FT. LAUDERDALE, FL -- Qualitest presents the latest technology in automatic strain analysis and forming limit curve (FLC) determination. The system consists of a combination of a modern Sheet Metal Testing Machine, Model 142 and AutoGrid Vario automatic strain measuring system.

Integrating the most advanced 3D optical image analysis software on the market, AutoGrid Vario, with a sophisticated sheet metal testing machine, Model 142, and combining the data collected by both systems provides the user with a true understanding of how the sheet metal behaves during the forming process. The combination of strain analysis data, drawing stroke, drawing force and sheet holder force truly simplifies the generation of reliable forming limit curves (FLC).

As an additional feature, the data evaluation software of the Sheet Metal Testing Machine displays information on Elongation, tensile strength and the nE-value. Considering the complex technologies involved, Qualitest has succeeded in keeping the system user friendly and compact, integrating two advanced software components into one user friendly solution. All relevant information can be evaluated using one interface.

The AutoGrid Vario strain analysis system has been designed to meet our customers need for highest flexibility in the optical setup, measurement volume and local resolution. The direct, fast, and accurate measurement is based upon the automatic evaluation of grid patterns that consist of electrochemically-marked orthogonal lines spaced 1-5 mm. The system is able to determine a field of strain values in the range of 0.5 % to more than 100 % without any unambiguity.

Model 142-20 and Model 142-40 is a Universal Sheet Metal Testing Machine with electro hydraulic drive, fully automatic test sequence and switch off at specimen failure, max. drawing forces 200 kN or 400 kN. This Testing Machine can be used not only to perform effortlessly, quickly and accurately all important and known deep drawing tests for ferrous and non-ferrous metals, but it is also designed for a large number of additional technological investigations such as bore expanding test, Perzos Cupping test, Fukui test, Engelhardt test and many other specific test methods.

To find out more about how Model 142 with integrated AutoGrid Vario Strain analysis can solve your analysis and testing needs please visit http://www.WorldofTest.com/autogrid142system.htm

About Qualitest

Qualitest is a global contender and one of the top-ranking manufacturers and suppliers of Material Testing Equipment worldwide, with corporate headquarters in USA and Canada and branch office in Dubai, UAE. Qualitest supplies standard or customized solutions for many test, measurement and quality control tasks required in the world of modern materials testing. For further information please visit http://www.worldoftest.com or email info@qualitest-inc.com

ROSSLYN, Va. -The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) has published EW 4-2009, the first new edition in 15 years. This standard provides manufacturers and users of arc welding and cutting equipment with a system for the development and use of graphic symbols for use on their equipment. It accommodates non-English speaking and functionally illiterate workers in the U.S.

In addition, globalization of the welding and cutting industry has also expanded, making it necessary for U.S.-based manufacturers to design and mark their products in a way that is more easily understood by a more linguistically and culturally diverse customer base. As a result, the new edition of EW 4 contains all pertinent graphic symbols recognized by IEC TC 26, the international standards committee for electric welding and allied processes.

"The value of EW 4 is that it contains a comprehensive collection of 227 standardized symbols used in the U.S. and globally. But with advancements in technology and equipment, there is always a need to develop new symbols based on well-accepted ones. EW 4 describes a clear 'building block approach' to accomplish this. This approach is quite evident in the symbols that were incorporated in the IEC standard for welding power sources," said Jerome Jennings, consultant to Miller Electric and chairman of the Graphic Symbols Committee in NEMA's Arc Welding Section.

EW 4, however, recognizes that some non-international graphic symbols have been used for decades by U.S. industry and are consequently well recognized in American workplaces. As such, there are a number of instances where a single function or keyword is represented by more than one acceptable symbol, e.g., the symbols for engine developed by ISO, IEC, and the Society of Automotive Engineers. Manufacturers are therefore encouraged to analyze their customers, markets, and message context in order to arrive at a proper symbol selection.

