Smart welding robots with Kranendonk

The manual welding of pipe spools can be labour-intensive, as the large variety of designs makes automation difficult. Kranendonk has found a solution.

Kranendonk’s software pre-calculates the distortions that occur during bending. Based on this information, the flanges can be fitted before the tubes are bent.

After sawing the tube to the right length the robots pick up the flange. This is done with Kranendonk’s vision system. After placing, the flanges are welded simultaneously by four robots.

The tooling is specially developed for this system. The vision system calculates the centre of the flange, looks at how the bolting holes are placed and then picks it up. The tooling and flange then looks at the pipe and places it with the bolting holes in the correct orientation. The deformation of the tube during bending is calculated upfront, therefore the tubes can be fitted before bending.

The total process (excluding bending) takes four minutes.

For more information visit www.kranendonk.com or call +31 344 623 944.

Meet Lincoln Electric’s rugged Ranger 305D

The Ranger® 305D is a powerful 300-amp, DC-diesel, engine-driven welder designed especially for pipeline contractors, maintenance and repair.

Lincoln Electric’s Chopper Technology delivers excellent arc characteristics in modes of operation such as stick (conventional or pipe), tungsten inert gas, metal inert gas, or arc-gouging.

Rugged and dependable, the Ranger 305D is built within a totally-enclosed, robust case which provides maximum protection for its 45 litre fuel tank and water-cooled Kubota® 18.8 horsepower D722 diesel engine.

This portable powerhouse delivers 9,500 continuous (10,000 peak) watts of 240 volts per alternating current generator power – enough power to run lights, tools, and pump and weld all at the same time.

For more information contact Lincoln Electric on 1300 728 720.

Future-proof inverters from Migomag

The Migomag 161 power factor control (PFC) range is designed to pass future environmental norms for energy-saving and electromagnetic compatibility standards.

Formatted as compact stick welding machines, the inverters compensate for any voltage spike that occurs within the input range, meaning they can be used with smaller generators, saving on weight and dimensions.

The operator can weld up to 250 m away from the distribution panel due to the unique power factor control, which self-regulates the input supply.

The Migomag 161 PFC auto-sensing is able to operate from any single-phase input voltage anywhere in the world. This device automatically links the primary voltage terminals. No switching or internal link-up is required by the operator.

Thanks to the lower electrical input, the Migomag 161 PFC range even allows welding from a domestic power supply with less than 16 amps.

For more information visit www.migomag.com.au

Featured welding product supplier: Automatic welding with Lonestar

The Lonestar Automated Welding System has been created with all aspects of its competitors’ and pre-existing technology in mind. The result is the latest in software and microprocessor technologies combined in an innovative design to offer a compact and adaptable digital welding system.

This system drastically reduces chances for welding errors while providing capabilities for real-time parameter adjustment and documentation. In conjunction with pipe-facing machines and internal line-up clamps, ultimate production can be reached.

Lonestar Australia offers sales and leasing packages.

For more information visit www.lonestarwelds.com.au

Auto-darkening helmets with Miller

A good-quality welding helmet is a must-have for every welder. Designed for the professional welder, Miller’s range of Digital Elite Auto-Darkening helmets feature the latest digital lens technology to deliver the ultimate protection, and an ergonomic design to maximise comfort for the welder.

With a high-impact rating, four independent arc sensors, a large viewing area, fast switching speed and grind mode, the Miller Digital Elite range will handle the toughest welding applications and environments.

The Miller range is available in classic black or a range of innovative shell designs.

For more information visit www.welding.com.au or call 1300 300 884.

The Arcon Workhorse: a tough welder for tough conditions

The United States-made Arcon Stick tungsten inert gas (TIG)/metal inert gas (MIG) Workhorse welders offer voltage tolerance, corrosion resistance, ruggedised fibre glass cases and good duty-cycles, ideal for pipeline welding.

The Workhorse® 300SH, designed for harsh environments, has a five-year corrosion warranty. It is both a pre-heater/post-weld heat treat and welder power-supply. Providing maximum 400 amps and a 100 per cent duty-cycle at 250 amps, the welder provides stick, lift-start TIG and flux-cored MIG.

Stick quality features include arc-force control, smart surge-control and arc-gouging.

The MIG has voltage-sensing wire feed. The TIG ignition allows contact without electrode damage.

For more information email sales@pickproducts.com.au or phone (02) 9999 2949.

Smenco offers Böhler cellulosic electrodes for vertical down welding

Böhler cellulosic electrodes for vertical down welding of high-strength, large-diameter pipelines are highly economical compared with conventional vertical up welding.

They are especially recommended for hot passes, filler and cover layers.

The penetrating arc characteristics and low-slag formation allow good bead control and ensure the best performance in all positions, even with larger-diameter electrodes and high amperages.

Smenco Pty Ltd, in conjunction with Böhler Welding, offers the complete portfolio of welding consumables for joining, with an in-depth range from low-alloyed to high-alloyed material grades which are successfully applied by leading companies in the most demanding industries.

For more information contact Smenco on 1300 731 873 or visit www.smenco.com.au