SmartSYNC™ TORCHES
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Using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, the SmartSYNC™ torches automatically set up the correct amperage and operating mode to eliminate setup errors and ensure a consistent and reliable torch. With this feature, you no longer have to return to the power supply to make these adjustments. 

The traditional Powermax 65, 85, and 105’s are no longer in production and are not available for purchase. All production has shifted to the new SYNC units. But have no fear, if you already have a unit and want to use the SYNC consumables, there is an adapter you can purchase to access the current systems. ​

​If you want to spend less time changing consumables and more time cutting, the Hypertherm Powermax SYNC is a great investment. With the Hypertherm Cartlidge Reader App, you’ll be able to maximize the life of your cartridges by seeing cutting statistics and end-of-life detection. Your business production will thrive with Hypertherm Powermax SYNC.

The Miller Build with Blue rebate program is back in time for the Holidays! This promotion runs from October 1- December 31, 2022. Save up to $500 on select products. ​

To learn more or to redeem your rebate, go to MillerWelds.com/BuildWithBlue

Claims submission deadline: January 31, 2023. 

​Ready to shop? Give us a call at (410) 687-8400 or stop by any of our showrooms today!

If you’ve ever used a compressed gas cylinder, you’ve likely noticed the markings on the shoulder of the tank. Cylinders are stamped to denote the specifications of how the cylinder was made, a unique serial number, the date the cylinder was made, the owner of the cylinder, when the cylinder will need to be retested and more. We’ve made a quick guide to show you around these markings.​

1. Cylinder Specification

• The first series of letters is the specification that was used in manufacturing the cylinder itself. This is most commonly DOT–Department of Transportation, but could also be ICC for older US tanks, or CTC for Canadian tanks.
• The set of numbers specificities the type of material of construction (e.g., 3AA or 3A for steel, or 3AL for aluminum).
• Next you’ll find the rated pressure in pounds per square inch (e.g., 2,265 psi).
  
  

2. Cylinder Serial Number

3. Date of Manufacture - This date (month-year) indicates the original hydrostatic test.

4. Neck Ring Identification - Displays the name of the current owner of the cylinder.

5. Retest Markings

• The format for a retest marking is: Month-Facility-Year-Plus Rating-Star Stamp
• The + Symbol (Plus Rating) indicates the cylinder qualifies for 10% overfill.
• The ★ Symbol (Star Stamp) indicates that the cylinder meets the requirements for 10-year retest.
  
  

6. Cylinder Manufacturer’s Inspection Marking

7. Cylinder Tare (Empty) Weight

8. Gas Cylinder Label – This sticker indicates the type of gas in a cylinder, as well as its properties and hazards.
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Cylinder Differentiation

Gas service for the cylinder can be differentiated by

1. the valve installed (which is gas specific and stamped with the CGA number) and
2. the label on the cylinder. (Label must be present or cylinder must not be used)
   
   

No compressed gas cylinder should be accepted for use that does not legibly identify its contents by name. If the labeling on a cylinder becomes unclear or an attached tag is defaced to the point the contents cannot be identified, the cylinder should be marked "contents unknown" and returned directly to the manufacturer.
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Do not use cylinder color in order to determine cylinder content. Gas cylinders are often color coded but because the codes are not standardized between different vendors, cylinder color cannot be safely used for gas content identification. Even though medical gas cylinders do use industry standard color coding, the paint color may change over time and with weathering, so it is only safe to identify a cylinder’s contents by its label.

We've compiled a list of the most common weld discontinuities and how to correct them. A discontinuity is a flaw in the weld, but they are only considered to be weld defects when they exceed the limit allowed by the welding code. Learn more about welding codes here. Each code determines the extent of the discontinuity before it is classified as a defect and must be repaired. 

For example, if a welding code acceptance criteria allows for undercut up to 1/32" deep and the welding inspector measures undercut that is 1/16" deep, then that weld is rejectable. If the undercut measured was 1/32" or less, then the weld is acceptable. 

