The ArcTig welding process from Fronius achieves high welding speeds and enhanced weld seam quality.
When welding, it is not only seam quality that matters-speed also plays a significant role. Both of these help the welder to work more efficiently and also to reduce costs. With the modified TIG process, ArcTig, Fronius has developed an innovation for mechanized joint welding that addresses quality and speed. A special welding torch allows the TIG arc to be focused in a targeted manner and its energy density is increased. Users can weld up to 10 mm thick high-alloy sheets and pipes without extensive seam preparation, to a high quality standard and much quicker.
The ArcTig welding process is based on the principle of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. In this process, an arc burns between a non-melting tungsten electrode and the metallic workpiece in an oxygen-free, reactionless gas atmosphere. The current flow heats the electrode, resulting in an electron flow. This reduces the combined resistance, producing a soft, wide arc. The inert protective gas shield means there are no chemical reactions with the liquid weld pool. "This enables users to produce an enhanced weld seam appearance without tempering colors and spatter as well as the best weave pattern," said a company spokesperson. TIG welding is suited to a variety of different materials and applications, including tricky materials like titanium.
The ArcTig welding process is designed for applications in container and pipeline construction, in the manufacture of turbines and the construction of special machines, cranes and tanks. The key innovation here is the optimized welding torch with an electrode clamping system, which enables the electrode to be cooled right to the tip. This increases the combined resistance and creates a high arc voltage. Electron emission now takes place over a small area but at a high density. This makes the arc narrower and more targeted, allowing the user to achieve enhanced weld seam quality. Another advantage of the cooling is that it prevents overheating of the electrode during welding, providing increased arc stability and providing a longer service life and improved ignition. Users can upgrade all TIG power sources from Fronius above an output of 220 amperes to the ArcTig process with ease. The only equipment required is the new welding torch and an additional heat exchanger to provide the cooling capacity and the required temperature stability. ArcTig is also available as a complete system.
Shorter Processing Times, Lower Filler Metal Costs
The focused and high-pressure arc means the ArcTig can be used to weld components in one layer to a material thickness of up to 10 mm. In conventional TIG welding, several layers are often needed. Additionally, it is frequently the case that users no longer need to do time-consuming preparation work on parts. Because there is no gap during seam preparation, no weld pool support is required for the ArcTig process. This cuts down on rework to a large extent, since the weld seam is raised to a minimal degree and there is very little distortion due to the reduced heat input. This enables users to accelerate processing times considerably, while the welding process also permits higher welding speeds. Material costs are lowered as the weld seam volume is reduced.
The ArcTig process is very similar to TIG welding, so users do not have to adjust to a new process and can weld immediately without carrying out any time-consuming teaching-in. This minimizes the need for training and prevents incorrect operation by the welder, since just a few parameters need to be set. Users can make use of standard TIG electrodes that are quick to change and can be re-ground as necessary. The new electrode clamping system clamps the electrode over a large area. To make the weld seam more accessible and enable the arc to be manipulated better, the free end of the electrode can be adjusted as desired depending on the requirements.
For more information contact:
Fronius USA LLC
6797 Fronius Drive
Portage, IN 46368
219-734-5500 / 877-FRONIUS
sales.usa@fronius.com
www.fronius.com