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Automated metal fab is here- is your business ready?

9/20/2023

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The metal fabrication industry faces a multitude of challenges that seemingly increase in complexity with each passing day- reshoring efforts, supply chain obstacles, rising wages, an aging population of skilled workers, and a historically low unemployment rate among younger generations are creating a domino effect.

These challenges are no longer merely affecting lead times and margins, they now pose a risk to the fundamental ability of fabricators to maintain their business and their relationships with customers.
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Many organizations are hesitant to adopt even simple automation solutions, despite the proven benefits of widely-used ones. This resistance to change may be due to fear of the unknown. However, when handled correctly, change can be a catalyst for growth and learning. In fact, it is crucial for businesses to adapt in order to remain competitive and relevant. Failure to change can leave your business behind the times and with automation rapidly becoming necessary to keep up with customer demands, will your business embrace the change?
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Automation might seem daunting, but fear not!

​With the right focus and dedication you can build your own framework for metal fabrication automation.
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1. Set Clear Company Expectations
As automation becomes more prevalent, it is important to consider the impact it will have on company culture. Its essential to set clear expectations. Determine what your business wants to achieve with automation, and what outcomes to expect. This is not a one-size-fits-all solution and the right approach will depend on the goals, structure, culture and values of each organization. 

Automation is often misperceived as a potential threat to jobs. However, this is not the case.  Workers who become proficient in robotics and automation can expand their skill set, improve career prospects, and become more valuable to the company. For example, a welding cobot operator can program the desired welding path using all of the experience they've gained over the years, which enables them to reduce fatigue from repetitive motion, create a consistent product with reliable quality, and get more done with less sweat.

Identifying and encouraging automation experts will help your company’s growth and communicating your plan clearly with what the intent will be for each stakeholder will help ensure a smooth roll out. Communicate thoroughly and often!

Automation should be included in your business plans, but it may not be a solution to every problem you face. It's highly efficient at resolving specific issues and can create unexpected possibilities for innovation. Not only does automation save money, but it also increases revenue. To achieve success, you'll need dedicated program champions on your teams who have the ability to set clear goals, communicate effectively, and conduct thorough progress reviews.
2. Choose the Right Process to Automate
Effective automation solves the right problems with ease. However, it is important to select the right processes to automate, in the correct order, and match them with the best automation technology for the job. Rank targeted processes based on risk and overall impact on the business to find where to start.

Strike a balance between cost and complexity- certain industrial robots are a great fit for massive productions of uniform parts, despite their high initial price point. For simple operations with minimal variation, lower-cost devices are more appropriate. However, when you're dealing with small to large quantities that have significant part variability, flexible systems like adaptive collaborative robots (cobots) offer a cost-effective and optimal solutions.

Previously, the decision to automate hinged on a basic ROI calculation – a straightforward analysis of production volume and cost savings. However, the current landscape is far more complicated. While ROI calculations are still useful, a bottleneck caused by idle machinery can have a greater impact on a company's profits. For instance, if a major product can’t be shipped due to the absence of inexpensive fabricated parts, then the actual payback is determined by the revenue loss resulting from the bottleneck. This financial repercussion can be many times larger than what a simple ROI calculation would suggest.

One effective approach to improving efficiency is to prioritize impactful processes according to your business needs. When determining which processes to prioritize, it is important to keep in mind that every factory has different variables to consider. Among the most commonly assessed factors are the cost as a percentage of revenue, impact on customer lead times, difficulty of acquiring skilled operators for the machinery, workflow bottlenecks, unacceptable quality levels, safety issues, workstation idle time, complexity of integration, and overall process pain points. 
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The Fabricator "5 Steps to Automation Success in Metal Manufacturing"

​If a work element is widely disliked by many involved, it is likely a good candidate for improvement. If you chart these variables in a simple graphic that measures overall business impact and implementation difficulty, decision-making can be easily streamlined.


This helps narrow the selection to a small, more manageable, number of potential targets. Decision-making is both an art and a science, so it's not always beneficial to overthink. Choose the process that seems to offer the best balance between implementation complexity and business benefit at this stage, and begin with that.

