Training with Airgas to Reduce Costs and Improve Efficiency and Quality

Yarbrough Industries recently attended a training by Airgas on “Unlocking The Hidden Costs of Welding”. 

This class covered Gas Metal Arc Welding of mild steel using multiple metal transfer modes, including Short Circuit, Globular and Repelled Globular, Projected, Streaming and Pulse Spray. 

The class taught our technicians better ways to identify and quantify weld quality standards to ensure our customers have only the best quality products. It also educated us on new ways to develop welding procedures that meet those standards, while increasing productivity and cost-effectiveness. 

The course focused on training our welders, operators, supervisors and management on their specific applications to create an easier workflow. Quality standards were one of the most important aspects that were repeated because they impact both cost and productivity. 

Training Yarbrough Industry technicians to become even better at their jobs means we can be more productive with less and pass those cost savings on to our customers. 

Treating welding as an exact science where all variables are tightly controlled helps each individual to consistently meet quality standards, ensuring a better final product. One of the goals of the class was to reiterate that they are a major player when it comes to helping their company or their customers. They learned that by adding metal when welding, it can be done as precisely and accurately as removing metal when machining. They were also given an opportunity to develop their own procedures which set the standards for quality. 

As with anything worthwhile, the benefits received from something is in direct correlation with the effort and diligent work put into it. Thanks to this incredible training, customers can be assured that Yarbrough Industries will continue to meet the most stringent quality requirements and provide the best work at the lowest cost. 

Preventing Rust and Corrosion

Anytime there is metal involved in a project, there is a possibility of rust. This can present a challenge not only to appearance of the project, but also to the piece’s overall structural integrity. When iron is exposed to oxygen through air or water, rust and corrosion may start to take hold. There are a few ways to combat rust, but it is best to prevent it from forming in the first place.

Ways to Prevent Rust

Here are a few suggestions for how you can work to keep rust and corrosion from destroying your project.

Use Rust and Corrosion Resistant Alloys

There are certain metals, such as stainless steel, that are naturally resistant to rust because of their chemical makeup. For example, stainless steels have chromium added to them. The chromium combines with oxygen to form a passive layer which protects the steel from corrosion. What’s really great about this protective layer is that it can fix itself if damaged. However, this does not mean that stainless steel is completely impervious to corrosion as exposure to extreme environments (such as salt water) can still cause stainless steel to corrode. Before you begin a project, it is important to weigh your options as far as what metals and materials you will use and how they interact with the given environment in which they will exist. 

Another option is to use weathering steel, also known as “COR-TEN” steel. This steel contains various alloys such as chromium, nickel, copper, and phosphorus that create a protective patina that can greatly reduce the rate at which corrosion takes hold.

Intelligent Design

Aside from choosing a corrosion resistant metal, a lot can be accomplished to combat rust through smart design. No matter the structure you are creating, make sure to limit the number of cavities and crevices in which water could easily collect. It is better to weld joints than to bolt them together as water can penetrate the spaces underneath bolts and washers and eventually cause them to fail. You should also prioritize making all spaces open to make future maintenance as easy as possible, so rust can be addressed as soon as it is discovered.


Painting is a great, low-cost way to protect against rust. The paint forms a protective barrier between the metal and corrosive elements. Oil-based paints are the best choice if you are trying to prevent water and oxygen from penetrating the metal and causing corrosion. Keep in mind that you will have to regularly monitor the quality of the paint. As soon as the paint chips or becomes damaged, the metal underneath will become more susceptible to corrosion.

Powder Coating

Another great option to protect your piece is to have it powder coated. This is the process of applying a dry powder via spraying and then heating it, so it forms a thin, protective film.

At Yarbrough Industries, we have experts to help you through the process to ensure your project lasts.

Make sure to contact us about any metal fabrication and machining questions you may have!