TPT November 2016

T E CHNOLOG Y

Weld backing tape for weld purging IT is important when welding metals such as stainless steel, titanium and zirconium that the welding zone is purged of oxygen even as low as ten parts per million (ppm) before, during and immediately after welding, in order to achieve a clean, oxide-free, zero-colour weld. Backing Tape followed, which allowed the argon to flow freely, eliminating the blow back of the arc that was happening previously and enabling the welders to produce a perfect root weld.”

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Weld Backing Tape™ comprises a 75mm (3") wide aluminium adhesive tape backing strip, in the centre of which is a 25mm (1") wide band of woven glass fibre matting. Once the tape is positioned with the glass fibre matting under the centre of the weld joint, the welders can start their arc. The welding torch argon flow has plenty of space to move between the pores of the matting, which allows the welding arc to stabilise and start forming the weld root. Measured by a Weld Purge Monitor ® , all contaminating oxygen below 100 parts per million (ppm) is removed and the stainless steel weld root is completed successfully, with the molten metal being cast onto the fibre glass with excellent side wall fusion and under-bead profile. The customer was said to be enthusiastic about the clean,

During a recent trip to South America, weld purging experts from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) were supporting their exclusive distributor and local customers when a discovery was made concerning the use of the company’s Argweld ® Backing Tape™. A customer showed how the use of his former ceramic backing tiles and the tiny space available for the weld root formation prevented adequate argon flow and caused the welding arc to blow back at the welder. Luke Keane, distributor support for HFT, explained, “Ceramic backing tiles are designed for submerged arc welding where oxidation is prevented by powder as opposed to argon, so the customers were using the wrong product for GTAW/ TIG welding. Ademonstration of Argweld

Gas flow using API sampling probe

Finished weld

metallurgically sound, non-oxidised weld, and placed a large order for Weld Backing Tape for immediate delivery. Huntingdon Fusion Techniques – UK Website: www.huntingdonfusion.com

Taking the load off system operators LOADMASTER ® loading systems from Schuler can increase the productivity of turning and milling centres by automatically transporting parts to and from the machines. the clamping of raw parts in the devices or the cleaning and de-burring of parts, which previously had to be performed by system operators. This allows operators to concentrate on other important tasks.

The newly developed LoadMaster Assist robot cell improves effectiveness further by carrying out tasks such as

The degree of automation of the machining centres is increased to a level that allows not only lights-out shifts but also, for example, continuous operation over the weekend. The machines can remain in operation for several days without an operator having to intervene. “The LoadMaster Assist is the logical addition to our solutions for the automation of machine tools,” said managing director Stephan Mergner, head of the automation division at Schuler. The range of loading systems encompasses the LoadMaster Compact modular system, the LoadMaster Flex high rack system, and the LoadMaster Herkules for high weight classes from three to eight tons. The LoadMaster Tool links the tool magazines of processing machines. Schuler presented the LoadMaster

Assist at the AMB trade fair in Stuttgart, Germany, in September. The Schuler LoadMaster Compact, Flex and Herkules loading systems can be equipped with the robot cell Photo credit: Schuler

Schuler AG – Germany Fax: +49 7161 66233 Website: www.schulergroup.com

The LoadMaster Assist enables lights-out shifts for turning and milling centres

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N OVEMBER 2016