Welding News

Italian companies Comau and Fincantieri presented today  the first result of their joint collaboration with Automatica: MR4Weld (Mobile Robot for Weld), a mobile robot, an innovative outdoor automation solution, designed to improve the quality, performance and well-being of operators during labor-intensive welding activities.The MR4Weld mobile robot is being tested and will be used in the Fincantieri shipyards to autonomously weld steel structures, with the possibility of increasing operations up to to 3 times compared to a manual process…

Pemamek LLC, a North American subsidiary of Finland-based Pemamek Ltd., has developed an automated semi-narrow groove welding solution with proven success in welding exceptionally thick plates ranging in size from 2 inches to 6.5 inches. Called Semi-Narrow Gap Welding, this SAW process uses significantly less consumables over the length of the operation resulting in a strong bond in less time and with fewer costs.Based on submerged arc welding (SAW), the LSO process employs a welding head equipped with 5/32-inch wires.

Jeff Chittim, ESAB’s North American Senior Product Manager for Heavy Industrial Products, discusses how WeldCloud online applications and the ESAB Heavy Industrial Product Line are a powerful tandem to help shipyards improve weld quality and efficiency.While automation has gone a long way in making shipyards more efficient, today shipbuilding remains a hands-on endeavor, with a dearth of ‘welders and fitters’ being a common lament.Technology companies such as ESAB, a global supplier of welding and cutting solutions across industries…

As companies around the globe seek to optimize operations through digitization, ESAB Welding & Cutting Products announced that its Aristo 4004i Pulse, Aristo 5000i and Aristo U5000i advanced welding power sources are sold exclusively as WeldCloud-enabled systems. The Aristo 500ix will continue to be sold as A WeldCloud-optional system. To encourage use, ESAB will offer Aristo purchasers a free three-month trial period, which can be activated at any time.WeldCloud is a suite of online data management applications that enables users to improve overall operational efficiency by monitoring…

Navantia placed an order for the automated PEMA Panel Lines, Profile Processing Lines and Sub-Block Production Lines, designed to ensure that  Navantia Shipyards will have the latest laser-hybrid-based welding and robotic technology fully integrated to create the Shipyard 4.0 working environment. The agreement between Navantia and Pemamek -- which entails several phased deliveries during the next two years -- includes an advanced automated and robotized PEMA Panel line, PEMA Profile Processing Line, and PEMA Sub-Block Production Line for Navantia’syards in Spain.

Pemamek has provided automated welding solutions to the shipbuilding industry for more than 25 years. Modular lines consisting of everything from simple robotic welding systems to entirely integrated plate preparation, joining and finishing operations can be built according to customer needs. But, according to Michael Bell, Sales Director for Pemamek LLC, the North American subsidiary of Finland-based Pemamek Oy, their systems are customizable for all types of vessels ranging from sub birthing barges…

Saint-Gobain Abrasives offers new Norton Rapid Prep XHD Coarse and Medium Discs to solve users’ most aggressive stock removal and blending challenges. The extra heavy-duty non-woven discs remove weld lines, weld splatter, weld discoloration and blend surfaces in a single step.XHD Coarse is ideal for surface blending on steels, while XHD Medium works well on softer metals/ alloys. Compared with coated flap discs, users will save significant labor and consumable costs by reducing application steps.

The fiercely competitive domestic boatbuilding industry looks for any advantage in the day-to-day battle for bottom line efficiencies. ‘XR Technologies’ offer an edge to shipyards as they grow their workforce.In the shipyard, skills such as welding and coating are in high demand. The ability to lay down a proper bead, or perfect the mil build on a ship’s hull can make the difference between a successful project and a failed inspection. XR technologies are valuable compliments to traditional training programs (XR is an umbrella category for virtual reality [VR]…

ABICOR BINZEL has announced their entrance into the Hard Automation arena with the launch of their first Welding Tractor product ABI-CAR.ABI-CAR Tractors, which will initially come in three models – including one with an oscillator feature, boast a durably constructed carriage design and easy to use interface to allow welding professionals to easily operate the tractor.A strong magnet base lets the ABI-CAR be used for horizontal and vertical welding positions. The tractors come…

Although MTL has a robust oil and gas heritage, with formidable experience in the global energy marketplace, it also invests heavily in R&D and undertake rigorous testing and research from its base in Kintore, Aberdeenshire. MTL recognizes the importance of progression and continual improvement for the benefit of the organisation and its staff. As a young engineer I’ve been afforded the opportunity to see new ways of working develop from the spark of a good idea through rigorous testing and finally to its successful deployment in the field.

Solid-State Welding Processes Being Developed for NASA Manufacturing Programs Could Significantly Reduce Workboat Fabrication CostsWhether it is for a tug boat, cargo vessel, or an offshore supply ship, much of the workboat fabrication industry is located along the Southern Coast of the U.S. But a visit to any one of the workboat facilities in that area (or any other in the country) would reveal antiquated and archaic fabrication processes used seventy years ago. The workboat manufacturing process is very expensive, labor intensive, and has not really changed since World War II.