If you’re a little skeptical of the social-media revolution, you’re not alone. Believe it or not, some out there still prefer reading their news on paper rather than a computer screen. Well, we’re here to get you caught up.

If you’re a little skeptical of the social-media revolution, you’re not alone. Believe it or not, some out there still prefer reading their news on paper rather than a computer screen. And those same people might be a little behind the curve when it comes to things like LinkedIn and the concept of blogs.

Well, we’re here to get you caught up.

Industrial Heating’s LinkedIn page (www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=3706207) currently has more than 360 members. It’s a free online gathering place for professionals in the thermal-processing industry. Why join? Well, why not? Where else can you meet with colleagues and discuss important industry-related issues; catch up on industry news and events; share company announcements; and/or talk about content found in the pages of Industrial Heating – all from the comfort of your  home or office?

For example, someone recently posted information about ASM International’s 6th International Conference on Quenching and Control of Distortion. In an unrelated discussion, the following question was posed: “What do you think about Inverter technology in resistance heat-treatment units?” And I personally shared information regarding Industrial Heating’s August cover contest (see Sidebar).

If your company has personnel news, our LinkedIn page is a good place to spread the word. For example, Eclipse Inc. recently announced the appointment of a business operations manager in India; GH Induction Atmospheres expanded its sales force; and an executive transition plan is under way at Ipsen India.

Another feature available to you for free is The Experts Speak, our online blogs (www.industrialheating.com/articles/the_experts_speak). We feature five industry experts, who all regularly contribute fresh, informational content in their particular fields of expertise. Dan Herring (heat treatment), Dan Kay (brazing), Rick Martin (combustion safety), David Pye (metallurgy) and George Vander Voort (metallography) are all respected consultants who share their wisdom on issues of interest to readers.

For example, Kay’s latest blog defines a “defect” in a brazed joint. Herring recently tackled the topic of green rot, and Vander Voort has discussed using color metallographic techniques to study welds.

If you want to learn more about our experts, go to page 37 of the magazine or digital edition and read our special feature, “Consultants of the Roundtable.”

So, have I sold you on LinkedIn and our blogs? If not, I implore you to at least give them a try. There’s nothing to lose. Get connected to Industrial Heating and to those with similar interests on LinkedIn, and learn more about thermal processing by reading what our experts have to say. These features exist for your benefit. Take advantage. IH  

SIDEBAR: Cover Contest

The process is simple: Send your cover image (a low-res version) to bill@industrialheating.com by June 22. All submissions will be judged by Industrial Heating staff. The winner will not only receive a $50 gift card, their photo will be featured on the cover of August’s issue! The first runner-up, as consolation and reward for participating, will receive a $25 gift card. So, if you have an image that you would like to see grace the cover of Industrial Heating, or that you think is just an excellent photo, send it today.