What I learned today: PORTFOLIO 2 (2013 and beyond)

Additional articles and such from FFJournal (mostly January 2013 and beyond), Modern Metals (beginning December 2013), and more recent freelance writing. For earlier items, click here to go to part 1 of this portfolio.

RECENT ARTICLES

Innovative Flood Mitigation - Projects undertaken by ACEC member firms in four urban and suburban settings demonstrate creative and effective ways to address flooding concerns. Published in the July/August 2019 issue of Engineering Inc. Online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0719/index.php#/40
PDF: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0719/index.php#/40 (starting on page 31)

Choosing the Right 3D Printing Process for Your Company - Two industry experts explain what buyers need to know to make the right call when it comes to additive manufacturing methods and materials. Part of the new ASME Essentials website, launched July 2019. https://essentials.asme.org/manufacturing/choosing-the-right-3d-printing-process-for-your-company

Four Steps to Prepare Your Workforce for Robotics Integration - Three industry experts explain how engineering leaders can allay fears by outlining positives and opportunities. Part of the new ASME Essentials website, launched July 2019. https://essentials.asme.org/robotics/four-steps-to-prepare-your-workforce-for-robotics-integration

Innovative Smart Transportation Infrastructure - Four ACEC member firms take the lead in creating pioneering transportation networks. Published in the March/April 2019 issue of Engineering Inc. Online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0319/index.php#/44
PDF: https://docs.acec.org/pub/ac63b17d-085b-8dbf-2b33-fdfc367d33a3 (starting on page 45)

Waterfront Restoration and Development - A report on how four ACEC member firms have provided creative solutions to a variety of waterfront challenges. Published in the November/December 2018 issue of Engineering Inc.
Online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc1118/index.php#/26
PDF: http://docs.acec.org/pub/2B7F44D5-A748-B530-24AB-93485C6CFC4C (starting on page 27)

Mix and Match to Win More Bids (and Make More Money) - A report on how hybrid concrete construction speeds delivery and lowers costs on bridge projects of all sizes. Published in Concrete Construction, Sept. 20, 2018. Online at https://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-to/construction/mix-and-match-to-win-more-bids-and-make-more-money_o

Urban Restoration Projects - Four diverse projects highlight restoration projects designed by ACEC members ranging from a railroad bridge replacement to flood mitigation and urban parkland preservation. Published in the July/August 2018 issue of Engineering Inc. Online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0718/index.php#/48 PDF: https://docs.acec.org/pub/9f3789be-c14e-0ded-12be-4cffba46d353 (starting on page 39)

Series: 2018 BRG Trend Analyses - Experts share their perspectives on trends affecting nine areas of primary focus for healthcare purchasing decisions. Published in hfm’s May 2018 Buyers’ Resource Guide.
http://www.hfma.org/2018brgtrends/ [awol due to subsequent site reorganization]

Worldwide Innovation - Three engineering projects from around the world are described in this article from the Mar/April 2018 issue of ACEC's bimonthly magazine, Engineering Inc .
Online: http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0318/
PDF: http://docs.acec.org/pub/AAE9A6A1-F55C-C0AB-3540-ECE3ACE5F717 (the article begins on page 45)

Innovative Restorations - Four ACEC firms' renovation and rehabilitation of historic structures are featured in this article published in the January/February 2018 issue of Engineering Inc magazine. The digital version is at http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0118/index.php#/22. It's also available in the PDF file of the full issue, beginning on page 21, http://docs.acec.org/pub/35c1a7c9-0ede-24c9-4b37-43351cc878df.

Walking the Walk for Sustainability - ACEC member firms have created their own facilities that demonstrate innovative sustainability. This article from the November/December 2017 issue of Engineering Inc magazine profiles four firms' new sustainable office space. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc1117/#/30 or, in PDF format, http://docs.acec.org/pub/E98D17F7-E00C-1B17-C4DC-488A2EC48AA3.

The Key to Maintaining Polished Concrete - Tips on how planning ahead, and then keeping up with regular maintenance, preserves the investment in polished concrete floors for long term savings. Published August 22, 2017,online in Concrete Surfaces at http://www.concreteconstruction.net/business/the-key-to-maintaining-polished-concrete_o

Making Parking Structures Last - A little extra care can go a long way in making the repair of a parking structure hold up over time. Nam Shiu and George Reddy, both experts in the field of concrete repair, share their insights. July/August 2017, Concrete Construction. http://www.concreteconstruction.net/how-to/repair/making-parking-structures-last_o

Higher and Higher - A group of three case studies highlighting four firms that are designing amazing high-rise buildings. From the July/August 2017 issue of Engineering Inc magazine. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0717/#/44. Also available as a full-issue PDF at http://docs.acec.org/pub/902d282f-a2ff-d242-b461-c773c3919836. The article begins on page 37 of the PDF.

Innovations in Vertical Design - Four short case studies from the March/April 2017 issue of Engineering Inc magazine. http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/acec/engineeringinc0317/index.php#/42. Also available as a full-issue PDF at http://docs.acec.org/pub/daf3865c-faee-45e8-fd6f-dd95acdbe17e. The article begins on page 41.

