TPT May 2008

89 / 132

T ube & P ipe Welding: T rends & Progress
87 May 2008 ›
Multi Orbital Systems GmbH, Germany,
enable welding of thermoplastic tubes
within seconds using innovative friction
welding technology.
This technology involves orbital stands
that operate with a rotating motion. For
example, the ends of two pipes are locked
in a Mosys-machine.
They are then moved in the same
direction with a 180° degree offset
at micro orbital movements of
0.3mm to 1mm to create frictional
heat. The workpieces are rubbed
across their whole weld surface
until the areas requiring joining are
plasticized.
When this specific
material plasticizing
temperature is
reached, the orbital
motion stops in a
fraction of a second, while
both ends are pressed
together, creating a high
strength join.
The welding flash is much
smaller than with common
techniques, and no special
cooling period is required.
The multi orbital friction
welding process is in use
in the automobile industry
and plastic profiles have
already been welded with a high strength
joint.
A mobile application for thermoplastic
pipes is to be developed in the near
future, while there is also a plan to
transfer this technology to metal pipeline
applications.
Multi Orbital Systems GmbH – Germany
Fax: +49 9665 954543
Email:
Website:
weil engineering GmbH, Germany, is a leading company in the design
and construction of automated welding machines and systems for
production of high quality short tubes. Short tubes are used in a wide
variety of applications, as finished or semi finished products.
In the automotive industry short tubes are used for
mufflers, catalytic converters, structural body parts as well
as hydroformed members and motor and transmission
components. The heating and ventilation industry, household
appliances, container production and machine building require
high quality tubes.
weil’s advanced equipment is employed by a number of
leading manufacturers. This equipment is used in sheet
metal handling, metal forming, rounding, welding and final
processing of tubes. The company’s programme of modular
components provides the combination of proven rounding
and welding technologies from semi-automated operation to
fully automated production.
weil’s welding machines achieve excellent results in tube
production and ensure high repeatability. They combine the roll
forming process, the welding process and automated clamping
procedures. The equipment is designed for efficient product
change and short change over time.
Machine design, software development, and assembly are
provided by weil’s in-house departments. Aftersales service is also
provided in cooperation with international sales agencies and the
company’s North American subsidiary.
weil engineering GmbH – Germany
Fax: +49 7631 18 09 49
Email:
Website:
Automated welding machines for short tubes
 weil manufactures a range of automated welding machines for short tube
production, including the ecomaster
 A Mosys machine for multi orbital friction welding
 Orbital stands operate with a rotating motion to
achieve the weld
Multi orbital friction welding technology