error when making changes and reducing
operator efficiency if the flowmeter is not in
the immediate vicinity of the weld location. Systems with automatic shield gas
control eliminate this inefficiency or the
possibility of negatively affecting the
weld quality due to an incorrect setting.
Forgoing a flowmeter, the controller
adjusts gas flow
automatically based
on the
program
selected for
a particular weld. The
integrated flow controller
also prevents users from
initiating the weld without gas flow, an error that
could result in damage
to the weld head or the
workpiece.
Blast Purge.
Further gas control
advancements enable operators
to improve their efficiency when welding
Figure 3. Small, lightweight
orbital welding systems can be moved easily
from one job site to another and may include
remote controls and detachable weld heads and fixtures.
Figure 2. Maintaining proper shielding gas control at the weld head is critical to protecting the weld from atmospheric contamination.
Newer orbital welder designs feature automatic shield gas controls in the weld head.
at locations where long distances exist
between the power supply and weld head. A
sufficient gas volume must be present at the
weld location before starting a weld. In traditional orbital welding systems an operator
may encounter a long wait for purge gas to
reach the weld location. Newer welding systems utilize a blast purge feature to rapidly
fill the lines and then automatically return
gas flow to normal levels, allowing operators
to start a weld sooner.
tors must adjust the flowmeter for different
welds, allowing the possibility of human
Power Considerations
When choosing an orbital welding power
supply, operators should look for systems
that enable them to perform welds for a wide
range of applications. They should also look
for systems that limit electrical interference.
Higher Amp Outputs. Power supplies
with higher power outputs are capable of
welding larger diameter and heavier walled
tubing and/or piping while maintaining
consistent welds. Newer welding systems
offer the power output needed to weld the
heavier walled components found in general industrial applications like oil and gas
while still having the ability to weld smaller
diameter thin walled tubing for R&D or semi-
