In today’s competitive manufacturing landscape, fabricators face the constant challenging balance of improving production efficiency while still keeping quality standards high. A great way to overcome this challenge is by leaning into automation. So whether your shop is just dipping a toe into the world of automation, or looking to expand on what you've already got going on, we're here to help you make the right choice for your business needs!

Lincoln Electric offers a suite of automation solutions that are designed to help shops of all sizes-  from the Pantheon customizable column and boom systems to versatile tractors and gantries, these systems optimize welding processes and reduce operational costs. So read on for a breakdown of the benefits and key features of each solution, and see which one works best for you!

Lincoln Electric's Pantheon column and boom systems provide strong, adaptable solutions for high-precision welding in a variety of applications. Whether you are looking for a standard solution to automate repetitive welds or a customized heavy-duty system to handle oversized projects, there's an option that provides the power, precision, and flexibility you need. By automating welds in complex assemblies, your shop can expect higher production rates and greater accuracy, even on large projects. 
​
Plus, with Lincoln Electric and Earlbeck's comprehensive technical support and guidance for the Pantheon series, which includes custom upgrades and troubleshooting assistance, shops can tailor their system to meet their current needs and explore scalable options as their operations grow.

Side beams and lathes are an ideal and lower cost pipe welding solution for applications requiring rigid positioning and repeatable results- think roller overlay, shaft rebuilding, or pressure tank assembly. Their compact design ensures efficient use of shop floor space, and they are adaptable to single or multi-head configurations for varied production requirements!

With SAW, MIG, FCAW, and TIG capabilities, a high payload capacity carriage, and a machined rack and pinion system to avoid slippage, you'll maximize your welding accuracy AND consistency in one go! They offer a variety of different control settings, including accurate travel speed and direction control, which allows you complete control of the system. 

Seamers are purpose-built for high-quality, repeatable seam welding- delivering uniform results that are difficult to achieve with manual welding! They let you produce faster and more consistent seam welds, ensuring precise alignment, reducing downtime, and enhancing throughput when it comes to those repetitive welding tasks.

With water-cooled mandrels and clamping fingers, seamers minimize distortion, so you’ll see higher welding speeds without compromising on quality. With SAW MIG and FCAW capability and accommodating outer diameters from 24 to 216 inches and inner diameters from 120 to 240 inches, they’re suitable for a broad range of applications, making them a great investment!

Gantries provide excellent control over long and complex welds, reducing rework and ensuring consistent results. Designed for heavy-duty tasks, Lincoln Electric’s gantries feature robust frames and dual synchronized motors- these systems handle large components and demanding applications with ease!

Capable of welding long lengths consistently with two heads, these gantries can also have the ability to weld butt and fillet joints! Compatible with SMAW or GMAW, Single, Tandem, or Tiny Twin SubArc, MIG, and Hyperfill welding processes- their durability and precision positioning help streamline operations, making them invaluable for jobs that call for high-volume, high-quality welding. Custom solutions are also available if you're looking for more complex beam welding applications or large girders with complex geometry. 

Lincoln Electric’s welding tractors, such as the Weldy Car 2.0 Pro and the Cruiser SAW Tractor, offer portable automation for various welding operations! If you need welding automation on-site or for larger, complex welding environments that call for flexibility, these are the perfect solution.
​
Weldy Car 2.0 Pro is a compact, battery powered option for MIG/MAG welding, while the Cruiser, paired with the Power Wave AC/DC 1000, offers modular capabilities for butt and fillet joints. The Cruiser's modularity in particular makes it easy to adapt and scale, with self-propelled carriages that maintain high weld quality even on lengthy welds.
​
If you’re looking for the ability to execute long, uninterrupted welds, Lincoln’s tractor options reduce setup times and ensure uniformity, increasing efficiency in complex projects!

As we approach the end of another successful year, it's time to take advantage of this incredible offer from Fronius that will not only enhance your welding capabilities but also ensure you’re equipped with the best of the best!

If you're in the construction industry, infrastructure repair, or any welding job that requires true mobility, then you may have heard of Fronius' Accupocket 150. This small machine is a real powerhouse and a game-changer— it's a revolutionary portable battery powered welding machine known for its versatility and performance! And from right now, November 4th, 2024, through December 31st, 2024 , if you purchase a new Fronius Accupocket 150 you'll score a FREE Fazor 1000 Plus Helmet!

