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Published: March 30, 2012
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Lehner Tool Invests in Future
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Lehner Tool & Manufacturing Company, based in St. Louis, has been specializing in heavy metal stamping since 1960. Fortunately enough, they haven’t felt much effect from the weakened economy. The business keeps pouring in, as they have recently had to start turning business down.
However, there are no plans to turn business down after the new equipment purchased from Cee Kay becomes operational at the end of March. Lehner recently purchased a Koike Mastergraph Millennium Series cutting system with a Hi-Definition Thermal Dynamics Ultra Cut power source. This machine is equipped with the latest technology, providing unparalleled speed, precision, flexibility and durability.
With being the only manufacturer capable of producing the products needed by Caterpillar, their largest customer, the influx of work on their current laser was causing concern.
“We needed to take some of the pressure off our laser,” Plant Manager Michael Slais said. “We looked into getting another laser, but the expense and the maintenance influenced us not to go that route again.”
Lehner considers itself a one-stop shop, being able to complete several different tasks at the same location. They are also pretty flexible with completing unexpected, quick-fix jobs.
“Right now we’re receiving parts that need to be cut, de-burred and shop blasted,” Plant Manager John Mueller said. “We foresee being able to handle a larger market of customers who need all these [services].”
Once the Koike system is operational, Lehner employees will go through a 2-3 day training period to help familiarize them with the machine. After all this is completed, Lehner plans to hire a new programmer to help assure quality and productivity with the new system.
If you would like to get in contact Lehner Tool, call 314-385-7345.
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Mobile Apps Help Welders
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With today’s advancing technology, Miller Electric and ESAB have both developed mobile applications to help assist the everyday welder.
Miller’s Weld Setting Calculator is available for iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry users. This application allows users to select from four different welding techniques including MIG (Solid wire), MIG (Flux cored), Stick and TIG. Once a user selects a welding process, they are then prompted to choose what type of material is being welded and how thick. For processes that require additional information to determine weld settings, such as stick or TIG, the user is asked what type of electrode is being used or what type of weld is being made. After this information is entered, the user is given the correct polarity, amperage and gas flow rate settings.
ESAB’s Welding Parameters Setup Guide application is slightly less advanced when compared to Miller’s. This application is also available to iPhone, Android and Blackberry users. When the user first opens the application, they are prompted to choose between solid wire and flux-cored wire. After the user inputs all the required information, recommended settings will appear.
“This takes the traditional set-up guides we already had in use to the next level,” ESAB North America President Andrew Masterman said. “At ESAB, we are always looking for ways to help welders be more productive and produce better quality welds. As more welders have begun to adopt new mobile technologies, it seemed natural to repackage this useful information into a mobile format.”
If you're interested in downloading these mobile applications, they can be found at the following links.
Miller: http://www.millerwelds.com/mobile/
ESAB: http://www.esabna.com/apps/Mobile-Applications.cfm
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Cee Kay Hosts 10th Annual AWS Weld Show
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The 10th annual AWS Mini Weld Show was held March 15, 2012 at Cee Kay Supply’s Hil Bax Technical Center. Over 200 people were in attendance. Students and instructors from 20 different area schools came out to see the latest technology in the industry. Twenty one different vendors showcased new products and services they had to offer, ranging from Lincoln Electric’s virtual welder to Miller’s newly redesigned Trailblazer. Also during the show, presentations were given on Phased Array Ultrasound Testing and filling out applications for the Hil Bax Scholarship.
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Welding Safety: Angle Grinders
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Angle grinders are hand-held power tools most commonly used in the manufacturing and metal fabrication industries. The dangers of using a tool like this often go unnoticed. In fact, injuries caused by not using an angle grinder correctly are fairly common. The most prevalent injuries caused by power tools like these are lacerations from projectiles and kickbacks. A kickback happens when the material being worked on causes the grinder to thrust towards the operator. To avoid such a situation, there are several safety features to consider when purchasing a new angle grinder. An anti-kickback safety clutch, soft-start vibration reducing handle, restart protection, and a braking system will all make using an angle grinder much safer.
When using an angle grinder it is important to keep the following in mind:
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Always be certain you are using the correct attachment for that particular task.
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Replace attachments that are worn or damaged.
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Do not use an angle grinder without an auxiliary handle
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Wear the proper safety gear, such as gloves, eye and face protection, etc.
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Always consult the manufacturer’s safety information, comply with ANSI B7.1 and follow OSHA regulations
This past December, an Ameren worker at the Labadie power plant died after sustaining injuries caused by an 85 foot fall. She fell after an angle grinder she was using kicked back, striking her in the head and causing her to loose balance. Following the correct safety procedures, while using angle grinders, can help prevent accidents like this from happening in the future.
For more information on angle grinders and safety, you can review OSHA, ANSI and materials provided by the grinder’s manufacturer.
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