All defects are discontinuities, but not all discontinuities are defects. Understanding this forms the key to the proper analysis of any weld performed in accordance with the requirements of a welding code or specification. 

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Concave root surface is a groove weld exhibiting underfill at the root surface.

Possible Causes
Too Much Current
Arc Length Too Long
Root Face Too Small
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Possible Cures
Reduce Current
Maintain Proper Arc Length
Use Proper Joint Fitup ​

Overlap is extra filler metal that spreads out beyond the weld bead.

Possible Causes
Travel Speed Too Slow

Possible Cures
Use Proper Travel Speed​

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​Bill Herbert, owner of Quality Erectors, was working to grow his fabrication and erection company but was struggling to keep his labor force trained and his machines consistently running.   QEC has a focus on bringing projects in on time and within budget. However, Bill was frequently sending machines out of state to be repaired, causing down time which was costly to his company.  He was also experiencing poor service and support from his gas supplier and was wasting time reconciling invoices and overpaying for gas tanks.  He was putting in the work but not getting the results he needed.  Bill knew he had to improve efficiency, employee training and technology to improve the bottom line to his business.
 
Bill found Earlbeck Gases and wanted to do a Gas Application Audit. Through analyzing his gas usage with his previous supplier, we found that he was overpaying on his cylinder rental bill by having too many cylinders on site that were underutilized. We determined the appropriate number of cylinders QEC should have on hand to help control his costs and better manage his cylinder inventory.
 
Bill also wanted to increase his team's productivity, so we did a Welding Application Analysis to identify if there were any improvements to be made in his team's welding process. Through working with Earlbeck, here are some of the solutions Bill found:
 

• Rather than having to run dozens of feet of cable for quick jobs on railings and rooftops, his welding crew now uses the AccuPocket battery powered portable welders in battery mode. After trying one, he quickly made the investment to outfit all his trucks because they significantly reduced prep work with no sacrifice to welding power or quality of the arc.
• He also invested in a plasma cutter rather than using traditional oxyfuel cutting, which allowed his teams to get their jobs done much faster.
• The traditional gas driven welders had been giving his team issues, so he switched over to our Pioneer Pack, which features a Fronius AccuPocket, and a Honda driven generator. Now, two welders can operate without shore power which doubled his field output.
• Bill switched to gas shielded flux core wire rather than solid wire. This not only allows his team to weld faster with higher deposition rates, and better penetration but also allows him to use a pre-qualified D1.1 welding procedure, which saves thousands of dollars from having to have a custom procedure written.
• Aluminum jobs using spool guns were cumbersome and only could use #1 spools, which stopped the operator frequently to switch out wire. He switched to the TransSteel MIG machines which enables the operator to push .035 aluminum wire up to 15’ without a spool gun.  
• We also now train and certify his welders to make sure they are job ready for any contract or project. 

 
Bill implemented these solutions and transformed his business.    His team is happier now that they have great training and the equipment, they need to do their jobs at a high level.   His bottom line has improved, including reduced expenses on equipment repairs and gas supply.  Bill now has a knowledgeable partner he can rely on to give him the right solutions for his business and help him solve his most difficult problems.   Quality Erector’s partnership with Earlbeck has given Bill time back to focus on leading and growing his business. 

To learn what we can do for your fabrication business, please contact us below.

​​Shielding gases are used while TIG and MIG welding to protect your weld puddle from being exposed to oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen in the atmosphere. These elements can interact with the molten metal and cause defects in your weld. Shielding gases can also help with arc starting, cleaning, penetration, and arc stability. These gases play an important role on your finished product as well as your welding experience.

If we had to guess, it would be safe to say that we are all ready for 2021 to come to a complete close. Let’s just fuse the joints and keep burning. 

As we welcome and embrace the new year of 2022, let’s look at the projection for welders, career opportunities, and a few interesting events that have taken place since we began our journey into 2020. Read on more for inspiration for years to come!

