. And what could be more appreciated than a piece of custom DIY jewelry! Don’t worry if you don’t yet know how to make jewelry. This short guide to copper jewelry making should give you the confidence to…
Read MoreHow to Cut Aluminum Sheet Metal
Aluminum sheet is any aluminum sheet metal thicker than foil but thinner than plate (sheet is under .249” thick, while plate metal is .250” and above.) Many do-it-yourself projects, such as metal fabrication, siding, or roofing, use aluminum sheet because it is a relatively soft metal and thinner gauges can easily be cut. If you work in…
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