FCAW Orbital Pipe Welding Technology Improves Fab Shop Productivity

摘要

Fabricators, like all companies facing increasing competition, are reevaluating and redesigning work flow and plant layout, and implementing new techniques to improve productivity and reduce work-in-process times. Submerged arc welding (SAW) has been widely used for years to produce high-quality mechanized butt joint welds in pipe, but requires workpieces to be rotated under a fixed torch. Submerged arc welding can provide high deposition rates, but requires considerable capital expenditures for turning rolls and positioners, especially if the pipe work consists of larger-diameter pipe, long lengths and heavy assemblies. Spool pieces with complex or asymmetrical configurations (elbows, for example) often cannot be conveniently rotated without special and time-consuming fixturing.