At Earlbeck Gases & Technologies, we know that quality welding comes from practice and skill- and while you can’t buy experience, you can invest in quality tools that make the job smoother. For over 100 years, we've helped welders—both professionals and students—achieve excellence by providing them with the best equipment in the industry. As a leading welding supply company and welding school, we believe in setting our students and customers up for success from the very beginning!

So whether you’re just starting your career or just looking to refresh your kit, here are our recommendations on the basics! This list features brands and tools we trust so you can make informed decisions!

For over 100 years, we've helped welders—both professionals and students—achieve excellence by providing them with the best equipment in the industry. But as a welding supply company AND a welding technical school, we believe that quality welding comes from practice and skill- and while you can’t buy experience, you can invest in tools that set you up for success from the very beginning! Welding can present many challenges, from start to finish, and these are a few  products that we think offer unique solutions!

​So whether you’re just starting your career or a seasoned professional just looking for ways to make the job go smoother, here are a few things we’ve come across that really help!

All welders know that safety is top priority- but with new technology on the market like the handheld laser welder Theo from Maxphotonics, it's important to understand that this new tech calls for a new set of safety needs! So what are the differences between laser welding and traditional welding when it comes to considering safety? Read on to learn more about laser welding safety protocols and how you can create a safe laser welding workspace at your shop! 

Traditional welding techniques require extensive personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, gloves, jackets, long pants, and boots to shield against bright arcs and sparks. And while laser welding doesn't tend to produce a ton of sparks, it is still recommended that you take precautions to cover your extremities. However, the real danger when it comes to handheld laser welders, is actually invisible to the human eye!

What many people don't realize is that the 1.5-kW, 1-µm-wavelength fiber laser coming from your welder is the same class 4 laser that many fabricators use for cutting- the only difference is that the laser on the cutting machine operates within an enclosure, behind laser safe-glass. Just because you cannot see the beam, doesn't mean it won't impact your retina or the retinas of those around you. This invisibility calls for specialized laser-safe eyewear, like laser glasses and welding helmets equipped with laser-safe glass lenses, as well as barriers to protect those who are in the vicinity from exposure. 

Safety in laser welding begins with designing a restricted-access area. Make sure you clearly mark the area, minimizing  unnecessary access and exposure. Appropriate warning signs are crucial at all entry points, clearly indicating that a laser is in use. These signs must comply with safety standards and include information about the type and class of laser, potential hazards, and required PPE. Regulations tend to vary by country and region, so check out your local regulations for guidance. 

Once you figure out your barrier set up, there are still other considerations. Even though laser welding is different to traditional welding, effective fume extraction is still crucial for maintaining air quality since both methods still create harmful fumes. Check out our recommendations for PAPRs and other fume mitigating systems like portable fume extractors, booths, downdraft tables, and more!

Additionally, as discussed above, all welding requires appropriate PPE. This includes your standard gloves, jackets, long pants, and boots, plus laser safety glasses with the proper rating and a welding helmet with a laser safe lens. 
 
Fire safety is also an important requirement for any welding job, including laser welding. Make sure your space is equipped with suitable fire extinguishers and be sure that fire detection and suppression systems are in place! And as always, keep flammable materials away from the area you are welding in to minimize fire risks.

Another way to stay safe is to keep your equipment up to par with regular maintenance and inspections. This ensures that equipment functions correctly. Make regular inspections part of your routine to help identify potential issues before they become significant problems.
​
And then lastly, and perhaps most important, proper training and awareness! If your staff doesn't know the dangers or can't physically see them, as is the case with laser beams, then how can they be expected to work safely? Shops must designate Laser Safety Officers (LSOs) who understand laser classifications, hazards, and safety protocols in depth. Training for LSOs can be conducted online or in-person, and it’s crucial that they have a full understanding. All operators of the laser welder should also receive safety training- keep your staff informed by investing in training BEFORE implementing laser welding at your business. Regularly reinforce the importance of following safety protocols with refresher training sessions. 

In the world of welding, sometimes power and performance come at the cost of convenience. Traditional welding systems rely heavily on power sources to keep a stable arc, making off-grid welding a challenge. Which is why we’d like to tell you a little bit about Fronius’ AccuPocket- a groundbreaking battery-powered welder that provides high-performance welding with or WITHOUT access to electricity!

The AccuPocket is portable battery-powered welder that has options for both Stick and TIG welding. Its unique ability to operate independently from a power grid allows welders to perform jobs in remote locations without the need for heavy generators or long cumbersome power leads. This welder offers a versatile welding amperage range of 10-140 A for Stick and from 3-150 A for TIG, making it powerful enough for a wide variety of applications!

