AlcoTec, an ESAB brand and the world’s leading producer of aluminum filler metals, announced that registration is open for 2026 training classes at its School of Aluminum Welding Technology – Theory and Practice in Traverse City, MI. The classes are scheduled for May 12–14 and September 22–24. Standard pricing is $1,500, and group discounts are available for companies registering multiple people.

CERATIZIT USA has announced its sponsorship of Alexis Squyres, SkillsUSA’s 2025 CNC Milling Champion and member of the 2026 WorldSkills USA team, as she prepares to compete in the international WorldSkills Competition from Sept. 22-27, 2026 in Shanghai, China.

The American Welding Society (AWS) and SkillsUSA recently announced that Mikala Sposito, a 21-year-old student from Washtenaw Community College in Ann Arbor, MI, has been selected as the official United States competitor in Welding for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, scheduled for September 22–27, 2026, in Shanghai, China.

6K Additive Inc., manufacturer in the domestic production of high-performance metal powders, welcomed Congressman Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14) to its Burgettstown facility recently. The visit underscored the critical importance of establishing a robust, domestic supply chain for refractory metal powders essential to U.S. national security and clean energy independence, the company reported.

SAVE the DATE: Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) has announced a special day for students to learn about manufacturing innovations right here in North Texas' Metroplex on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) will host three training sessions at the International Fastener Expo’s international Fastener Assembly & Summit on October 7, 2026 in Phoenix, AZ.

Nordson Test & Inspection, a global provider in inspection, metrology, and testing solutions, will showcase its comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading optical, X-ray, acoustic inspection, and metrology technologies powered by the Nordson Intelligence Ecosystem at SEMICON West 2026, October 13–15, in Booth 5844 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, CA.

The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center (TMAC) has announced the ISO9001/AS9100 Internal Auditor Training event October 19-21 in Fort Worth, Texas.

Lantek, a global provider in software solutions for the sheet metal, tube and structural steel industries, will introduce Lantek v46: Further in Booth C6037 at Fabtech Expo 2026 scheduled at Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV, October 21-23, 2026.

THG Automation, a provider of robotic welding and automation integration, will be debuting multiple new hardware and software innovations at FABTECH 2026 in booth #S44061 at the Las Vegas Convention Center from October 21-23, 2026 in Las Vegas, NV.

KYZEN, a global provider in innovative, environmentally responsible cleaning chemistries, will exhibit at FABTECH 2026, scheduled to take place October 21-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The KYZEN team of cleaning experts will be on-site exhibiting at Booth S11055 and providing information about aqueous cleaning chemistries like METALNOX M6356 and M6324R to remove hard residues from a variety of metal substrates.

BLM GROUP USA, a provider in tube and sheet metal processing solutions, introduces Plug & Bend, an innovative quick-change tooling solution for select ELECT and E-TURN all-electric tube benders. Designed to simplify tooling changes and improve production efficiency, Plug & Bend enables manufacturers to transition quickly between different production jobs while maintaining consistent bending quality.

MARKATOR and Rocklin Manufacturing have introduced the MV6 VarioLase, a portable fiber laser marking system designed to bring permanent laser marking directly to medium-to-large parts, assemblies and tooling that can be difficult to move to a traditional enclosed laser workstation.

For fabricators, the question is not whether to add equipment or technology, it is where investments will have the greatest impact. Increasingly, the answer is the right combination of equipment, automation, software, and people.  SafanDarley North America will demonstrate how manufacturers are using these technologies to increase productivity, simplify operations, and make better use of available resources at FABTECH 2026, October 21-23 in Las Vegas, NV.

Klingspor Abrasives Inc., a global manufacturer of high‑performance abrasive technology, will showcase its bonded cut-off wheel and grinding disc, flap disc, and resin fibre disc portfolios at FABTECH 2026, October 21–23, in Las Vegas, NV, at booth N10034. The exhibit will give fabricators, welders, maintenance professionals and industrial metalworking teams an opportunity to explore abrasive technologies designed to improve productivity, manage heat, extend consumable life and support application-specific surface results.

SencCutSend, a U.S.-based on-demand manufacturing company specializing in custom sheet metal and CNC machining, is celebrating a year of progress toward its $1 million commitment to support STEM education nationwide. Since announcing this venture in January 2025, the company has issued nearly $250,000 in parts, engineering assistance and funding to student engineering, robotics and STEM programs.

The ESAB Demo Tour — the company’s first interactive, nationwide mobile welding and cutting experience — has embarked on its 2026 tour of U.S. welding distributor partner locations, metal fabrication facilities, schools and special events.

The American Welding Society (AWS) recently announced its full schedule of 2026 conferences and events that include educational sessions, networking, and opportunities to connect with industry-leading experts. In addition to annual FABTECH conferences, AWS will feature four comprehensive technical events in 2026: Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC 2026), Shipbuilding and Aluminum Conference, Welding Automation Expo & Conference (WAEC), and Welding Summit.

The Fastener Training Institute (FTI) is excited to announce Fastener Training Week in Los Angeles. This Fastener Training Week session offers five days of training spread across August, November and December – providing a more flexible schedule.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), in collaboration with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), announced new action to remove nearly two dozen foreign product offerings from GSA Advantage!—the list of approved vendors for federal agency procurement. This action comes as a result of June meetings at the White House Small Business Summit, and in response to President Donald J. Trump’s recent directive and executive order requiring federal agencies to prioritize purchasing American-made goods, in support of American workers and businesses.

Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is accelerating its commitment to the next generation of skilled trades by expanding the reach of the Airgas High School Welding Education Initiative to 76 schools across 26 states in 2026.

Flow International Corporation and Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) recently announced a renewed five-year partnership, strengthening their shared commitment to performance, precision, and innovation. This agreement enables JGR to integrate Flow’s NX Pro waterjet, LZR fiber laser, and HyperBend press brake into its operations, thereby enhancing each organizations' dedication to high performance.

Working together with 36 partner companies to bring technologies to life, foster dialogue, and showcase concrete application possibilities, The CHIRON Group hosted its annual OPEN HOUSE event at its headquarters in Tuttlingen, Germany.  The CHIRON Group supports the automotive industry, mechanical engineering, medical and precision technology, aerospace and tool manufacturing with its CNC-controlled, vertical milling and milling-turning machining centers as well as turnkey and automation solutions.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the SBA Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge, inviting American small business owners across the country to join the nationwide celebration honoring 250 years of American independence, entrepreneurship, and free enterprise. As part of the SBA’s Freedom 250 initiative, small businesses that sign the pledge will receive an official Freedom 250 certificate recognizing their commitment to America’s economic strength, to their local communities, and carrying forward the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the nation since 1776.

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