Page 24 - Metalforming Magazine April 2022

FABRICATION
Today’s fabricating technology promises the ability to produce high-quality components job after job, in a variety of applications. And, in each issue, MetalForming is committed to informing you on how fabrication equipment delivers.
This month, read a comparison of various sheet metal cutting technologies, with details on when some excel and when other processes may be the best bet.
Also, find out how Truform, a Tennessee manufacturer, has invested heavily in robotic welding cells to ensure that components reach customers when needed, and in the volumes required.
Contents
22 News & Technology
24 WhatCuttingMethod Should I Choose?
28 RoboticWeldingCells Raise Capability, Productivity at Truform
News & Technology
Multidirectional Forklift Ideal for Tight Spaces
Combilift has introduced the Combi- MR4 lift truck with Dynamic 360° steering and lift capacity to 10,000 lb. Features include 360-deg. maneuverability and seamless directional change, a load-sta- bilizing platform with the low platform designed to maximize ground-level storage, four-wheel steering as well as crab steering, and max speed of 9 mph. It can be used indoors or outdoors, and handles a variety of stock, including pallets.
Combilift: www.combilift.com
Two New Hires at Trumpf
Heidi-Melanie Maier has been named national service director for standard machines within the Trumpf service depart- ment. Maier began her career with Trumpf in 2001 at the company headquarters in Ditzingen, Germany, and in 2018 assumed the role of director of sales and marketing for TruServices and Smart Services at Trumpf Inc. in North America. In her new role, Maier will oversee activities of the service team for standard machine-tool products throughout North America.
Trumpf Inc. also named Christine Benz head of TruServices and Smart Services. She joined Trumpf Inc. in 2003 as a laser development engineer, then worked in the customer services department, served as manager of project engineering, and most recently worked as training and development manager. In her new role, Benz will work to further develop plans to optimize the use of Trumpf’s proactive aftersales technology and solution-oriented services.
Trumpf Inc.: www.us.trumpf.com
Virtual-Reality Welding Simulator Trains Students on Prep, Joining Procedures and Grinding
Tradeschool operator StrataTech Edu- cation Group, Phoenix, AZ, has launched a virtual-reality (VR) welding-training pro- gram called OcuWeld, designed to help students practice their welding skills out- side of the classroom. The program allows students to learn the time-consuming and physical tasks of prepping, grinding and joining materials in a virtual environment that mimics classroom lab training. Elim- inating access, safety and cost concerns, OcuWeld’s virtual environment provides students with the academic benefits of accessibility, autonomy and amplification.
Students can access OcuWeld anytime, anywhere without WiFi. OcuWeld VR training empowers students with the autonomy to practice and build skills across a variety of welding processes and rely heavily on muscle memory to gain proficiency. Finally, OcuWeld engages students with the ideal blend of gamification and education. Stu- dents enjoy learning in a fun, interactive and dynamic environment that mimics real-world applications.
OcuWeld was set to launch at Tulsa (OK) Welding School and at The Refriger- ation School, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, in January, with plans to roll it out to all other StrataT- ech campuses later in 2022.
HGG Appoints Brandon Welch Western Sales Manager
HGG Profiling Equipment Inc., Houston, TX, has appointed Brandon Welch Western states sales manager, with responsibility for new machinery sales, and service and support for HGG customers west of the Mississippi. He also will be involved in new business development and key account management. HGG supplies 3D pipe- cutting machinery, robotic profiling cutting lines and associated cutting equipment. HGG Profiling Equipment: www.hgg-group.com
22 MetalForming/April 2022
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