EW 4-2009 may be downloaded at no charge or a hard copy purchased for $114 by visiting NEMA's website at http://www.nema.org/stds/ew4.cfm, or by contacting IHS at (800) 854-7179 (within the U.S.), 303-397-7956 (international), 303-397-2740 (fax), or on the Web at global.ihs.com.

NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment manufacturers. Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial, institutional, and residential applications. The association's Medical Imaging & Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in Beijing and Mexico City.

NEMA. Setting Standards for Excellence Visit our website at www.nema.org.

Sheet metal fabrication is the manipulation of metal to create any type of component that will be used in an end product. It can be used in almost any manufacturing field including medical, computer, electronics, or appliances.

Any product that contains metal components will go through some form of sheet metal fabrication. In sheet metal fabrication, several processes are used to reach an end product. These include cutting, forming, and finishing.

Aluminum, stainless steel, and others forms of metal are utilized to create a component for a larger piece, something that can be used to create an end product, or the end product itself.

The Cutting Process

Sheet metal cutting involves a number of ways to cut a piece of metal into smaller pieces. These small pieces of metal can then be molded or formed into a final piece. One form of cutting is called shearing, which is used to cut larger pieces into smaller ones using the process of shear stress on a cutting machine.

Another process is called Electrical Discharge Machining, or EDM, in which conductive materials are melted with an electrode spark from a thin, charged electrode that is surrounded by iodized water.

In abrasive cutting, grinders or saws are used to cut through sheet metal.

Sometimes water jets are used. These generate no heat while cutting, but instead use high pressure water from 20,000 to 60,000 psi. There is also laser cutting where lasers are used for complex, or precise, cutting.

The Forming Process

Once the sheet metal has been cut, it will be formed into its required shape to create a component before finishing. There are several forming techniques. Rolling is used to shape flat pieces of metal over and over by the use of roll stands. In bending and forming, the sheet metal is manipulated basically by hand to form a desired shape.

Stamping involves tools and dies that are used to stamp designs into the metal. The designs might also be 3-D designs. A method called punching is used to punch holes in the metal. Welding is used to join pieces of sheet metal together by forming a bond between the metals. To add latches or handles to the sheet metal, hardware and fastener creation methods are used.

The Finishing Process

After cutting the sheet metal and then forming it into the shapes needed, it must go through a finishing process. In finishing, the sheet metal is sharpened to eliminate or polish rough spots and edges using an abrasive.

After the finishing process, the sheet metal goes on to fulfill its next purpose. It is either shipped out as an end product, or if it is a smaller piece, it might be used on a larger component or product.

Saving Money on Sheet Metal Fabrication

There are companies today that specialize in the sheet metal fabrication business. Their customers are usually companies that sell or use an end product that is made of sheet metal, or a part of it is made of metal.

Instead of opening a factory to create their own metal products, a company might hire a sheet metal fabrication specialist to do the work for them.

This gives the company more time to focus on marketing and promotion and can also save money.

Visit Courtesy Manufacturing Company at http://www.cmc-mfg.com to learn more about precision metal component manufacturing precision metal stamping, metal fabrication, and assembly.

Learn how to use proper welding temperatures to improve stick welding in this free DIY video for beginners.

Expert: Jon Olson
Bio: Jon Olson currently teaches multiple industrial technology classes at the high school level. In addition, he has worked in residential construction for several years.
Filmmaker: Jon Olson

Welding is the process of getting metal surfaces to join together by using high heat to melt them together. Vices are often used to hold the pieces of metal until they have molded together. Welded metal is very strong and it is often hard to tell if two pieces of metal have been welded together. This process of welding is used in industry all the time. It is much stronger than solder or other joining techniques.

There are many types of welding. Forged welding was used by blacksmiths to put two pieces of metal together. They would get the metal hot and use a hammer to make it go together. This is believed to be the first type of welding ever used. Arc welding is commonly used today for construction
and in home workshops. This type of welding uses a power source to make an electric arc.

Spot welding is a form or resistance welding. This is commonly used in businesses and on sheet metal. This type of welding allows you to weld a particular spot that other types of welding can't get done without getting the entire surface area hot.