The AccuPocket incorporates the latest in battery technology that ensures a long lifespan, no memory effect, and low self-discharge, allowing for extended use in the field without frequent recharging. Built for the toughest environments, it has an integrated dust filter, raised feet to prevent water damage, and sturdy housing that makes it highly durable. It’s also compact and lightweight, weighing only 24.25 lbs without the charger, making it a breeze to transport!

​At the heart of the AccuPocket’s performance is AccuBoost Technology, which enhances arc stability and overall welding quality. This technology uses high short-circuit currents to ensure easy ignition and smooth arc operation, preventing electrode sticking, and ensuring consistent weld quality regardless of battery status. It’s compatible with a wide range of electrodes, including rutile, basic, and CEL electrodes, allowing for greater versatility in welding projects. Whether working on a construction site or performing delicate TIG welding, this tool provides the same level of performance as a traditional mains-powered welder.

​

In the world of welding, efficiency and quality are paramount. There are plenty of variables you'll encounter in your pursuit of the best results while welding, but today we are talking about welding wire- specifically metal-cored wire. Using metal-cored wire in the appropriate applications can reduce costs, enhance quality, and boost productivity in welding operations. Understanding the optimal times and methods for utilizing this wire can help companies maximize its benefits. So let’s breakdown what metal cored wire actually is and what the benefits and considerations are.

Metal-cored wire is a type of welding consumable that combines the benefits of solid wire and flux-cored wire. It’s classified under AWS A5.18 as a mild steel GMAW or MIG wire, but it differs from solid wire in its structure. This is because it is a composite, tubular wire filled with materials such as iron powder, arc stabilizers, and other additional alloys that help with specific mechanical properties. The composition of materials within metal-cored wire can differ based on the specific properties and characteristics required of the filler metal.

​Unlike solid wire, the core of metal-cored wire does not conduct electricity; the current travels only through the outer metal sheath. This unique construction allows metal-cored wire to maintain a higher current density at the same amperage, leading to increased productivity, excellent penetration, and a more appealing operation in axial or pulsed spray transfer modes. Due to these characteristics, metal-cored wire is not suitable for use in short circuit transfer.

To achieve optimal results with metal-cored wire, the right shielding gas mix—typically a blend of argon and carbon dioxide—is essential. Welders must also ensure that their equipment is compatible with metal-cored wire, which may involve adjustments to voltage settings and feed speed to accommodate the wire’s unique properties.  And as always, price must also be considered- when compared to solid wire, metal cored wire tends to be about 15% higher in price. However, with the right application, this 15% increase is made up by metal cored wire offering more efficiency and less re-working and finishing, which means less labor costs!

Metal cored wire is not recommended for every application, for instance it does not excel in short circuit transfer. It is also not great for sheet metal application. But industries like automotive manufacturing to heavy machinery construction, where production efficiency and weld quality are crucial, choose metal-cored wire. It is also particularly effective in robotic welding and automated applications, where its consistent feeding properties and high deposition rates can be fully utilized to up your productivity.

While metal-cored wire offers numerous benefits, the cost can be higher than that of solid wire. However, the overall savings in labor, cleanup, and increased productivity often offset the initial investment. This is a material that offers significant advantages in both efficiency and quality! Its ability to improve productivity and reduce operational costs makes it a valuable option for many industrial applications.

As the landscape of manufacturing continues to evolve, we are discovering that advanced technologies like collaborative robots are no longer just the domain of large industrial outfits. With the advent of more accessible, flexible, and cost-effective solutions, even small-scale operations can harness the power of robotics to enhance their productivity and quality!

Collaborative robots, or cobots, are designed to work alongside humans in a shared workspace without the need for traditional safety barriers. This actually makes them ideal for smaller shops where space and versatility are at a premium. 

As with implementing anything new in your shop or business, there are always things to consider before taking the plunge. Since we are in the welding business, this article will mostly focus on cobot welding, but many of these considerations can be applied to other robotic tasks. So let’s talk about the benefits, considerations, and challenges- and how to navigate them! 

