TPT November 2010

T echnology U pdate

Search for efficiency drives order surge for induction welding systems

EFD Induction as – Norway Fax: +47 35 50 60 10 Email: sales@no.efdgroup.net Website: www.efd-induction.com

INDUSTRIAL induction specialist EFD Induction has reported strong global demand for its Weldac induction welding systems. According to Peter Runeborg the first two quarters of 2010 saw orders come in from around the globe: “We’ve had sudden upticks in demand before. But what distinguishes this recovery is the high proportion of retrofits. Approximately 50 per cent of the orders are from customers wanting to replace vacuum tube welders with our solid-state Weldacs.” The shift to Weldacs is driven, says Mr Runeborg, by the tube and pipe industry’s tough competitive climate. “To thrive in this industry producers must maximise throughput while simultaneously minimising power consumption and scrap. TheWeldac’s proven reliability – based on rugged IGBT transistors – and a constant power factor of 0.95 at all power levels, mean our customers can boost output while cutting costs.”

The Weldac also features electronic matching, which helps ensure maximum welding speed for the entire product range. The system automatically matches to the optimum setting when a new workpiece size is introduced, when there is a change in mill set-up, or when a differently sized coil is fitted. Weldac’s compact footprint and easy integration are other factors behind the increase in retrofitting orders. “Weldacs up to 600kW are housed in a single cabinet,” said Mr Runeborg. “This feature makes retrofitting quick and easy. In fact, retrofitting a single-cabinet Weldac system typically takes less than a weekend. The benefits are minimised downtime and installation costs.” EFD Induction has manufacturing plants, workshops and service centres in the Americas, Europe and Asia, and corporate headquarters in Norway.

EFD has seen increased demand for its Weldac induction welding systems

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N ovember 2010

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