The type of welding you will use depends on many factors. The important thing is for the weld to be amazingly strong. Factors to consider include the amount of heat needed to get the materials hot enough, the design of the material, and the design of the joint. It is important to test the strength of the weld. Not all metals hold a weld very well. Steel and sheet metal work best.

Since you will be working with heat and often with metals that have sharp edges, it is very important that you wear heavy gloves and eye protection when you are welding. You should also wear long sleeved clothing to prevent burns. You should only use welding equipment after being properly trained in how to operate it.

Get Perforated Sheets for your metalworking projects.

Welding has been around for centuries, though not in the forms most commonly used today. One of the first welding processes ever used was known as forge welding. Forge welding attempts to join two metals through a process of heating, and then pounding and striking. It's what blacksmiths did. But since then, there have been quite a few advancements in the welding world. With these new methods and techniques, welding has left the confines of industrial settings and can now be done practically anywhere - even underwater or in outer space!

As you can guess from the history of welding, the ability to join two or more pieces of metal together in a strong bond has been fundamental in our advancements in all areas of life, from housing to transportation; from manufacturing to repairs. Understanding welding basics can come in handy at work, but it will just as often come in handy around the house, in the workshop or on the farm. Because of this, welding is a skill that almost anyone can benefit from, male or female, young or old.

Why Weld?
If you own any equipment or machinery that is metal, welding will certainly serve as a useful skill. Some typical goals of a welding job include:

Fixing stress cracks
Reinforcing weak joints, and
Cutting/shaping new parts and adapters from raw plating.

For chores like these, many welders rely on a process known as arc welding. Arc welding is a method where during the welding process, an electrical current jumps through an air gap (between a positively charged electrode and a negatively charged steel plate) and produces an enormous amount of heat. This heat is produced at the end of a welding rod, and when it does, metal can be melted. Well, it's a little more complicated than that, but the concept is the same.

Perhaps the most common and economical welding method used today is AC (alternating current) arc welding. You can locate a simple AC welder just about anywhere, such as your local farm store or home improvement center. This welding process is ideal for most of your simple, routine welding jobs. Therefore, AC arc welding is ideal for those of you just starting out.

Minimize Your Risk
While arc welding isn't incredibly complicated, there are a few risks and hazards that you should be aware of:

1. Exposure to radiation
2. Flying sparks (in the form of globs of molten metal)
3. Electric Shock
4. Fumes
5. Damage to your eyes, and
6. Burns

However, by wearing protective clothing and specialized welding helmets and other gear, you can greatly reduce the inherent risks of welding. Here are a few other tips to help keep you safe while arc welding:

Make sure to work on a dry floor. Wear thick rubber shoes and dry leather welding gloves.

Be sure to use insulated electrode holders.
Check to make sure that your equipment is all properly grounded.

Keep your work area properly ventilated to avoid inhaling any potentially toxic fumes.

Be on the look out for flying bits of melted metal.

Most importantly, be aware of any other people who are around you. If they aren't wearing the proper gear, then keep them away from your project.

This will get you started welding safely - one of the most important things when learning a new craft.

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HICKORY, NC - In an era dominated by constant technological and economic change, it is rare to find a technologically based company that has been around for 75 years, much less one that has been a leader in innovation the entire time. But Murata Machinery USA, Inc., located in Charlotte, NC, has been a world leader in forming machinery technology, specializing in sheet metal fabrication applications, service and sales of turret punch presses and material handling equipment.

For 75 years, Murata has been a pioneer in the sheet metal fabrication industry, with innovations dating back to the first turret punch press without a center post, the R2. The R2 was designed in 1932 and manufactured for production in 1934 by Theodore Wiedemann.

Wiedemann was a master machinist from Germany who first set foot on American soil in 1888. By 1916, Theodore and his brother launched Wiedemann Machine Company in Philadelphia, which made machines that were ahead of their time, designing and producing devices ranging from automatic meat slicers to paint filling machines.
In the 1930's the company narrowed its focus to the precision fabrication industry with the turret punch press.