Proportionally complex PLC, PC-based controls - This article in the Winter 2016 issue of Processing + Packaging OEM magazine shares how four end-users see the control systems on their products changing to take advantage of PC technology's merge with more traditional PLC hardware. Posted online in late December, 2016, in e-magazine form.
https://www.oemmagazine.org/products/machine-control/proportionally-complex-plc-pc-based-controls [new URL (with byline removed) as a result of change in ownership] [April 30, 2019]
{OLD URLs: http://www.pp-oem.com/sites/default/files/digital_edition/PPOEM_Winter16/PPOEMWinter2016/index.html#page=41&PreviewMode=Miniature" type="text/html" scrolling="no" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0"
Addendum: HTML version is available at https://www.pp-oem.com/products/machine-control/proportionally-complex-plc-pc-based-controls [May 31,2017]}

How to Avoid Callbacks After the Project is Completed - Nobody likes getting called back to a completed project to fix something, but it happens. Two experienced pros in the remodeling field share their thoughts on the positive aspects of callbacks. Posted on the Lowe's for Pros website, November 17, 2016. https://www.lowesforpros.com/articles/how-to-avoid-callbacks-once-the-job-is-completed_a7031.html

6 Ways to Prepare Homeowners for a Remodeling Project - Closing the deal is only the first step in a successful home remodeling project. Remodeling contractors Bill McManaway, Tom Dwyer, and Wayne Pierce share key points to go over before the work begins. Posted on the Lowe's for Pros website, October 7, 2016. https://www.lowesforpros.com/articles/6-ways-to-prepare-homeowners-for-a-remodeling-project_a6874.html

Top-Down Approach Braces Half of Subgrade Construction - A unique approach to forming and excavation enabled working from the top down to support the excavation, then working back up to ground level. October 2016, Concrete Construction.
https://www.concreteconstruction.net/projects/commercial-industrial/top-down-approach-braces-half-of-subgrade-construction_o

Controlling Jobsite Dust and Dirt - Remodeling contractors Bob DePau and Jon Klemens describe how they minimize the impact of job-related dust. Continental Building Products' Chris Hagen explains how today's low-dust joint compound formulations can help.
https://www.lowesforpros.com/articles/Controlling-Jobsite-Dust-and-Dirt_a6777.html

Thermal Imaging: The Things You'll See – An explanation of how contractors can use this technology and how it works, including commentary from contractor Randy Dinsmore, engineer Jim D'Aloisio, and FLIR's Joe Rocchio. Posted on the Lowe's for Pros website, July 1, 2016. https://www.lowesforpros.com/articles/thermal-imaging-the-things-youll-see_a6625.html

What MRO Pros Need to Know When Replacing Windows – Tips for maintenance and operations professionals, featuring comments from Kerry Haglund, Renee Doktorczyk, and Bill Hoberg. Posted on the Lowe's for Pros website, April 28, 2016. https://www.lowesforpros.com/articles/what-mro-pros-need-to-know-when-replacing-windows_a6463.html

Tall Towers Carry High Hopes – Expert planning and construction helps crews on the East End Crossing Bridge. March 2016, Concrete Construction.
http://www.concreteconstruction.net/projects/infrastructure/challenging-formwork-for-ohio-river-bridge_o

Gearing Up for Spring Maintenance – Tips for maintenance and operations professionals, posted on the Lowe's for Pros website, February 2016. https://www.lowesforpros.com/articles/gearing-up-for-spring-maintenance_a6329.html

WEB EXCLUSIVES

A Teaching Tool That’s Also Fun – Have needle-nose pliers, will demonstrate

April 2013 (also WebTOC in May 2013 FFJ)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11504-a-teaching-tool-thats-also-fun.html

A Precise, Creative Moment in Time – A successful businesswoman explains why she loves welding

February 2014 (also WebTOC in January 2014 FFJ)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/12010-a-precise-creative-moment-in-time.html

OTHER FAVORITES

Moving Fabrication In-house, Step by Step – Commitment, a strong underlying work ethic and buying good equipment foster fabricator’s growth and success (January 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11302-moving-fabrication-in-house-step-by-step.html

Retraining Returning Warriors (cover: From Front Line to Production Line) – Making good use of one potential employee pool through mission-oriented training for veterans (February 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11343-retraining-returning-warriors.html

All Together Now – New operating system yields dramatic improvements at high-capacity stamping company (March 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11401-all-together-now.html

A Good Blanking Investment – New cut-to-length line is quickly paying for itself while boosting in-house capabilities (July/August 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11661-a-good-blanking-investment.html

Spatter Matters – How a simple, sophisticated add-on is boosting productivity and controlling costs (July/August 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11646-spatter-matters.html

Blowing Smoke – Fabricator’s truck exhaust systems rely on a small detail added by a simple, robust punch (September 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11774-blowing-smoke.html

A Visit to Amada’s Home – Experiencing the culture of a high-tech manufacturer (October 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11842-a-visit-to-amadas-home.html

