When Spiro International SA opened an outpost for selling its Spiro Tubeformer machines in the United States, the move signaled spiral duct’s burgeoning popularity in the U.S. duct manufacturing industry. Decades later, spiral duct is more popular than ever thanks to the efforts of the Spiral Duct Manufacturers Association(SPIDA).

Optrel’s new crystal2.0 welding helmet pairs with the company’s e3000 PAPR powered air purifying respirator to create a system that delivers active eye protection, visual clarity, and safety against airborne particulates for workers during welding or grinding operations.   

Trimble and Mestek Machinery guide you through creating a successful, seamless workflow and how to use interoperability between software and hardware to grow your business.

Hypertherm announces a minor version update to ProNest 2019, its advanced CAD/CAM nesting software for automated cutting. 

When it comes to ‘green HVAC,’ it doesn’t get more green than copper ductwork. Cobre29 founder and Polar Air Supply owner Jon Bell, with the help of his son, Jeff, is building a network of ‘healthy buildings’ as one of few copper duct producers in the HVAC industry.

After 40 years in the Sheet Metal Workers Union Local 80 — from an apprentice to foremen, business agent then business manager — Mark Saba has paid his dues as a leader in the industry. From his experience on shop floors, he naturally carries the point of view of a journeyman. But now as executive director of SMACNA Detroit, Saba is tasked with advancing the interests of the contractor.

Together, Josh and Linsey Buckley share a decade of marriage, two sons, and now, new job prospects as apprentices at the Western Washington Sheet Metal JATC Local 66. 

Look around you. The sheet metal machinery on your shop floor is the lifeblood of your business. But as an extension of your workforce, do you know what machines to recruit and what to retire?

Much of what Alicia Butty knows about welding, she learned as a teenager working in her family’s custom manufacturing business, Butty Manufacturing in Jerseyville, Ontario.

In order to streamline your shop operations, we’re launching a special How-to section on SNIPSmag.com focusing on sheet metal fabrication, installation, transport and everything in between. To kick everything off, we asked some of our favorite contractors and companies to give us a few how-to tips on some frequently asked questions. Here’s what they said.