Orbital Welding In The Modern Age

By Author: Robert Deans
Total Articles: 246
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Orbital welding is a specialized type of welding and will require the application of the right equipment to ensure the job is completed properly. The process of orbital welding originated over 50 years ago and is utilised extensively in the shipping and offshore industries. Orbital welding is a technique used primarily to join parts of pipe, although it is not restricted to this. Whilst it is a job that may be completed by traditional welding techniques, through utilising orbital welding it may be finished more efficiently and lessen the burden on labour. Such equipment has proven to be vital to heavy industries nowadays.

The process of orbital welding works by stabilizing the component in a stationary stance whilst the arc moves around the element in a continuous circular motion. You will discover different parts of the orbital welding equipment which may differ based upon the specific use for example the arc length, the pulse frequency of the current, the speed, inert gas shielding, subject and filter material, weld preparation and thermal conductivity. The equipment generally includes a power source and controller, ...
... a welding head along with a wire feed mechanism when it is required.

Whilst orbital welding was originally used within shipping industries it has lately been utilised in a much broader range of industries such as food processing, pharmaceuticals, chemical and automotive engineering and even biotechnology and aerospace. Specific projects have been the development and construction of power station and offshore platforms.

The main advantage of orbital welding when compared to traditional welding when joining cylindrical components is the consistency of the operation providing a uniform join. Consequently joined components can meet up to higher safety standards and so are often more durable and of higher quality. Moreover, using orbital welding equipment ensures that difficulties reaching certain components using conventional welding techniques are removed, producing a join of a much higher quality in restricted spaces. The process of orbital welding requires a lot less human intervention ensuring that it doesn't just reduce the burden on the welder but additionally it means there's a smaller risk of error. Obviously the welder must control the equipment however the actual level of input is considerably reduced.

Orbital welding is just one of many forms of specialist welding equipment which also include seam welders, tig welders, mig welders, spot welders and stud welders. Prior to purchasing any welding equipment you should know in what function each specialist piece of equipment forms best. Whilst equipment used for conventional welding processes is adaptable it might not be right for all welding jobs. If good quality and high standards are valued with the business, specialist welding equipment is well worth the investment in order to increase standards and quality, increase efficiency and reduce workload. Welding equipment is available through a number of channels to purchase new, to buy second hand or perhaps to lease, but always make sure that the equipment is suitable for the job.

This article was written by R. Deans on behalf of Westermans International, expert suppliers of orbital welding equipment. For more information on orbital welding equipment please visit westermans.com.