The ITW (Illinois Tool Works, www.itw.com) Patent Society recognized Anthony Nikodym of Hobart Brothers (www.hobartbrothers.com) for his development of a metal-core wire for welding. His patented formula reduces silicon island formation and produces weld bead toe lines that are almost completely free of silicon deposits, which helps end-users significantly reduce post-weld cleanup time.
Nikodym’s innovations led to the introduction of Hobart Brothers’ Tri-Mark Metalloy Vantage and Metalloy Vantage Ni1 gas-shielded, metal-cored wires in 2001. Because his patent was deemed to be of significant scientific value, the ITW Patent Society presented Nikodym with a special award during its 37th annual awards dinner.
Nikodym earned his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and his MBA from Wright State University. He has been working for Hobart Brothers for 13 years.