Cover Story
Joining Silver & Copper: From Start to Finish
By Melissa Muir
When making jewelry, I prefer to create pieces that are a bit different from traditional jewelry. I call my particular style “wearable art jewelry.” In the case of creating a pendant using two different types of metal, I want to illustrate not only traditional jewelry making techniques, but how I also mixed in pulse arc welding. Read the Full Story Here.
When making jewelry, I prefer to create pieces that are a bit different from traditional jewelry. I call my particular style “wearable art jewelry.” In the case of creating a pendant using two different types of metal, I want to illustrate not only traditional jewelry making techniques, but how I also mixed in pulse arc welding. Read the Full Story Here.
The Jewelry Issue 2022
How Permanent Jewelry can Permanently Boost Profits
By Andy Jensen
The fashion, jewelry, and tattoo industries are ever-changing stages for new trends. One that has recently caught fire is permanent jewelry, and people are lining up to have a chain of gold, platinum, or any type of metal permanently welded around their wrist or ankle. Read the Full Article Here.
5 Reasons: Why You'll Find a Laser Welder in My Store
By Richard Beach
The secret to realizing a healthy profit from repairs is efficiency. You’ve heard the old adage that “time is money,” and with repairs it’s never been more true. The faster you can complete a repair, the more profitable the service is to your store.
A true craftsman knows the importance of having the right tools. For repairs and restorations, a benchtop laser welder is paramount. Read Why.
My First Experience with Pulse Arc Welding: Unboxing the Orion 150s
By Corkie Bolton
It was an incredibly exciting mail day when my Orion 150s pulse arc welder from Sunstone arrived a week ago. I have wanted the opportunity to work with a welder for many years. As someone who has been soldering jewelry with an acetylene torch for over a decade, I was fascinated by the ability to hold metal in my bare hands and fuse tiny components together—such sorcery! Read the Full Story.
By Andy Jensen
The fashion, jewelry, and tattoo industries are ever-changing stages for new trends. One that has recently caught fire is permanent jewelry, and people are lining up to have a chain of gold, platinum, or any type of metal permanently welded around their wrist or ankle. Read the Full Article Here.
5 Reasons: Why You'll Find a Laser Welder in My Store
By Richard Beach
The secret to realizing a healthy profit from repairs is efficiency. You’ve heard the old adage that “time is money,” and with repairs it’s never been more true. The faster you can complete a repair, the more profitable the service is to your store.
A true craftsman knows the importance of having the right tools. For repairs and restorations, a benchtop laser welder is paramount. Read Why.
My First Experience with Pulse Arc Welding: Unboxing the Orion 150s
By Corkie Bolton
It was an incredibly exciting mail day when my Orion 150s pulse arc welder from Sunstone arrived a week ago. I have wanted the opportunity to work with a welder for many years. As someone who has been soldering jewelry with an acetylene torch for over a decade, I was fascinated by the ability to hold metal in my bare hands and fuse tiny components together—such sorcery! Read the Full Story.
The Industrial Issue 2021
How to Ship a Vaccine: The Story Behind the Box
By Andy Jensen
In an opinion piece, The Washington Times, wrote, “Operation Warp Speed recognized that all of the members of the health care ecosystem had to work as a team to solve the many difficult scientific and public health problems created by a new, highly infectious and deadly virus… Warp Speed had to design expedited regulatory review criteria and coordinate manufacturing capabilities on a global scale.” The background behind Operation Warp Speed frames the phone call placed to Blaze Technical Services April 2020. Brian Hickman, the operations manager at Blaze took the call. “The sense of urgency that came through the call was something I’ve never experienced before,” says Hickman.
The Benchtop Laser Evolution: Better is Better
By Dave Holloway
Sometime around 2007, laser manufacturers started building benchtop units designed to fit on a tabletop. The benchtop revolution produced smaller, lighter, and more affordable units than the pedestal laser welders. The space-saving features did have their trade-offs, though: The first benchtop welders had a max-power output of 25 Joules. You might be thinking, ‘who would buy such a unit? It only has 25 Joules?’
Why Wireless Power Needs a Litz Wire Welding Solutions
Welding Technology Spotlight: The Sunstone Pico DC and Micro E
While the scientific principle of wireless charging technology has been around since the 19th century, the introduction and use of Litz wire has turned principle into profits. Litz wire is comprised of many, very thin strands of insulated wire weaved or twisted in a specific pattern. The pattern is key to how Litz wire minimizes loss from the skin effect and proximity effect. But can you weld it?
Extreme Remote Welding
Strain gauges can create as much stress as they measure. Oft times engineers are attaching strain gauges in places far removed from the nearest electrical outlet or in spots that are difficult to access. Moreover, temperature conditions may require gauges to be welded to key components rather than attached using epoxy. Here's what you need to know about remote welding.
By Andy Jensen
In an opinion piece, The Washington Times, wrote, “Operation Warp Speed recognized that all of the members of the health care ecosystem had to work as a team to solve the many difficult scientific and public health problems created by a new, highly infectious and deadly virus… Warp Speed had to design expedited regulatory review criteria and coordinate manufacturing capabilities on a global scale.” The background behind Operation Warp Speed frames the phone call placed to Blaze Technical Services April 2020. Brian Hickman, the operations manager at Blaze took the call. “The sense of urgency that came through the call was something I’ve never experienced before,” says Hickman.
