Kemppi Oy CEO Anssi Rantasalo perceives a number of major influences that are transforming the world of welding.
The first of these is that traditional welding equipment is being combined with software technology to create innovative welding solutions. “Manufacturing welding equipment is no longer just about creating machines that a welder can use. It’s now about developing and combining software with welding machines to create a sophisticated piece of equipment that helps the welder complete a quality job quicker and easier.
“Kemppi is a world leader in this area with the launch of our Kemppi Wise Solutions and more recently, Kemppi ArcQuality – software that combines with welding equipment to help deliver a quality weld. Today’s welding equipment is far smarter, offering greater capability and it’s a trend that will continue,’ says Mr Anssi. “The development of these innovative welding solutions is also being partly driven by the fact that the quality of welding that is required in manufacturing and other areas such as the offshore sector, is increasingly more demanding. In response to this, welding manufacturers are developing solutions that help deliver a better welding quality.”
Mr Anssi also believes that the role of the welder is being transformed and that it is no longer as unclean or as unsafe as it once was.
“Traditionally the role has been seen as a grimy job that exposes the individual to safety hazards. However, the role is altering thanks to advances in technology. The state-of-the-art equipment available today helps to make the welder’s role cleaner, more sophisticated and productive.
“The role is also more technically demanding. Today a capable welder has to have an understanding of metals, chemistry, electrical knowledge and information technology to be able to weld effectively and manage the process.
“It’s also far safer. Many of the welding machines on the market today are light to carry and have inbuilt safety controls. Take for instance the Kemppi Minarc EVO 140, which was developed specifically for the mining industry. The 140 features integrated VRD, a VRD operational status light and fail to safe function in the event of VRD failure. It also meets the Australian AS60974-1 standard and MDG 25 and has been tested to achieve lower than 35v maximum open circuit voltage within 300Msec from peak load.
“There are also numerous welding helmets and associated clothing to protect the welder. Young people should be made aware of these changes and encouraged to consider welding as a vocation,” he concluded.
For more information call Kemppi Australia on (02) 9605 9500 or email Info.au@kemppi.com