It's important to honestly evaluate your company's existing engineering/automation capabilities. If you have some internal resources and want to self-integrate, pay special attention to the integration difficulty. Remember not to take on too much work at once, but keep in mind the level of automation you are willing to start with. This might mean starting with something as simple as a single-axis pick-and-place device that moves workpieces from point A to point B. Or, it could mean highly customized industrial robots that are appropriate for high-volume output of stable workpieces. Somewhere in the middle, you'll find devices such as cobots that are both flexible and relatively simple to adapt and program.
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No matter what kind of automation you're dealing with, safety must always be a top priority. Automated systems should be deployed securely, and safety costs and employee training should be included in the budgeting stage of project planning. Keep in mind that the complexity of the process, as well as the time and capital required, and the volume of the chosen parts being built, will all factor into the final decision.
3. Re-Work the Process for Automation
When it comes to automation, simply replicating manual operations is not common. Instead, you must re-engineer processes to fit within the context of overall manufacturing flow.
A good first step is to generate a simple map of manual processes. This first map just needs to accurately describe the elements in the process. After you’ve completed that, analyze which factors may affect it. 

Consider the following:
  • Are the inputs stable in design and repeatable in form? 
  • Is the existing process stable? 
  • Is the existing equipment capable? 
  • Are present quality levels acceptable? 
  • Is the ongoing human interaction with the process predictable? 
  • Does the existing process present any safety or health risks? 
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After addressing these fundamental issues and establishing a strong foundation, you’ll want to come up with a clear and concise list of critical goals and deliverables. Aim to set up a review process to make sure the initial goals are still relevant. Remember, automation doesn't replace existing tasks but requires a complete rethinking of the manufacturing process. You won’t help yourself, your employees, or your company if you invest in automating a process that already produced poor results. Embrace the opportunity to identify and resolve underlying problems that may have gone unnoticed.

Another critical factor is often the most difficult to address: an honest and realistic evaluation of available internal resources and skills. Foremost is the designation and empowerment of one or more automation champions. They don’t necessarily need to be highly experienced and skilled in automation, but they should thoroughly understand your existing processes and your automation project goals. In addition, they must be allowed to focus on the project rather than be forced to treat it as a once-a-week diversion.

These core team members can relinquish some project control to others, but it's essential to maintain a balance between that control, their technical expertise, and the integrator’s scope of experience. It's important to consider the potential for a shorter ROI as well. Before partnering with an integrator, review their relationship with existing customers and examples of their previous outcomes. Even when working with other integrators, project implementation, feedback, and schedule focus require clear communication channels with any integration team. A designated individual is needed to make this process run smoothly.

So you have your deliverables outlined, you’ve set your staff up for success with tools and time, and you’ve clearly defined your integrator's roles. What next? Time to review the project deliverables with fresh eyes and focus! You need clearly defined and documented plans for the process and your team and a periodic review set up that will keep everything in check.
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Be sure in your final check that the deliverables align with these expectations, and that they are realistic and achievable within the planned time frame (and crucially budget). It’s important to stay within these parameters to avoid failure due to unrealistic expectations. Step one won’t solve all the company’s problems in one fell swoop.
4. Keep Up The Good Work
Keep up with documentation on the process’s performance and overall impact. A great indicator of success, beyond enhanced revenues and ROI, is employee knowledge growth. Learn from the outcomes of this first process and apply it in the future! Take note of potential candidates for future automation, how to pick the right equipment and individuals to get the job done, and how to predict timelines and financial benefits.
5. Record Data= Gain Insights
It's critical to document both hits and misses throughout the process. These insights are incredibly valuable, as they lay the groundwork for future automation projects. Furthermore, you can replicate successful automation strategies for other processes in your business.
When documenting your progress, be truthful and clear, but don't forget to celebrate your successes! Use this information to make informed decisions when selecting your next project. Armed with this knowledge, you can take future productive steps in your automation journey.
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While technology can solve many problems, it's not a cure-all solution. As some early adopters have cautioned, it takes a thoughtful and methodical approach to automation to achieve success. A clear plan, the right team, thorough prep, and well-defined expectations are critical to any initiative's success.

