Automatic TIG tube welding benefits explained

A free CD-Rom called explains the process of automatic TIG welding of tubes and, most importantly, the benefits provided by this surprisingly versatile process.

ESAB is offering a free CD-Rom called 'Automatic TIG tube welding gives better results'.

As the name suggests, this explains the process of automatic TIG welding of tubes and, most importantly, the benefits provided by this surprisingly versatile process.

Compared with manual welding of tube, automatic TIG welding offers a number of advantages relating not only to the consistency of the weld around the tube, but also weld quality from one joint to the next.

In addition, considerable cost savings are available due to a reduced need for skilled labour, less finishing, and less rework.

It should also be remembered that automatic welding of tube needs only minimal space, whereas manual welding requires good access on all sides in order to achieve a high quality weld around the full circumference.

This has benefits in the fabrication shop as well as on site during assembly or repair work.

Automatic TIG tube welding is an obvious choice for high-integrity welds for use in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, nuclear, chemical and petrochemical industries, especially where two tubes of the same diameter are being joined end-to-end.

But the versatility of the process stretches much further.

Wall thicknesses of up to 80mm can be welded in low alloy steel, stainless steel, duplex or super duplex grades by using 'narrow gap' welding.

Moreover, this process can greatly reduce the time required per weld.

Tubes of different diameters can be joined with fillet welds if required, and it is even possible to join tubes of dissimilar materials - such as low-alloy steel and stainless steel.

Copper nickel tubes, which are difficult to weld manually, can also be successfully welded using automatic The equipment can also be adapted for the welding of boiler tubes.

As well as straightforward tube joints, automatic TIG welding can be used to join tubes to end plates or flanges, or to join tubes to elbows, T-pieces or other components.

Depending on the equipment used, as little as 15mm axial clearance is needed from the centreline of the weld to any obstruction.

The approach adopted by ESAB is to offer ergonomically designed portable and mobile modular systems for automated TIG tube welding rather than bolt-on accessories for standard welding equipment.

This enables the process to be optimised to suit the particular needs of tube welding by means of microprocessor controls and inverter-based power sources, in addition to tooling.

For example, when welding tubes, it is possible to divide the weld run into sectors with different parameters in each; this avoids the problem defects on the upper and lower sides of the tube.

ESAB offers an extensive range of flexible component systems for tube welding and joining.

Included within this scope of supply are tools and components to suit niche applications such as enclosed tube welding heads for use with highly polished stainless steel, shielded heads for welding titanium tubes, and heads for internal bore welding.

Accessories extend from joint preparation tools, supports and water cooling units, to wire feeders, printers for documenting the programmed weld parameters and measured values, and software for weld quality assurance and quality control.

Details of the available equipment and the process itself, together with useful information and guidance on automatic tube welding, are all contained on the CD-Rom.

This is an invaluable resource for those contemplating or already utilising automatic TIG welding of tubes.

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