By World War II, demand for aviation parts fueled a period of explosive growth for the Wiedemann Machine Company. After the war, the company continued its flair for innovation by unveiling the first numerically controlled machine, the A15, at the IMTS show in Chicago in 1955. By 1958, Wiedemann Machine employed 280 craftsmen and a line of turret punch presses that were renowned throughout the sheet metal fabrication industry for their durability and accuracy.

In 1964, the Wiedemann Machine Company was purchased from the Wiedemann family by the Warner & Swasey Company, which introduced the first CNC turret punch press, the Wiedematic W2040, at IMTS in 1970. That same year, the Warner-Swasey Company launched a joint venture with Murata Machinery Ltd., located in Kyoto, Japan. Blank sheet production was raised to new levels with the introduction of the first CNC Right Angle Shear in 1976, the RAS 412. Murata Warner Swasey also unveiled the world's first Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) at Mitsubishi Switchgear and the first compact, numerically controlled turret punch press, the Centrum-1000, in 1983.

After recognizing the future potential and value of the Wiedemann Division, Murata Machinery Limited purchased the entire Wiedemann line from Warner-Swasey in 1989. In 1990, the two companies merged, forming equipment lines branded under the Murata Wiedemann name. Eventually, the Wiedemann name was phased out but not forgotten. Today, Murata Machinery continues to offer a wide array of machine tools marketed under the parent company of Muratec. Each machine also features the Wiedemann name.

In 1994, Murata Machinery changed the evolution of the turret punch with the introduction of the first electric servo punch drive — the Motorum 2034 design — which has since become a standard in the industry. Murata also launched revolutionary changes in productivity with the introduction of the first turret punch featuring a turret changer, the NPS-01, and the Motorum 2558 Hybrid, which combines electric turret punch capabilities with laser contour cutting.

That same spirit of innovation, durability and accuracy live on in Murata Machinery USA. "We always listen to the needs of our customers and react with products that push them ahead of the competition," explained Lloyd Keller, National Sales Manager, Murata Machinery USA. "Our products are designed as a solution to the user's requirements for the future that addresses improving efficiency, profits and the environment."

Today, Murata Machinery USA remains committed to the traditional values of craftsmanship with engineered products for the future. The company's sheet metal forming division produces and markets a wide range of machines, with punching capacities ranging from 22 to 45 U.S. tons. The machine configurations range from hydro-mechanical to the new servo electric drive with contouring options of plasma and laser, as well as a full line of stockers, loaders, and sorting equipment.

Murata Machinery USA's Motorum line also offers the latest in sheet metal fabrication technology and reliability, with automation options that take unmanned productivity to new heights with exceptional returns on investment. The division's equipment is distributed throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico by the Muratec dealer network, which also provides service support.

Murata Machinery USA, Inc. is a subsidiary of Murata Machinery Ltd., located in Kyoto, Japan. The machine tool division produces a variety of metalworking machines for the metal-forming and metal-cutting industries and continues to be a world leader in the manufacture and design of high-productivity metal working machines.

For more information, visit http://www.muratec-usa.com or call 800-428-8469.

Welding is used as a fabrication process in every small and large-scale industry. This is an efficient, economical and dependable process of joining two or more parts of metal. The process finds its applications in open air, underwater and outer space.

Among the welding processes, arc welding is widely used mainly because of its low capital and running costs. Arc welding is the fusion of two pieces of metal by an electric arc between the pieces being joined – the work pieces – and an electrode that is guided along the joint between the pieces.

The four types of arc welding are shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding, and submerged arc welding.

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) also known as manual metal arc (MMA) or stick welding, is the most popular among the arc welding processes primarily because of the versatility of the process and the simplicity of its equipment and operation. This process is preferred for repair work and construction applications as this requires minimum operator training and inexpensive equipment, albeit slower weld times.

On the other hand, Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a high-speed but less versatile welding process. It is a semi-automatic or automatic welding process that uses a continuous wire feed as an electrode and an inert or semi-inert shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination. Given its speed and versatility, GMAW is popular in the automobile industry.