Automation presents an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of your operations, foster innovation, and establish valuable processes and institutional knowledge. Identify and nurture capable team members and you’ll see a marked increase in your profits. Above all, managed automation can improve customer relationships ensure your company’s relevance in the ever-changing business landscape of today!

Reach out to Earlbeck today to get help forming your automation plan! Whether you’re starting from scratch or just trying to expand on what’s working for you already, we’ve got suggestions for you!
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How to get the Most out of your EQUIPMENT

9/15/2023

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Earlbeck might be in the business of selling and repairing welding machines, but when you buy a machine from us, we want it to last and help you produce work that you can be proud of. Here are a few things we’ve learned in our century plus of business for getting the most out of your hard earned money with no loss of equipment or valuable time!
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First and foremost, warranty policies are important. Welding machines can cost you- they are a large investment for your business. Customers should always consider warranty coverage and service availability, prior to making their purchase.

It’s important to understand the benefits and limitations associated with each brand's warranty. For instance, Miller's "True Blue Warranty" will tell you how long of a warranty they offer for parts AND labor on both machines and accessories. However, they make it clear that their warranty does not include consumables or equipment that have been modified by any party other than Miller. Defects caused by accident or improper use and any repairs made by an unauthorized repair outfit are also out of warranty conditions. Additionally, they won’t cover improperly installed/operated/misused equipment which has not had necessary maintenance. Not all warranties are the same so be sure to review the policy for the specific machine you’re looking at and stay within the manufacturer's recommendation in order to keep your warranty valid.

While you can buy a welding machine online, something to consider is what happens when you need the machine serviced? You will have to ship the machine a great distance, likely at your own expense, to have an authorized repair center technician review your issue and create a case for the manufacturer. Manufacturers honor their warranty nation-wide but not every repair center advocates for every machine in the same way. When you buy a welding machine from Earlbeck, what you’re also purchasing is an advocate for yourself. We have spent years developing partnerships with manufacturers that mirror the relationships that we have with our customers- they know who we are and know that we recommend the right equipment to our customers. When a customer buys a welding machine from us, they benefit from our direct relationships with manufacturers.
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Another valuable piece of advice is to be sure that you register your equipment with the manufacturer whenever that is available! You can benefit from potential rebates, but even when there are none available, it saves valuable time when our service team is advocating on your behalf.
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The manual that comes with your machine isn’t just included for extra packing, it’s incredibly important. Manuals will teach you the ins and outs of your machine before you even unpack. It will also, crucially, walk you through properly setting up and maintaining your machine. Need common troubleshooting solutions for your specific machine? That manual is where to look! Many machines are sent in for repair due to set-up issues which can easily be avoided through familiarizing yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations.

These mistakes can be costly but more importantly they can be dangerous. A common issue is input power mismatch. If your machine is set for a certain input power, it needs to be plugged into something with that same input power- too low and it simply won’t work, but too high it can cause a loud pop, smoke, and possibly fire- indicating the kind of damage that warranty does not cover: faulty set-up. 

Another common mistake is consumable mismatch. It’s important to make sure you are using the correct consumables with your machine. A simple example, a welder or generator with AC welding capability and AC generator capability will not work with a DC+ electrode.
Many costly repairs can be avoided if you take the time to set-up your machine following the manufacturer instructions. Plenty of issues can be solved on your own by simply reviewing the troubleshooting guides that are available. This simple thing can save you hours of downtime and lost productivity! Manuals are always provided upon purchase but if you misplace yours they are typically easy to find on manufacturer websites.  (Lincoln Electric,  Miller, Fronius)
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Nameplate stickers or tags on your equipment are there to help you identify your machine to the manufacturer or distributor so that we can help you get the right information, as quickly as possible. They are very valuable when our service team is advocating on your behalf, leaving them on will help you in the end. 
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You've done everything right but your machine still doesn't work, now what? If you're having issue that you just can't solve, reach out to our competent repair team. They'll get you up and running in no time! Just fill out the form below to be contacted.
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Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant Program

