It's time to reevaluate the roles of building product CAD engineers, sheet metal fabricators, contractors and the construction company. 

Panels of regal and sky blue on Consumer Direct Care Network’s new four-story headquarters in Missoula, Montana, were added last minute to give the building “a little more punch,” explains Marie Wilson, AIA, LEED BD+C, of In2itive Architecture of Missoula.

The most basic precaution your team can take to prevent accidents on a job site is to be seen. Keep your shop safe and your crew comfortable with this trade-tough, high-vis gear to avoid any mix-ups.

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.

James Allen Heatherington of Lyon, Georgia, is the newest recipient of the Joseph Groh Foundation grant to financially assist those in the construction trades who are living with a life altering injury or illness. 

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. 

On the fence about investing in a waterjet cutter? A Brooklyn, New York-based startup, WAZER, is making it affordable to dip a toe in the technology before diving in the deep end. Retailing around $7,499-$8,499, the company’s compact waterjet systems produce low volume prototyping and other end-user parts in a package that can comfortably fit on a tabletop. 

There are any number of good reasons NOT to upgrade your sheet metal machinery: timing, cost, confusion … cost. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” should never be one of them — especially after reading this issue of SNIPS.  

The Advance Evolution E3015-B Fiber Laser Cutting Machine by Advanced Cutting Systems includes a class 'A' full safety enclosure, high speed helical rack and pinion drive system, among other features. 

Choosing the option of plasma cutting or waterjet cutting basically boils down to the customer’s applications, tolerance requirements and budget, says Mike Best, executive vice president of sales for Hornet Cutting Systems.