Special Metals Corp.

The increasing use of advanced equipment and applications (such as orbital welding for high-purity systems) requires better weld preparation. A thorough understanding of equipment, tool bits, and materials—including advanced alloys—helps to achieve better end prep.

Pilots refer to flying experience as "seat time." For the 300-plus certified welders in Delta Air Lines' TechOps division, the term has a similar meaning. Certification is just the first step for them. Qualified GTAW welders here log plenty of seat time. Whether they maintain ground support...

Many alloys—stainless steels, HASTELLOY®, INCONEL®, INCOLOY®, MONEL®, duplex and superduplex alloys—are similar in appearance and easily mixed up after mill test reports (MTRs) and heat stamps are removed in material processing. These mix-ups can have serious consequences to the end user, including product rework, factory downtime, or premature product failure. A single mistake may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in materials and labor to correct. In addition, any loss of consumer confidence resulting from shipping incorrect material carries incalculable costs.

Eddy current has long been used for inspecting straight seamless or welded tubing. New developments allow the use of this technology to inspect complex tube forms as well.

At military installations across the country, repair personnel struggle to stretch the life spans of vital pieces of equipment. Sometimes welding can extend the life of damaged components in aircraft, tanks, and other military vehicles. But in some cases, high–temperature welding processes do more harm than good, warping and weakening delicate metal components. Previously such components would be classified as irreparable and replaced with pricey new parts.

To thrive in competitive markets, manufacturers must innovate. Innovation often relies on research. However, most manufacturing firms lack the financial and human resources necessary to conduct research that leads to innovation.