​To the current and prospective welders, there will be a shortage of approximately 400,000 welders by 2024. The shortage is so large due to the boomer generation retiring from the industry. Welders can earn approximately $44,000 per year as a median projection and although welding as an industry typically requires certification, the welding career can be achieved with only a GED or High School Diploma regarding formal education. In 2019, there were 438,900 welding jobs available, and with the projected shortage of welders in the field, there will be more opportunities to come.

There have been rumors about automated welding process replacing human welders, but that is not something to worry about. Fortunately for us humans, we can withstand certain conditions; and have the capability to accomplish welding projects that an automated process cannot. There will be opportunities for welders to learn how to operate the automated processes, as they require a welding operator to oversee and control the process. If anything, automated welding processes will provide more diverse opportunity within the industry. 

Here’s a list of some welding career opportunities based on the industry being served, first listing the top five: 

1. Pipe Welding: These welders are in high demand, as they serve the gas, oil, and water utility companies. Welders will need to work on the pipelines carrying these valuable resources. 

2.  Aerospace Welder: This focuses on the equipment and technology used in airplanes. This type of welding is challenging, as there are many different welding processes and applications that are used and may also require off-ground welding. 

3. Military Support: Welding in the military is not much different than civilian welding but requires the typical protocols of being in the military. Example: basic training is required, and it is within the various branches. One perk of pursuing this route is that there is no experience necessary, and the military will train. 

4. Underwater Welding is challenging, as you can imagine. The underwater welder will have to accomplish the task at hand, while also attending to the risks associated with diving and being in the depths of water. 5. Certified Welding Supervisor monitors the welder, welding projects, ensures safety, and inspects the completed project for safety and compliance according to the appropriate code. 

6. Autobody Technician / Custom Car Builders: When vehicles break down, damaged parts will need to be welded for repair, or to cut (remove) and install the appropriate part for a functional vehicle. 

7. Shipbuilding and Repair: Inspects vessels and complete any necessary repair. (This may require travel along with the ship). 

8. Rig Welders (Oil and Construction): This facet of welding is one of the biggest opportunities for welding in the oil and gas industry. Welders save companies significant amounts of dollars by repairing the rigs as they begin to show ware. This is physically demanding, as the welder will need to be on the job for a long period of time. 

9. Jewelry Designer: For the individual that has a desire to create beautiful pieces that are intricate and delicate. They would also repair and resize the jewelry. 

10. Boilermaker: assembles, installs, and repairs boilers or large-scale containers to hold gas or liquids 

Other types of industries for welding are: Industrial Maintenance Welders, Structural Steel Welders, Tool and Die Makers, Sheet Metal, Construction, and Motorsport.

Another recent accomplishment in the industry is the repair of the vintage aircraft called “The Chipmunk DHC-1”, which is named after the Canadian squirrel. This aircraft was a post war vintage aircraft developed in 1946 by De Havilland Aircraft of Canada; and as time moved forward, it was accessible to civilians. Repairing the aircraft was a challenge without the proper technology and sourcing parts was a financial endeavor. There have been many challenges to achieve this repair; and took over two years of research to accomplish since the aircraft is not favorable to the increasing temperatures caused by welding. The technology used is Cold Spray and known as Supersonic Particle Deposition (SPD) which uses either Nitrogen or Helium gas to propel metal particles to the aircraft parts, resulting in bonding of the metal. This process restores the part to its original blueprint dimensions, giving the Chipmunk DHC-1 another chance to soar the skies! 

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies is here to assist in the beginning of your welding journey and offers many different classes to achieve the goal of becoming a welder. It is crucial that we bridge the gap for welders and the industries served to ensure the sustainability of our world. Even though things seem uncertain, the welding world is the complete opposite. May we raise our torches and “toast” to the future that is as bright as the sparks we produce from our torches!

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies Welder Training Trailer is coming to Carroll County on September 15th and September 18th through the Carroll County Business/Employment Resource Center!