BENEFITS: Robotic systems bring a level of precision and reliability that boosts both productivity and the quality of the final product. This high quality reduces the need for rework and associated costs, directly saving time and money. Additionally, these systems cut down on waste and reduce labor needs- thanks to precise control over the welding metal, each pass uses the correct amount of material, which avoids overwelding and requires less supervision 

For larger operations with deeper pockets, the benefits of automation are clear, but smaller outfits also stand to gain significantly. They can achieve greater operational flexibility and leverage automation to foster a collaborative work environment. This often leads to increased staff engagement and innovation. By automating repetitive tasks, these systems free up skilled workers to focus on more complex tasks, adding value to the manufacturing process.

CONSIDERATIONS: When thinking about integrating robotic welding, shops should start by assessing their specific pain points. What problem are you hoping to improve or solve with automation? Whether it's ramping up production speed, enhancing the quality of welds, or streamlining operator training, identifying these goals early can help you get the most out of your cobot. 

The initial investment in this tech can be substantial, but the long-term savings are even greater. By increasing efficiency and reducing waste, these systems pay for themselves over time. Shops can achieve a lower total cost of ownership due to decreased needs for repairs and downtime. ​

CHALLENGES: Integrating robotic technology into a small shop can come with challenges- think workflow changes, part design, space constraints, and training hurdles- so let's talk about what you can do to make sure your implementation is successful. 

Summer is here and we are thrilled to announce two new Fronius deals! Whether you're focused  on upping your game for TIG or MIG welding, these offers are an easy way to improve your welding experience with top-of-the-line Fronius products. Don't miss out on these fantastic deals, valid for a limited time only!

These summer deals are perfect for both new and experienced welders looking to upgrade their equipment with Fronius' high-quality products. Don't miss out on these limited-time offers!

For more details, visit one of our showrooms in MD or PA, or reach out today! Let’s make this summer a season of growth and productivity in your welding journey!

In the world of industrial welding, efficiency and reliability in wire delivery systems is crucial! Wire spools are typically available in a variety of sizes, but if you’re in the business of something like automotive manufacturing or shipbuilding, where smaller spools would be finished in a second, you may have already swapped to a bulk wire drum system. 

And if you have, then you know that while traditional wire drum systems offer more wire and less downtime replacing spools, they also come with their own frustrating and time-consuming issue: wire tangling. This not only slows down the workflow but also impacts the overall productivity and leads to increased labor costs as workers must spend time untangling or replacing wire.

Thankfully Lincoln Electric has developed a surprisingly simple, yet innovative, solution to address this common challenge: Gem-Pak!

So what exactly is Lincoln Electric's Gem-Pak and how does it work? It's a bulk wire delivery system that incorporates an ingenious use of glass gems! The irritatingly common tangling issue you see with softer, more pliable materials like aluminum, is easily solved by filling the drum with small glass marble-like gems. This prevents the aluminum wire within the drum from moving around, and that lack of movement means no dreaded tangles!

Lincoln Electric boasts a "Tangle-Free Guarantee" when using the Gem-Pak, underscoring their confidence in this innovative solution. The patented design helps to minimize arc-flaring as well as tip burnback, saving you time and money! Plus, it's designed to integrate seamlessly into existing setups, requiring no additional complex external pay-off systems, making it a good option for any company looking to enhance their welding efficiency.

Lincoln Electric is a known stand out in the welding industry, for their quality, durability, and innovation. They offer tons of solutions that enhance productivity and results, but one you may not have heard of yet is HyperFill!

HyperFill is an advanced welding solution that uses twin-wire technology to achieve greater control, higher deposition rates, and increased weld quality compared to traditional single-wire MIG welding. Unlike conventional methods, HyperFill allows for a higher deposition area while still remaining stable, which means faster welding with fewer passes. This technology is compatible with a variety of Lincoln Electric's existing power sources, making it an easily integratable solution for various applications.

It’s just one power source, one wire feeder, one tip, but twin wire: achieving amazing deposition rates with a wide, smooth arc cone and no added complexity!

HyperFill offers quite the list of benefits that make it a standout choice for improving welding efficiency and quality. It delivers better penetration and a more controllable arc, which leads to cleaner work with less spatter and cleanup. And not only does it produce significantly lower fume emissions per pound of deposit, but it also requires less heat input. This reduction in heat contributes to fewer passes needed during welding, resulting in less distortion of the materials and better mechanical properties overall. At the end of the day, it is hard to pass up on HyperFill's impressive increase in deposition rates, from 12 to 20 lbs. per hour, making it a highly efficient solution for various welding needs!

