Educational
Expert tips, case studies and advice to answer all your welding questions
Choosing the best way to clean your TIG Welds . . .
Effective finishing and cleaning of a TIG weld is a crucial part of the post-welding process. The welding process can cause discolouration, heat tints and burn marks. Removing these can subsequently improve corrosion resistance, which in the long run will increase the durability of a weld and preserve the physical…
Welding Fumes: On-Torch Extraction
On-torch fume extraction captures the welding fumes at the weld pool, at the point of generation. The fumes created during the welding process are extracted by the openings in the nozzle at the tip of the torch, the fumes are then carried through the torch hose to a collector unit….
Can I connect a CK torch to my TIG machine?
Anyone interested in TIG welding would have heard of CK Worldwide and their contribution to TIG welding, for over 50 years they have produced the highest quality TIG torches and accessories in the industry. As the sole official distributor for CK Worldwide in the UK we are continuously asked how…
New Safety Alert from the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) – Change in Enforcement for Mild Steel Welding Fume
Change in Enforcement for Mild Steel Welding Fume The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) have released a new Safety Alert announcing a change in enforcement expectations for mild steel welding fumes. This comes following new scientific evidence suggesting exposure to all welding fumes, including mild steel welding fumes, can cause…
CECAMM – The New Centre of Excellence
Opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex in September last year, the exciting Isle of Wight College CECAMM facility in Whippingham offers students specialised education and a broad experience of engineering skills. The aim is to prepare students to enter their chosen field, help secure careers, and in some cases…
Training Our Team for Excellence
ESAB Gas Inspectors Courses. If not properly maintained, Gas equipment can be a hazard, and using unsafe or unchecked equipment could result in serious injuries in the work place. The importance of relevant and regular checks on the integrity and safety of equipment and the potential defects and hazards that…
Amazing Engineering In Focus
We think these sculptures are incredible and yet another display of amazing engineering. Designed by sculptor Andy Scott, these visually stunning giant horseheads called The Kelpies are Scotland’s most prominent works of art. Standing at 30 metres (100 feet) and weighing in at 300 tonnes each, these beauties are Scotland’s newest visitor…
SkillWeld 2014 Semi Final in Northern Ireland
The SkillWeld 2014 event took place on the 8th May in Northern Ireland at the Ballymena Campus, and we were very pleased to be sent this picture of one of the semi finalists who, we think, looks very happy with his prize. The Save Phace welding helmets – as sponsored by Air Products and with the…
Welding – The Next Generation
“I believe the real Olympic legacy is recognising the importance of skills, training, and the desire to work hard and achieve”, Stephen McPartland, MP for Stevenage & Advisor to the AWD board. A lot has been made of the so-called “Olympic Legacy”, and as well as encompassing the purpose-built landmarks of the…
Deciphering Welding Symbols & Abbreviations
The use of symbols on engineering drawings helps to communicate design specifics of a project to the welder and all involved. For this reason, it is important that everyone knows and understands the weld symbols in order to achieve the correct end result. To help with uniformity, there are a number of standards relating to weld…
On Your Arcs …Get Set …Weld!
Still Suffering from those Pesky Post-Olympic Blues? Have no fear. The Games are far from over, even for Welders!All hail the fabulous sport of Wheelchair Rugby. Did you know Wheelchair Rugby was invented in 1977 – which apparently makes it quite young in terms of sporting activities – and premiered at the…
The Importance of Dry Air when Plasma Cutting
When operating a Plasma Cutter you need to have dry air. Dry air is important because if moisture is present in the line it will travel with the air and exit the end of the torch. Although not necessarily dangerous, water will change the gas mixture inside the torch and…
A new Era in Welding Training – Launch of the Welding & Fabrication eLearning DVD
Within hours of launching the Welding & Fabrication E-Learning DVD Package, Rapid took its first order! Rapid Welding is proud to announce the launch of an innovative and modern instruction package from Weldability Sif, consisting of a Welding and Fabrication eLearning DVD which gives learners the opportunity to develop a…
Three Good Reasons To Have Your Gas Equipment Safety Checked
Three Good Reasons To Call Rapid About Your Gas Equipment Statutory Instrument 2000 No. 128: The Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 requires equipment to be examined regularly. If not properly maintained, Gas equipment can be a hazard and using unsafe or unchecked equipment could result in serious injuries in the…
“We welders have our own distinctive bond, as strong as the metals we join.”
Charles “Charlie” Coffin