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February 2026
Feature Articles
Compounding Yields through Welding Automation
We are transitioning into a digital workforce economy, perhaps even approaching the point where robots become a common fixture in every home. Routine, repetitive tasks such as cutting, welding, and polishing — tasks that can be expressed as procedural instructions — are already widely accepted as suitable for robots or cobots.
see moreHard Automation or Robotics: Which One Should You Choose?
Every December, my sister dusts off her trusty stand mixer, and we dive into cookie-making season. Last year, I found myself in the middle of a sugar explosion with my two-year-old nephew as we decorated cookies under mountains of rainbow sprinkles.
see moreWhat’s Synchronized Automation?
Synchronized automation is becoming a defining capability in modern welding operations. With manufacturers facing increasing pressure to improve quality, accelerate production, and manage labor demands, multirobot cells are proving to be essential, especially those where welding robots work in parallel with robots completing other tasks.
see moreElectroslag Additive Manufacturing: A New Way to Build Large Parts
Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is an exciting new field ripe for innovation. It also has roots over 1000 years old, dating back to the first time two pieces of iron were forge welded to form a larger body. Welding has always been an additive process, making it readily adaptable to the 3D printing of metal parts.
see moreLaser-Cut Bevels for Better Welds
Always use the right tool for the work. This maxim sticks with me, particularly when I try to take a shortcut. We have all taken shortcuts, and they sometimes lead us operators to have to start over — a sure-fire route to a much longer job.
see moreCutting Through the Noise
Advances in fiber laser technology have generated significant attention in recent years. Today, when a shop considers investing in a new CNC cutting machine, the much-publicized benefits of fiber laser may make it seem like the sensible choice.
see moreAluminum Q&A
Q: How do I choose the most suitable filler metal for welding a particular aluminum base metal? There are many aluminum base metals used in the industry, and multiple aluminum filler metals are available. I have also been informed that some base metals can be welded with several different filler metals.
see moreMaximizing Welding Automation to Ensure Desired Weld Sizes
Automation has undoubtedly been a welcome addition to the welding industry. It has helped address the persistent gap in skilled labor and delivered precise, repeatable welds that ensure the uniformity needed for high-volume part production.
see moreNews and Updates
News of the Industry
AWS, Miami, Fla., is reinforcing its workforce development efforts through two key initiatives: offering $2.7 million in welding scholarships via the AWS Foundation and partnering with an industry trade association to develop specialized training and certification for the heat transfer and diesel emissions sectors.
see moreSociety News
Explore AWS news, Tech Topics, Membership activities, and much more.
see morePublication Archive
View past issues of our magazines, including Welding Journal Research Supplement in PDF format.