9/11/2023

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Get ready! The application is now available for the second round of funding for the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 grant program. This program offers valuable grants to small and mid-sized manufacturers in Maryland. It empowers manufacturers to invest in cutting-edge technologies, such as robotics and digital business practices, aligned with the principles of Industry 4.0. This pilot program is transitioning to a permanent three-year program, funded by Governor Moore and the General Assembly. With one million dollars available in funding, competition is expected to be keener than last year! The applications launched August 7th and the final day to submit is October 18th at 5:00 PM. ​
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This is an incredible opportunity for manufacturers to stay competitive and drive efficiency. Studies have demonstrated that companies that strategically invest in Industry 4.0 technologies experience increased productivity, sales, cost savings, and employee retention. By leveraging these innovations, metal fabricators can unlock new opportunities for operational improvements and boost productivity.

Depending on the size of your company, awarded grants will cover 50-75% of project costs.  And 20% of the funds will be reserved for small manufacturers with 3-50 employees, so smaller manufacturers won’t miss out! ​When considering funding requests, factors such as the organization's location in Maryland, how many people they employ, their sector, ownership (women owned/minority owned), and economic need will all be taken into consideration. In order to be eligible, your entity must be registered as NAICS 31-33 manufacturer located in Maryland, regardless of parent company location. Your company can have multiple NAICs codes, as long as one ends in 31, 32, or 33. ​

Bear in mind, this is not a bridge to start a manufacturing process but rather for those already making products and seeking 4.0 technology advancements. So this program is not for replacing old equipment- your company needs a long-term vision for how you will achieve 4.0.  Your proposal should fit within that vision and show how it will make a key difference on the path to 4.0!

​Awards will be announced in early December and recipients will get half the money upfront, followed by reimbursement throughout the year. In order to receive funding in full, receipts will need to be submitted. That being said, the project does not necessarily need to be completed within this year, so long as all money has been spent before the end of that calendar year.

​The minimum grant award is $25,000 and the maximum is $500,000 and projects must clearly demonstrate a tie to Industry 4.0, and a long term strategy for Industry 4.0 adoption.

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Recent developments in the metal fabrication industry have witnessed the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies to revolutionize traditional workflows. These funds can be used to adopt sensors and AI that will improve your manufacturing process, preventative maintenance, productivity levels, machine uptime/downtime and overall business intelligence! Let's explore some key ways metal fabricators can harness this grant program to optimize their operations:

Connected Welding or Plasma Cutting Machines for Real-Time Monitoring and Collaboration
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Connected machines enable seamless communication and collaboration across the shop floor. Through the Internet of Things (IoT), sensors embedded in machines collect valuable real-time data on equipment performance, consumable consumption, and maintenance needs. This data can be analyzed to identify bottlenecks, optimize production schedules, and ensure proactive maintenance, minimizing downtime and maximizing efficiency.

Automation for Streamlined Tasks and Increased Efficiency

Automation plays a pivotal role in reducing human error, improving precision, and accelerating production cycles. Welding robotic systems or cobots can handle repetitive or labor-intensive tasks with greater speed and accuracy, allowing skilled operators to focus on more complex responsibilities. Additionally, automated cutting tables can greatly assist in consistent component production and productivity.

Employee Training

​Don't forget that this grant will also cover employee training and 
consultative services around 4.0 technologies. So, the costs that always come with using new systems, technologies, or equipment is covered- setting your team up for success!

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What can the funds not do? 
Unfortunately, grant funds cannot be used to reimburse pre-purchased technology.​
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Having a compelling application in this competitive grant is very important! Companies should consult vendors for quotes and specs to make the application package more robust. Since the state is unlikely to give multiple awards to a single company, applicants should put their best foot forward and submit their strongest application. These applications need to tell a story- think of how new technology can lead to increased sales, new hires and a new product line and elaborate on that.

