Introduction to Mechanisation

Welding tractor system can be used for welding fillet and butt welds in long straight lengths. It may be able to accommodate large radii, but it is often used in flat straight lines. Welding processes commonly used on these type devices include MIG/MAG, TIG or SAW.

Used to weld longitudinal seam from rolled sections. Rams or fingers hold the items in place with pneumatic pressure systems prior to welding. This equipment will be able to be used on various welding diameters and lengths. These machines will only be where access is witnessed externally. Often used on MIG/ MAG and TIG processes.

These machines are used for welding vessels, offshore piles etc. Welding seams can be longitudinal or circumferential with the addition of roller beds or positioners. This equipment could be used for cladding vessels with large diameters for corrosion resistance properties in service. It's possible to weld both internally and externally with this system. Narrow gap (NP) systems can be used with this equipment, narrow gap welding has many advantages including reduction in weld time, reduction in distortion levels, reduction in the consumption of filler material. Narrow gap processes can be used with MIG/MAG, TIG or SAW processes.

These systems are often used in situation where the pipe is fixed in a position and welding process “orbits” around the pipe. Each process has additional controls, AVC (arc voltage control) for TIG processes preventing the welder having to control the arc gap or (voltage) during welding. For MAG welding applications Lincoln electric have created Power Mode. Power mode is used as an alternative to constant voltage control, it reacts to stick out changes which can be seen due to pipe ovality. Power Mode controls “watt energy” ensuring constant penetration, whereas constant voltage control can create lack of fusion problems if stick out increases due to the I2R Law.