Stress-testing Automation – Using a variety of custom jigs, fabricator keeps welding carriage on the move full time (November 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11894-stress-testing-automation.html

A Question of Value – With A-G Tool and Die’s switch to lean manufacturing, it re-evaluated—and reconfirmed—the wisdom of using presquared material (November 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11900-a-question-of-value.html

Cutting Home Goods for the Heartland – How an early reshoring initiative emerged from liquidating fire-sale-priced metalwork (February 2014, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/12046-cutting-home-goods-for-the-heartland.html

FEATURE ARTICLES

Going Low and Slow – Plasma cutter helps fabricator customize cars with attention to detail and individual taste (April 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11457-going-low-and-slow.html

Automotive Heats Up – It’s fabricating and forming’s turn to contribute to fuel economy (April 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11454-automotive-heats-up.html

Changing Times – Evolution may still be open to debate, but in the world of metalworking, few would argue against the benefits of adaptation (May 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11532-changing-times.html

No Rough Edges – High versatility machine meets a variety of finishing needs (September 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11750-no-rough-edges.html

An Open and Shut Case – Combining a new laser cutter with an older material feeder boosts productivity and capacity without breaking the bank (September 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11747-an-open-shut-case.html

Heavy-duty Cutting – When it was time to shop for new band saws, JMC made sure to do its homework (October 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11850-heavy-duty-cutting.html

Got It Covered – How an upgrade in plasma cutting equipment secured a fabricator’s niche and the some (November 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11895-got-it-covered.html

Abundant Opportunities – Adding a new solid-state laser cutter boosts job shop’s productivity as well as sales (December 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11932-abundant-opportunities.html

High-speed Slitting – Coil processing line handles range of materials including advanced high-strength steel (December 2013, Modern Metals)

https://www.modernmetals.com/item/11808-high-speed-slitting.html

A Solid Source – Alloy producers 122-year-old roots offer a firm business foundation (December 2013, Modern Metals)

https://www.modernmetals.com/item/11811-a-solid-source.html

Dodging Functional Obsolescence – Control system retrofit brings productivity on old press brakes up to current standards economically and with minimal disruption (January 2014, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11986-dodging-functional-obsolescence.html

Cutting Through Inventory – Like a deli for tool steel, Action Metals offers quick service and availability to stay competitive in a major market (January 2014, Modern Metals)

https://www.modernmetals.com/item/11850-cutting-through-inventory.html

Masters of the Distribution Pipeline – With expanded services and inventory, American Piping Products embarks on its 21st year (February 2014, Modern Metals)

https://www.modernmetals.com/item/11898-masters-of-the-distribution-pipeline.html

It All Starts With a Cut – New plasma cutting tables speed fabrication of mission-critical capital equipment (February 2014, Modern Metals)

https://www.modernmetals.com/item/11900-it-all-starts-with-a-cut.html

Separating the Good from the Bad – Reclamation system minimizes new abrasive needs and keeps cost down (February 2014, Modern Metals)

https://www.modernmetals.com/item/11902-separating-the-good-from-the-bad.html

Necessary Impulse Purchases – Service center brings on much-needed lasers, spurring an overhaul of its bending capacity (March 2014, Modern Metals)
http://www.modernmetals.com/item/11970-necessary-impulse-purchases.html

Getting the Right Angle – Software maker upgrades press brake infrastructure to accept high-level control system (March 2014, FFJournal magazine)
http://www.ffjournal.net/item/12108-getting-the-right-angle.html

EDITORIALS

A Good Prognosis (October 2012, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11186-a-good-prognosis.html

Magic Numbers (November 2012, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11198-magic-numbers.html

Four-nah-who Time (December 2012, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11251-four-nah-who-time.html

Under the Hood (January 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11316-under-the-hood.html

Back to Plan A (March 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11405-back-to-plan-a.html

What Would Hamlet Do? (April 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11463-what-would-hamlet-do.html

America’s Strength: Manufacturing (September 2013, FFJournal magazine)
https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11753-americas-strength-manufacturing.html

Proud, and for good reason (October 2013, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/11852-proud-and-for-good-reason.html

Getting back to business (January 2014, FFJournal magazine)

https://www.ffjournal.net/item/12006-getting-back-to-business.html

[unpublished: Positive signs (written for December 2013 FFJournal magazine)
https://www.evernote.com/shard/s10/sh/e26fc23d-ba03-4caa-9946-981136564249/80012b3d3018ddf2e66591af7b24dfe4]

B-ARTICLES (IMHO)

7th Annual Reader Survey –

The recovery is less energetic than hoped, but survey responses generally are upbeat (January 2013, FFJournal magazine)
http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11301-7th-annual-reader-survey.html

Upbeat Outlook (Global Economic Outlook) –

American manufacturing is slowly regaining its footing (March 2013, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11390-upbeat-outlook.html

8th Annual Reader Survey –

On its feet again, the metal fabricating and forming industry is tentative yet poised for upticks in both business and productivity (January 2014, FFJournal magazine)

http://www.ffjournal.net/item/11981-8th-annual-reader-survey.html