Similarly, flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) uses the same equipment as the GMAW except that it employs wire consisting of a steel electrode tube surrounding a powder fill material. This cored wire is more expensive compared to the standard solid wire and generates extra shielding gas and/or slag, however, it permits higher welding speed and greater metal penetration.

Submerged arc welding (SAW) is a high-productivity welding method in which the arc is struck beneath a covering layer of flux. Because contaminants in the atmosphere are blocked by the flux, this process increases arc quality.

Arc welding is a safe process when proper precautions and operating procedures are strictly followed. Employing new technology and protection measures will greatly reduce its potential hazards.

Several institutions are offering various welding trainings to cater to the heightened demand for arc welders or welding engineers for a wide range of applications in different industries like engineering, construction, and tourism all over the world.

About

TEKTONE Global Technologies Foundation Inc. is a technical-vocational foundation institution in Bicol and is the premier provider of heavy equipment operation training and welding training in Legazpi City. It aims to produce globally-competitive skilled workers in construction, tourism and related sectors.

Learn how to make an invisible weld with sheet metal!

Christine O'Kelly is the author for the sheet metal fabrication experts at National Metal Fabricators. They provide press brake forming, bar milling, angle rings, and custom metal fabrication to meet all of your business' needs.

Richmond, VA - ForeignTRADEX, publisher of the Industrial Trade Forum announced to Virginia media sources today the completion of its new protective coatings, metal and epoxy coatings directory. The company the publication provides access to American coatings manufacturers specializing in various paints, finishes and other powder and liquid coating products for metals, wood, plastic, rubber, asphalt, concrete, cable, wire and other applications.

The metal and protective coatings guide is located at at http://foreigntradeexchange.com/forum/?p=646

According to Michael O'Malley, spokesman for ForeignTRADEX, a division of the Industrial Leaders Group, the Coatings Directory includes offerings for various ferrous and non-ferrous metal coatings, steel, aluminum and iron coatings, automotive, cement and tank corrosion protection products as well as interior and exterior residential and commercial paints and other finishing products. O'Malley said the guide provides private access to the company's all new marketplace to buy and sell metal coatings, protective coating and epoxy coatings at http://industrialsaver.com/classifieds/index.php/cat/12

"The purpose of the guide is to promote US-based manufacturers, distributors and exporters of industrial and commercial paints and coatings with emphasis on international markets, especially Western Europe and Australia," said O'Malley. He concluded, "The publication includes products from suppliers in Indiana, Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania and other states offering an array of metal finishing and protective coatings, paints and allied products sold to domestic and overseas markets."

ForeingTRADEX also publishes an international paint and coatings directory which provides access to worldwide manufacturers and distributors of metal coatings, protective and epoxy coatings used by manufacturing, construction, metal fabrication, plastic molding, aerospace, and other companies at http://www.foreigntradeexchange.com/suppliers/coatings_p ... Suppliers of paints, coatings and other finishing products are able to include their company in the online directory at no cost. Additional details are available on the ForeignTRADEX website.

About ForeignTRADEX

ForeignTRADEX.com, publisher of the Industrial Trade Forum is a US-European Industrial Trade Directory and Marketplace at http://www.ForeignTradeExchange.com connecting manufacturers, distributors, exporters and importers of industrial products throughout Europe and the United States, as well as Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

This press release was issued through IndustrialPR. For more manufacturing and engineering news go to http://www.industrialpr.net.

Ryder System, Inc. (NYSE: R), a leader in supply chain, warehousing and transportation management solutions, today announced that Alabama Metal Industries Corporation (AMICO), a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of industrial flooring/grating and expanded metal products throughout North America, has selected Ryder to manage its transportation operations in the U.S. and Canada.

"We selected Ryder because of their proven ability to design, manage, and optimize transportation, resulting in reduced transportation costs and improved flexibility and customer service across all AMICO locations," said Joe Smith, President of AMICO. "We are confident that collaborating with Ryder will help us operate more efficiently and cost effectively."

