Page 26 - MetalForming-Feb-2018-issue

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.
In February, MetalForming showcases the latest and greatest on display at FABTECH 2017. We also detail how two European fabricators channeled nesting software to boost efficiencies and slash material waste. Our monthly welding column, Welding Well, takes on resistance welding with an overview of the process and tips for optimizing performance. And, a feature article summarizes advancements in filler wire.
Contents
24 News&Technology
27 Nesting Software
Keeps Pace with Metalformers’ Needs Upgrades at two European manufacturers improve runtimes, reduce waste and increase efficiencies.
30 Welding Well
Respecting Resistance Welding
Tom Snow
32 Solid-WireWelding Advancements
Are Enhancing
Welding Productivity
...but does a perfect filler wire exist?
36 FABTECH 2017—New Technology Galore
From stamping to cutting to bending to welding, here’s some of what stood out at FABTECH 2017 in Chicago.
News & Technology
Industrial Fabricators, Inc., Gastonia, NC, a supplier of carbon steel, aluminum and stainless-steel fabrications, and also a supplier of flat-rolled processing and metal- distribution services has installed a 72 by 1⁄2-in. Braner/Loopco stretch leveling cut-to- length line in its 700,000-sq.-ft. Gastonia facility. The line has the ability to convert carbon steel, aluminum and stainless coil, in gauges from 0.060 through 0.500 in. with mechanical properties ranging to 125,000 psi, into high-quality memory-free sheet and plate products. Coils to 84 in. OD are initially worked by a heavy flattener that corrects coil-set and cross-bow conditions.
The strip then is processed through a hydraulic cassette leveler fitted with a multi- motor TorqueMaster power train that produces extra-deep work-roll plunge to correct strip edge-wave and center-buckle conditions. A precision servo feed meters the strip into a high-performance variable-rake CTL shear that cuts the strip to a preprogrammed length. The cut sheet/plate then is stacked, weighed and run-out for further packaging. Sheets/plates that require complete elimination of springback memory conditions are elongated by a 40-ft.-bed stretch leveler that grips and stretches the strip beyond its elastic limit with no surface marking. An integral real-time elongation-tensiometer system automatically generates precise strip-stretch elongation to achieve memory- free conditions throughout the entire gauge and mechanical-property range.
Industrial Fabricators Installs Flexible Cut-To-Length Line
24 MetalForming/February 2018
www.metalformingmagazine.com
Braner USA: www.braner.com
The Independent Welding Distributors Cooperative (IWDC), Indianapolis, IN, announced the appointment of Barry Mitchell as regional sales manager. The IWDC is a cooperative that leverages the strengths of its independent weld- ing-distributor members across North America. IWDC member companies col- lectively represent more than $2.2 billion in sales. Mitchell will be responsible for promoting IWDC’s value proposition to
its members and driving growth of Weld- mark and vendor-partner brands.
IWDC Appoints Regional Sales Manager
Unison and Pneuform Machines Announce Joint Venture
Unison Ltd., North Yorkshire, England, manufacturer of tube-bending machines and simulation software, announced that it has entered into a joint venture with Pneuform Machines Ltd., Hants, England, leading to full integration within the Unison