If you're not yet feeling inspired or excited by the possibilities, consider attending the Maryland Manufacturing Innovation Conference. The event will take place at the University of Maryland College Park Hotel on October 3rd, 2023. It will feature a tech showcase with providers and integrators displaying scanning, AR/VR, robotics and automation solutions.  The event will also cover learning topics related to technology, talent and transformation in order to help businesses improve. Swing by Earlbeck's booth to learn about the best solutions for your business!

The previous round of funding for this grant allowed 23 businesses to modernize their operations- this could be you! ​

Applications are all reviewed after the deadline and earlier applications will not receive preferential treatment- so take your time making the best plan for your business. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity! Let Earlbeck help your company find ways to focus on innovation and continue to differentiate yourself from competitors to attract new customers!
  • Full details of eligibility can be found here
  • Applications are due by Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
  • If additional funding is available, a second round of competitive grant applications will open in early 2024.
  • Completed applications should be submitted by email to: m4grant.commerce@maryland.gov 
Full details for this grant can be found here!
Further information regarding the conference can be found here!

    Contact Earlbeck Today to Create Your Plan to Adopt industry 4.0

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How Much Money does a Welder Make?

8/30/2023

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If you are interested in a career in welding, you may be curious to know, how much money can a welder make? One of the greatest career advantages is that welding does not require a college degree. This enables welding students to complete their training much quicker than a traditional higher education, as well as cut down on tuition costs. You can be ready to enter the job market and earn money much quicker than your counter-parts that pursue a 4 year college degree.
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In an article published by the Wall Street Journal, The $140,000-A-Year Welding Job, James Hagerty wrote "The risks of a mismatch between costly university degrees and job opportunities have become clearer in recent years". Anthony Carnevale, director of the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, said "Nearly a third of people aged 22 through 26 with a Bachelor of Arts degree either don’t have a job or are working at one that doesn’t require a university degree. The numbers are similar for young people with vocational degrees, but those lower-cost degrees don’t typically lead to heavy debts." Most employers are looking to hire a certified welder which can be obtained after under a year of schooling.

On average, a entry level welder can expect to make about $37,000/year, while an experienced  welder can earn $75,000
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The national median salary for welding jobs is $49,5000/year.
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This number can vary greatly depending on the industry and location.  Many skilled trade programs have been eliminated in schools which has made it increasingly difficult for employers to find welders, which has driven pay scale upwards. According to the 2011 Skills Gap Survey by the Manufacturing Institute, about 600,000 manufacturing jobs are unfilled nationally because employers can't find qualified workers. 

​You could be that qualified worker they are looking for! Let Earlbeck help you learn the skills to achieve the salary you want- with new classes starting every month, and night class options available, we make it easy to fit into your schedule! Reach out today! 
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What is the Job Outlook for Welders?

8/29/2023

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More than 50% of all man-made products require welding. Many different industries employ welders so there are a huge variety of jobs available. Skilled welders will have a unique opportunity to have a career that can be shaped around their interests because of the high demand for skilled workers. 
Stick Welding
​Welding is used in:
  • military applications
  • aircraft and aerospace applications
  • building construction
  • automotive industry
  • shipbuilding industry
  • boiler industry
  • job shops
  • and more!
The welding industry will face a shortage of about 360,000 welders by 2027, according to the American Welding Society. There will be 90,000 average welding jobs to be filled annually between 2023-2027 due to industry growth and anticipated attrition due to retirement. The coming wave of retirements will leave the US with a great deficit in skilled welders in the work force.  . Manufacturing has grown faster than the rest of the U.S. economy since the recession.  In a recent article from Bloomberg business, Gardner Carrick, was quoted saying, "For 20 years we stopped feeding young people into the trades, and now we’re scrambling to catch up". Because of this great welder shortage, welding will certainly a viable career choice for years to come with many job opportunities for those entering the field. 
Source: 
https://weldingworkforcedata.com/​
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 The field of welding offers a diverse range of jobs that combine trade skills with technology.