The Benchtop Laser Evolution: Better is Better
By Dave Holloway
Sometime around 2007, laser manufacturers started building benchtop units designed to fit on a tabletop. The benchtop revolution produced smaller, lighter, and more affordable units than the pedestal laser welders. The space-saving features did have their trade-offs, though: The first benchtop welders had a max-power output of 25 Joules. You might be thinking, ‘who would buy such a unit? It only has 25 Joules?’
Why Wireless Power Needs a Litz Wire Welding Solutions
Welding Technology Spotlight: The Sunstone Pico DC and Micro E
While the scientific principle of wireless charging technology has been around since the 19th century, the introduction and use of Litz wire has turned principle into profits. Litz wire is comprised of many, very thin strands of insulated wire weaved or twisted in a specific pattern. The pattern is key to how Litz wire minimizes loss from the skin effect and proximity effect. But can you weld it?
Extreme Remote Welding
Strain gauges can create as much stress as they measure. Oft times engineers are attaching strain gauges in places far removed from the nearest electrical outlet or in spots that are difficult to access. Moreover, temperature conditions may require gauges to be welded to key components rather than attached using epoxy. Here's what you need to know about remote welding.
The Battery Issue 2020
The Fast and the Furious Path to E-Mobility
By Andy Jensen
Harley-Davidson isn’t afraid to dip a toe in someone else’s pool. For nearly a decade, the iconic motorcycle company has flirted with markets that don’t mix well with the company’s bread-and-butter, “God Bless America!” biker image. But could the legendary motorcycle manufacturer be betting the bank on eBikes?
By Andy Jensen
Harley-Davidson isn’t afraid to dip a toe in someone else’s pool. For nearly a decade, the iconic motorcycle company has flirted with markets that don’t mix well with the company’s bread-and-butter, “God Bless America!” biker image. But could the legendary motorcycle manufacturer be betting the bank on eBikes?
Powering the Success of the Battery Repair Business
By Andy Jensen
The economics are simple. Even the most mathematically challenged contractor can understand the attraction. Fully charged, let’s say a DeWalt cordless drill can put down 100 wallboard screws with one charge. Now, if a contractor can get another 40 screws out of the same charge, efficiency skyrockets. And that's the Bulldog Battery story.
The Final Answer to All Battery Welding Questions?
Welding Technology Spotlight: Sunstone Omega PA250i
Sunstone’s new battery welding system is a cardinal welder; a welder of all welders; a welder that all welders aspire to be. The Omega PA250i is packed with versatility and holds a black belt in the martial arts of welding.
By Andy Jensen
The economics are simple. Even the most mathematically challenged contractor can understand the attraction. Fully charged, let’s say a DeWalt cordless drill can put down 100 wallboard screws with one charge. Now, if a contractor can get another 40 screws out of the same charge, efficiency skyrockets. And that's the Bulldog Battery story.
The Final Answer to All Battery Welding Questions?
Welding Technology Spotlight: Sunstone Omega PA250i
Sunstone’s new battery welding system is a cardinal welder; a welder of all welders; a welder that all welders aspire to be. The Omega PA250i is packed with versatility and holds a black belt in the martial arts of welding.
The Jewelry Issue 2020
Artist Spotlight: McMillan Metals
It's Not the Destination but the Journey
By Andy Jensen
Perhaps the Patrick McMillan story is better told by telling another story, the one that began on an autumn day in 1890 amid the industrial neighborhoods of Birmingham, England.
The Air in Your Shop: The Need to Breathe
By Nathan Frey
HEPA air purification systems are often misplaced in shops like yours. You, your team, and even equipment dealers are rarely educated on the nuances of where to place air filtration devices in the shop.
Absolute Digital Control
Product Spotlight: Orion 200i
The blunt contrast between the hi-tech digital interface and the fundamental pulse arc stylus is not lost on anyone who first bumps into the Orion 200i micro welder from Sunstone. The contrast is stark, but the relationship between the tech and the arc runs deep.
How to: Adding Metal to a Prong
One of the most profitable uses for micro welding in jewelry is rebuilding or re-tipping a prong. As a result, with re-tipping you can complete the repair in a matter of minutes rather than hours.
It's Not the Destination but the Journey
By Andy Jensen
Perhaps the Patrick McMillan story is better told by telling another story, the one that began on an autumn day in 1890 amid the industrial neighborhoods of Birmingham, England.
The Air in Your Shop: The Need to Breathe
By Nathan Frey
HEPA air purification systems are often misplaced in shops like yours. You, your team, and even equipment dealers are rarely educated on the nuances of where to place air filtration devices in the shop.
Absolute Digital Control
Product Spotlight: Orion 200i
The blunt contrast between the hi-tech digital interface and the fundamental pulse arc stylus is not lost on anyone who first bumps into the Orion 200i micro welder from Sunstone. The contrast is stark, but the relationship between the tech and the arc runs deep.
How to: Adding Metal to a Prong
One of the most profitable uses for micro welding in jewelry is rebuilding or re-tipping a prong. As a result, with re-tipping you can complete the repair in a matter of minutes rather than hours.