The four hour Earlbeck Welding Basics course will be provided at 224 N. Center Street in Westminster within the fully self-contained, 40-foot trailer holding eight welding booths, inverter welding machines, cylinder gases, ventilation, heat, and a 70KW generator. Training will provide introductory welder instruction including weld safety, welding equipment set up, basic welding and operation of MIG, TIG and Stick equipment.
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Students who successfully complete the Welding Basics course may be eligible for further training in an eight-week Fundamentals of Welding course, beginning September 27th from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday through Friday. Individuals interested in the training should call BERC at 410-386-2820 to sign up before August 27th. Space is limited!
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Businesses interested in hiring welding trainees should contact Business Consultant Scott Singleton at 410-386-2521 or ssingleton@carrollcountymd.org

​April is National Welding Month, created by the American Welding Society (AWS) in 1996.
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AWS was established by 20 members of the Wartime Welding Committee, as a non-profit organization after World War I, to globally advance the welding industry. To this day, AWS continues to move the industry forward.
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Being the year 2020, we are in the middle of history. Let us not forget the importance and crucial role that the welding industry plays in our lives locally and globally. Without welding, our world would crumble. There are many key people who discovered, invented, and patented welding technology as it evolved throughout welding history. Some are mentioned below!

​Almost everything you touch and see has been welded. It’s almost like our world wouldn’t even exist if it wasn’t discovered in the Bronze Age more than 5,000 years ago. Welding originated from heating Bronze until melted and then banging it with a hammer to form Gold boxes, as shown to the left.

In the 1800’s, Edmund Davy and Sir Humphrey Davy (cousins) discovered key elements for Arc Welding. Edmund Davy discovered Acetylene in 1836. Sir Humphrey Davy produced the arc between two carbon electrodes using a battery.
 
Although Edmund and Sir Humphrey Davy did not invent welding, they laid the path to the processes we use and see today.

​Auguste De Meritens was a French Electrical Engineer who used an electric arc to weld in 1880. This welding process achieved low temperatures and was not able to penetrate steel. He used a carbon electrode to weld lead plates to manufacture storage batteries.
​De Meritens was known for his magneto-electric generators used in lighthouses and arc lighting. In 1881 he achieved a French Patent for Electric Arc Welding.

No wonder he easily discovered the electric arc, right?

Charles L. Coffin achieved a French patent in 1890 for Arc Welding using a metal electrode. This was the first time that metal melted from the electrode across the arc to deposit filler metal into the joint to make a weld.

In the 1900s, Oscar Kjellberg of Sweden invented the coated electrodes from 1907-1914 by dipping bare iron into thick mixtures of carbonates and silicates, then allowing the coating to dry. Kjellberg was able to achieve a Swedish Patent in 1907.

Fun Fact:
Do you know where the name ESAB came from? Elektriska Svetsnings-Aktiebolaget, which is Swedish for: “Electric Welding Company”
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The 1900’s was the era that included the development of spot welding, seam welding, projection welding, and flash butt welding.

Pictured are models of how the welding processes were used. Some may be familiar to you today.
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During WWI, there was a large demand for weapons and armament. Welders became highly prized tradesmen among the armed forces. During this time, welders were challenged with a gas shortage and used electric arc welding to make bombs, mines, and torpedoes! Welders were also able to accomplish an all-welded hull vessel, called the HMS Fullagar of Great Britain.

​Welding is used high and low, under and above (and beyond). For example, you can weld under water and even in space! The possibilities are endless with welding; and our future is only getting brighter as each arc ignites. To everyone who is reading… Stay well, stay safe, and don’t forget to thank the welder in your life!

Let this article inspire you during this difficult time, to show you that no matter how hard things get, welding will always be in our world to produce, protect, and stimulate our economy.

Earlbeck Gases & Technologies has been around since 1919, leading the way in training tradespeople on emerging welding technologies. We help individuals get ahead in their career without the debt of a traditional 4-year education by introducing them to a critical piece of our economy; welding. 

Welders are needed and AWS projects a shortage of 400,000 welders by 2024. So, let’s get welding- we don’t have time to lose! Show us what you’ve been working on or have already accomplished as a welder. Whether you are just starting out or have been in the industry for decades, we want to see what you’ve been up to!
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Use the hashtag #letsgetwelding #earlbeckwelding #arcflex to show off your work!