Welding is both an art and a science, from basic fabrication to advanced robotics. It's a great option for those who enjoy working with their hands and value a sense of community. The skills you'll acquire as a welder are also portable and can lead to rewarding careers in various industries.

Ranging from Shipfitter, Welding Research Scientist, or Pipeliner to Technical Sales, Welder Fabricator, Boilermaker, or Welding Engineer. Or perhaps you’d rather be a Welding Supervisor, Ironworker, or Welding Technician? Still not doing it for you? How about being an Underwater Welder, Pipefitter, Welding Inspector, Robotic Welding Technician, or Welding Educator?

There are so many different paths to success as a welder- let Earlbeck help you learn the skills to land your perfect career! Fill out the form below to learn more about our welding classes!
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Ensuring Cylinder Safety: 10 Essential Tips

8/23/2023

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Compressed gas cylinders play a crucial role in a wide range of industries and applications, powering everything from welding torches to medical equipment. However, the power they hold also comes with inherent risks if they are not handled and used with care and attention.

​Here are 10 essential tips for maintaining compressed gas cylinder safety, ensuring the well-being of both workers and equipment!
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Safety begins here! Before using any compressed gas cylinder, a thorough inspection is paramount. Carefully examine the cylinder for any signs of damage, corrosion, or leakage. Do not use compromised cylinders! Please notify your gas supplier if you notice any defects are present.
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The right conditions matter! Creating a safe storage environment for cylinders is essential. Choose a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, flammable materials, and electrical equipment. Always store cylinders upright and secure them with chains or supports to prevent tipping hazards. Never roll, drag, or slide cylinders, even over short distances.
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Guard against accidental activation! Keep the valve protective cap in place when the cylinder is not in use. This cap safeguards the valve from damage and accidental activation. Remember, never attempt to lift a cylinder by its valve protection cap!
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Safety at your fingertips! When handling cylinder valves, ensure you're using the proper hand protection, such as gloves. Avoid using tools to force or tighten the valve. Only employ the designated valve key or wrench for that specific valve type. Never treat the cylinder valve as a handle for moving!
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A gradual approach to safety! When opening cylinder valves, exercise patience. Slowly and gradually open the valve to prevent abrupt pressure surges that could lead to equipment damage or injuries. Fully open the valve only when you're prepared to use the gas.
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Keep lubricants away! Never apply grease, oil, or any other lubricants to cylinder valves or fittings. These substances can react with certain gases and potentially trigger a fire or explosion. 
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Leave repairs to the professionals! In the event of a faulty or damaged cylinder valve, it's crucial to resist the temptation to repair or modify it yourself. Notify your gas supplier or a qualified professional immediately for proper assistance.
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Stick to compatibility! Avoid using adapters or attempting to connect different gases. Each gas has a specific cylinder valve outlet connection. Mismatching these connections can result in hazardous reactions and contamination.
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A step toward security! After using a cylinder, make certain to close the valve tightly. Turn the valve until it stops to ensure closure, but avoid overtightening.
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 Be ready! Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures for dealing with gas cylinder incidents. Know the location of emergency equipment, including gas masks, eye wash stations, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.

In conclusion, the importance of compressed gas cylinder valve safety cannot be overstated. Mishandling these cylinders can lead to disastrous consequences, endangering both people and equipment. By following these crucial tips, you're taking significant steps toward ensuring the well-being of your workforce and maintaining a safe work environment. Remember, always consult manufacturer guidelines, adhere to safety protocols, and seek professional assistance when required!
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Safety information and posters are provided via the Compressed Gas Association. 

Earlbeck is a PurityPlus partner and with PurityPlus, you can guarantee
​you’ll receive certified quality from the most reliable independent distributors!