Under the multi-year Transportation Management contract, Ryder will develop and manage a customized transportation solution. Utilizing leading edge technology and standardized processes across the entire AMICO enterprise, Ryder will use common carrier, LTL, truckload or a dedicated fleet for optimal delivery. AMICO will rely on Ryder for shipment planning, execution, optimization and transportation visibility of its inbound supply orders and outbound product delivery through its 18 AMICO hub locations in the U.S. and Canada for final execution. Additionally, Ryder will provide a turnkey Dedicated Contract Carriage solution that includes 25 vehicles, 26 drivers, fleet management, and preventive and programmed maintenance for the equipment to support delivery of their products.

"AMICO is a market leader in metals and their focus on quality, innovation, and deep commitment to customer satisfaction continues to be a success factor to their growth," said Ryder President of Supply Chain Solutions John Williford. "We are grateful for the opportunity to be a collaborative partner and look forward to driving value throughout their supply chain."

About AMICO

Alabama Metal Industries Corporation (AMICO) is a leader in the manufacturing and distribution of Industrial Flooring/Grating and Expanded Metal Products throughout North America. An extensive line of Plastering, Stucco and Drywall Building Products, Concrete Forming Products, Security Barrier Products, Fiberglass Structural Products, Perforated Metals and Access Floor Systems amplify AMICO's entire product repertoire.

Originating in a lumberyard, AMICO began in 1939 as a manufacturer of metal lath and accessories. Today, metal lath is just one of many products manufactured in 14 locations throughout North America and distributed from 17 distribution centers, coast to coast. For more information, visit www.amico-online.com.

About Ryder

Ryder provides leading-edge transportation, logistics and supply chain management solutions worldwide. Ryder's stock (NYSE: R) is a component of the Dow Jones Transportation Average and the Standard & Poor's 500 Index. Ryder ranks 371st on the Fortune 500 and 1,631st on the Forbes Global 2000. For more information on Ryder System, Inc., visit www.ryder.com.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Certain statements and information included in this news release are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Federal Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on our current plans and expectations and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Accordingly, these forward-looking statements should be evaluated with consideration given to the many risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements including those risks set forth in our periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors or to assess the impact of such risks on our business. Accordingly, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Welding is a hazardous activity that poses safety and health risks if precautionary measures are not followed. One effective way of preventing accidents when working with welded materials is by wearing the proper welding attire.

For safety reasons, all welders must give utmost attention to protecting themselves. Welding, in the first place, is a serious undertaking. Anyone who works with metal is constantly exposed to serious hazards such as, among others, radiation, air contamination, fire and explosion and many others.

Welding or metal fabricating creates flying sparks and chipped slag, and emits intense visible light and invisible rays. To protect your eyes and skin from burns and other possible hazards, wear heat and flame-resistant attire. Helmet is one of the most important safety accessories to protect the eyes and head from different intensities of arc rays.

Most welding experts recommend the use of auto-darkening helmets due to its versatility. This type of welding helmet can be used to different welding processes such as MIG, Stick or TIG. Before you purchase one, check if it has the safety and protection compliance from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).

When working with metal, don’t forget to button pockets and cuffs to avoid them from catching fire and sparks. Refrain from wearing shorts and t-shirts with short sleeves and open collars. These clothes are uncomfortable to wear and will leave you very susceptible to burns caused by sparks and arc rays.

As regards to welding footwear, the most recommended shoes and boots for welding are those that are made of high quality leather for they can withstand open flames and radiant heat without shrinking. Never wear cloth and synthetic shoes because they can easily catch a spark and smolder unnoticed. Their components can also abruptly melt and stick to your skin.

Wearing the proper gloves is also necessary when handling welded metals. Flame-resistant gloves will protect you from burns, sparks and heat from the workpiece. Always bear in mind that even a fast tack weld necessitates the use of a helmet and appropriate welding attire.

In order to prevent eye irritation caused by repeated exposure to radiation and intense rays, wearing safety glasses is also advised. Welder’s glasses and helmets these days usually come in different degrees of darkness depending on the welding job. This feature allows you to adjust shade setting to provide the most needed vision protection.