--- title: The Formtek Blog | Kirstie Ratzer-Farley description: Backed by over 100 years of expertise and experience in metal forming and fabrication, The Formtek Blog is where manufacturers and industry professionals can learn more about the technologies and processes that drive your operations. --- [![Formtek](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Formtek_January2022/images/FormtekWhite-min.png?width=500&height=334&name=FormtekWhite-min.png "Formtek")](https://www.formtekgroup.com/) - [About Formtek](https://www.formtekgroup.com/about-formtek/) - [Brands](https://www.formtekgroup.com/formtek-brands/) - [Solutions](https://www.formtekgroup.com/solutions/) - [Industries Served](https://www.formtekgroup.com/industries-served/) - [News and Updates](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/news-and-updates) - [Service and Support](https://www.formtekgroup.com/service-and-support/) - [Products](https://www.formtekgroup.com/products/) - [Resources](https://www.formtekgroup.com/resources-formtek/) - 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Here are some... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/safety-tips-for-working-with-roll-tooling) ## [Lean Tooling: A Smarter Way to Run Your Shop](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/lean-tooling-a-smarter-way-to-run-your-shop) When we imagine a smarter and leaner workplace, do we look at tooling and machinery? Adding... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/lean-tooling-a-smarter-way-to-run-your-shop) ## [Three Simple Ways to Improve Machine Changeovers](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/simple-ways-to-improve-machine-changeovers) How many times does this happen to you? You need to changeover the tooling in a machine and you... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/simple-ways-to-improve-machine-changeovers) ## [Forge Weld Squeeze Assemblies and How to Choose](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/forge-weld-squeeze-assemblies-and-how-to-choose) When discussing forge welding, often generalized as Electric Resistance Welding (ERW), the critical... 2 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/forge-weld-squeeze-assemblies-and-how-to-choose) ## [Earth Day 2018 at Formtek Group](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/formtek-earth-day-2018) Earth day 2018 is April 22. The Formtek Group is celebrating by recounting how we have made... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/formtek-earth-day-2018) ## [3 Simple Changes for Improved Metal Fabrication Business](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/3-simple-changes-for-improved-metal-fabrication-business) While change is often met with resistance in our industry, even a simple one can sometimes lead to... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/3-simple-changes-for-improved-metal-fabrication-business) ## [Change in Unemployment Leads to Need for Increase in Training](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/change-unemployment-leads-need-increase-training) With unemployment at a drastic low, many experts have said that our country is practically at full... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/change-unemployment-leads-need-increase-training) ## [Cleaning Your Metal Fabrication Shop](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/cleaning-your-metal-fabrication-shop) With spring finally here, it is the perfect time to think about spring cleaning and maintenance. A... 1 minute read [Read More](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/cleaning-your-metal-fabrication-shop) Prev [1](https://blog.formtekgroup.com) [2](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/author/kratzer/page/2) [Next](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/author/kratzer/page/2) ### Sign Up for Formtek Blog Updates Sign up to receive updates from the Formtek Blog right in your in-box. ### Formtek | Leading Metal Forming and Fabrication Solutions At Formtek, our teams are committed to serving every facet of the metal forming and fabrication industry. It's one of the reasons why our brands — B&K, Dahlstrom, Hill Engineering, Lockformer Custom Machinery, Tishken, Winpro, and Yoder — continue to lead the industry in the design and manufacturing of the most complete, productive, and innovative metal forming solutions and precision technologies. Click the logos below to learn more about each of our brands and sign up to receive the latest news and updates right in your inbox. [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-rectangle-BK.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/bk/) [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-Rectangle-Dahlstrom.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/dahlstrom/) [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-Rectangle-Hill-Engineering.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/hill-engineering/) [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-Rectangle-Lockformer-Custom-Machinery.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/lockformer-custom-machinery/) [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-Rectangle-Tishken.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/tishken/) [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-Rectangle-WinPro.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/winpro/) [![](https://blog.formtekgroup.com/hubfs/Formtek%20Branding/Color-Rectangle-Yoder.png)](https://formtekgroup.com/yoder/) [Get the Latest News & Updates from Formtek](https://www.formtekgroup.com/subscribe-for-updates/) ##### WE’RE HERE TO HELP Have questions about our machinery and equipment? Looking for a solution to address a particular application? Looking to improve the overall productivity and profitability of your operation? Please don't hesitate to reach out or schedule a no obligation, 1-on-1 consultation with a Formtek Technical Specialist — we'd love to help. 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