Reach out below or by phone (410) 687-8400 today for all of your gas questions and needs!
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Your Answer to Quieter Cryo Gas Handling

8/17/2023

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Imagine a scenario where you're engrossed in your work only to be jolted by a sudden, jarring noise as loud as a blaring car horn. This is the unfortunate daily reality faced by users of liquid nitrogen and other cryogenic gases, as the safety relief valve on their containers unleashes a loud "pop-off" that disrupts the workspace. This not only poses a general nuisance but also a potential safety hazard, particularly when employees are in close proximity.
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Enter the Series 8636 Whisper Valve- a solution designed to revolutionize cryogenic gas handling by lowering disruptive noise and enhancing safety!

Cryogenic gas users have long been acquainted with the deafening 100 decibel sound that startles employees, derailing their focus and causing unwarranted work interruptions. The Whisper Valve drastically reduces the noise associated with venting built up pressure by skillfully modulating the pressure release. This innovation achieves a noise level barely exceeding 40 decibels- what a difference! The once-thunderous "pop-off" is transformed, fostering an environment of uninterrupted concentration and safety.

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​But the Whisper Valve doesn't merely stop at silencing the noise; it also increases operational efficiency. This device curbs gas losses to less than 48 cubic feet over a span of 24 hours, translating to cost savings for your bottom line! The Whisper Valve is available in three settings—230 psig, 350 psig, and 500 psig. And installation is a breeze, it seamlessly attaches to the vent port of your dewar, then just open the vent valve and enjoy the quiet! 

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* For added convenience, a wall mount kit is readily available, and the standard CGA 295 inlet connection guarantees a hassle-free integration process*

For those who have asked for a solution to the disruptive cryogenic container noise, the Whisper Valve stands as a game-changer.  Reach out with the form below or give us a call today at (410) 687-8400 to bid farewell to loud workflow interruptions!
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Earlbeck Gases & Technologies Transitions to Third Generation Leadership

8/5/2023

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Earlbeck Gases & Technologies, a leading provider of industrial gases and welding supplies in the Mid-Atlantic,  recently announced a significant leadership transition as Jim Earlbeck, the company's 2nd generation leader, passes the torch to his daughter, Allison Earlbeck. The transition comes as part of a well-planned succession strategy that ensures continuity and a seamless shift in leadership.

Jim Earlbeck has been instrumental in shaping the success of the company after taking over from his father, Al Earlbeck, in 1977. Jim established a strong reputation for building the company's technical capabilities while still focusing on founder Al Earlbeck's creed that "a distributor should know more about welding than their customers do and has the responsibility to recommend only what is honestly best for their customers to use." Over his distinguished career, Jim has dedicated himself to mentoring his team and fostering lasting relationships with customers through providing technical expertise and a customer-first approach. Under his guidance, Earlbeck Gases has grown into a trusted partner for businesses across various industries.

Allison Earlbeck, who has been an integral part of the company for over a decade, brings a wealth of experience, qualifications, and a deep commitment to the values that have defined Earlbeck Gases. Her extensive knowledge of the industry, coupled with her unwavering dedication to supporting manufacturing in the US, makes her the perfect successor to lead the company into its next chapter.

"Allison has been an invaluable asset to Earlbeck Gases, working closely with our team, customers, and suppliers for many years," said Jim Earlbeck. "Her passion, expertise, and commitment to our core values make her the ideal choice to lead the company into the future."

Under Allison's leadership, Earlbeck Gases will continue its unwavering commitment to their customer base. Her vision for the company is rooted in the belief that it is Earlbeck Gases' sole purpose to support our customers through bringing them leading products in gases, welding & cutting technology, access to technical support and training, and above all else- dependable customer service.

PictureAllison Earlbeck, pictured left, at the start of her career in the gas & welding industry
"I am honored to take on this new role and lead Earlbeck Gases into the future as the 3rd generation leader." said Allison Earlbeck. "My focus will be on building upon the legacy my family has established by fostering our values of  community involvement, continuous improvement, innovation, and providing education to our customers. We will continue to uphold the values that have made us successful while adapting to meet the evolving needs of our customers."
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Additional appointments have been made to support the business's operation for years to come as we officially transition into the 3rd generation of family leadership at Earlbeck.