Lincoln Electric's experts stopped by Earlbeck recently to show us the ropes and after seeing it in action, we’re all about HyperFill for its transformative impact on welding operations! It really represents a significant leap forward in welding technology. It's an ideal choice for businesses aiming to improve their operational throughput and save on their bottom line. For those seeking to stay ahead in a competitive market, adopting HyperFill could be the key to achieving superior welding results.

We've been fans of Lincoln Electric's Viking 1740 helmets since they came out, but they just dropped a fresh design called Game-On! Offering that throwback arcade vibe, the Viking 1740 Game-On is an auto darkening helmet that's both cost-effective and sturdy- designed to meet the needs of both professional and hobbyist welders alike!

This helmet offers a range of controls to adapt to various tasks, including variable shade (9-13), sensitivity, and delay controls, making it suitable for a wide array of processes, including Stick, TIG, Pulsed TIG, MIG, Pulsed MIG, Flux-Cored, Gouging, and Grinding. The Grind Mode comes with an LED safety indicator for added convenience and safety. This helmet ensures uninterrupted performance with an auto on/off functionality and solar cell with user-replaceable AAA batteries.

Choosing the right welding helmet is crucial for both safety and performance. The Viking 1740 Game-On helmet provides high-quality features typically found in more expensive models but at an economical price. Its advanced optics, versatile controls, and comfortable design make it an excellent investment for anyone looking to enhance their welding experience!

One of our favorite things about Fronius is that they are always striving for advancements in welding technology that benefit the end user. Whether it be the ability to fine tune settings for experienced welders or give a helping hand to novice ones, they are always optimizing based on user feedback. 

The DynamicWire is a great example of this and represents a significant leap in TIG cold wire welding technology! This system intelligently adjusts the wire speed of the filler metal automatically to match the welding conditions, enhancing quality and efficiency with every weld. The  DynamicWire's capacity to adapt to varying conditions means that it not only improves weld quality but also makes the welding process more forgiving for those less familiar with the nuances of TIG welding.

Integrating DynamicWire into existing setups is designed to be straightforward. Existing Fronius iWave system users can activate the DynamicWire functionality with a simple software update, avoiding the need for extensive new equipment. This ease of upgrade is not to be understated- you don't need to buy all new equipment to be able to get the benefits of this new tech. Easy upgrade transitions like this ensure that your businesses can stay up-to-date with the latest in welding technology without significant downtime or investment!

Hypertherm has consistently led the industry in plasma cutting technology, holding close to 500 global patents and their newest venture, the Powermax45 SYNC, is a great example of why they still have that leading spot. As part of the globally acclaimed Powermax family, the Powermax45 SYNC offers unparalleled reliability and power, making it an essential tool for any metal worker.
​
This cutting system is not only robust but also packed with advanced features that cater to both professional and personal use. Its design integrates simplicity with advanced technology to deliver a portable, high-performance cutting solution that suits any job.

The Hypertherm SmartSYNC technology is designed to enhance the ease and precision of plasma cutting operations. It features RFID-enabled torches and easy single piece cartridges that automatically communicate with the power supply to set the correct amperage and operating mode! This intelligent system simplifies setup, reduces operator errors, and ensures optimal performance for various cutting applications, making it particularly user-friendly for both new and experienced operators.

The Powermax45 SYNC uses this advanced SmartSYNC technology and convenient single-piece cartridges, allowing for seamless transitions between different cutting modes! Just remove the cartridge and quickly swap for another to suit your cutting, gouging, and marking needs.

​The Powermax45 SYNC is capable of drag cutting, which enables the torch to glide directly over the workpiece for smooth cuts, and fine feature cutting, which is ideal for achieving narrow, precise cuts with minimal material waste. The system's adaptability is further demonstrated in its gouging capabilities, offering both shallow and deep gouging options to accommodate various metal removal needs. Throw in marking capabilities for scoring, indicating part identification, hole or weld locations, AND the ability to be used in mechanized cutting for portable automation and table cutting, and you can see why people are talking about the new Powermax45 SYNC! ​

If you’re in the market for a new pipe beveling and cutting machine, you won’t find higher-quality fabrication equipment than Mathey Dearman's range of pipe cutting and beveling machines!

These robust machines are designed to efficiently manage large-scale projects, cutting through pipes ranging from 1.5” to 60” in diameter. Their products line are renowned in the industry for their superior performance!

Utilized in a variety of industries, these machines are essential tools for many fabrication projects, offering precision and reliability that our customers trust. Let’s talk options to help guide you towards the model with the right features, capabilities, and capacity to tackle even your most demanding jobs!