​After 25 years of loyal service, 
Joe Vincent has been appointed as our President. He is well positioned to take on this role following his experience as a welder, a welding foreman, a welding instructor, account manager, and most recently, as our VP of Sales. He will provide leadership for the day-to-day operation of the business. He will continue to oversee the sales and purchasing departments but will also assist with strategy, and long term goals of the business.

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John Ciurlino has been appointed the PA Regional Sales Manager.  John will work along with our sales team in PA to oversee sales, marketing, and business development. John will be able to provide more intimate support to our growing PA market, as he has quickly built a strong understanding of our customer's needs and welding technology. 

Tyler Smith has been appointed as the VP of the Technical Center, overseeing Engineering, Testing, Training and Service. Tyler will work with our team to continue to build on our strengths as a technical solutions provider to manufacturing issues through consulting, welder qualification and training. Tyler has served as a welding engineer, senior manufacturing engineer, and quality manager at leading manufacturing companies. 

Earlbeck Gases assures all stakeholders that this leadership transition will not compromise the company's commitment to excellence and exceptional service. With this new team at the helm, the company is poised for continued growth, while maintaining the strong foundation built by Jim and Al  Earlbeck.

About Earlbeck Gases: Earlbeck Gases is a leading provider of industrial gases and welding supplies, serving a diverse range of industries such as manufacturing, mechanical contracting, and life sciences with quality products and exceptional service. With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction and unwavering dedication to their core values, Earlbeck Gases has established itself as a trusted partner and the most knowledgeable distributor of welding supplies in Pennsylvania and Maryland .

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Miller MobileArc: the best choice for augmented reality welding

8/4/2023

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Miller's MobileArc is an innovative new way of learning! 

High schools and colleges looking to drum up interest in the welding trade can easily attract and engage future welders with this hands on augmented reality experience. Achieving an even more realistic feel than before, this budget friendly machine features a specially designed helmet mount and a welding gun mount. Designed with ease of use and portability in mind and weighing only 7lbs, this system is perfect for job fairs, interviews, community events and demo days!
Attracting and training welding students can be challenging, but the MobileArc can help students get a taste of welding, improve their skills, or make better informed career moves without breaking the budget. 

One of the best teaching features of the MobileArc is the real-time feedback. Providing immediate insight on user technique helps to correct errors and reinforce proper welding techniques before ever live arc welding.
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The simple interface makes it easy for students to work independently, giving time back to instructors. Plus, since it is a simulated environment, you'll save on material costs like wire, gas, and test workpieces! And compared to traditional methods, this realistic welding simulation reduces overall training time. When used in conjunction with Google Chromecast, you are also able to stream the output onto an external display to foster a more collaborative learning environment or show a crowd! 

​Welding is a trade that is losing more workers due to retirement than it
is gaining workers out of school. Miller’s MobileArc is here to help get that
​interest piqued for a new generation of welders!
​

Interested in adding this great training tool to your collection?
​Reach out today by calling (410) 687-8400 or filling out the form below!
Submit
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Maryland Offshore Wind Workforce Training Program

8/3/2023

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Through a program funded by the Offshore Wind Workforce grant through the Maryland Energy Administration, Earlbeck is proud to be teaching 12 Baltimore City Public School students the welding skills they need to succeed!
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The program, called Baltimore Trains for Wind, is managed by BCPS Career Readiness Department and intends to set these students up with the skillset they’ll need for forging CTE pathways related to sustainable wind energy. 

​The purpose of the overall programs is to establish an offshore wind supply chain in Maryland. This is done by having workforce training centers and emerging businesses pitch in to support new tradespeople as they enter the industry and the instructors at Earlbeck’s Technical Center are up for the job!
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This wind energy based initiative is projected to power nearly 600,000 average Maryland homes. As well as provide 12,000 direct full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs during the development and construction phase, and more than 3,000 direct FTE jobs during the 20 to 30 year operations and maintenance phase.
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We are proud to support a future generation of welders
​ with this climate friendly initiative!

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Baltimore, MD

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Baltimore, MD 21237

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Welding Supply & Gas Showroom
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Fax: (410) 687-1394

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