TPi January 2016

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January 2016 Tube Products International 23
products & developments
MultiStrike tungsten
electrodes offer safer,
easier TIG welding
A special recipe for TIG welding
electrode material offers benefits
in quality, safety and ease-of-use,
according to its British developer.
MultiStrike® tungsten electrodes,
developed by Huntingdon Fusion
Techniques®, were designed to address
growing concerns about the radiotoxic
thoria that is present in standard red
tipped tungsten electrodes.
It was found that other rare earth
elements that are not radiotoxic were
also used in the industry for activating
tungsten, as in the case of normal
light bulbs, and that a mixture of those
elements added during the
manufacturing process produced
a superior tungsten electrode.
The MultiStrike is claimed to strike
an arc ten times more than a
red tipped thoriated tungsten,
when tested under identical conditions.
Because MultiStrikes have no radiotoxic
and carcinogenic dopants such as thoria,
there is no hazardous dust to be inhaled
during grinding of the tips, which is also
reduced with these electrodes.
Suitable for a wide variety of welding
operations, MultiStrikes are said to be
particularly effective in the welding of
titanium, stainless steel and aluminium
AC and DC, in industry sectors such
as aerospace, petrochemicals,
pharmaceuticals and motorsport. Each
packet of MultiStrike tungsten electrodes
carries a total traceability identification.
Huntingdon Fusion Techniques – UK
MultiStrike tungsten electrodes from Huntingdon
Opportunities and solutions
with HF welded aluminium tubes
Sapa Precision Tubing offers solutions
for 5-series alloy tubes and profiles.
The high frequency welded tubes are
claimed to offer a variety of advantages.
The narrow tolerances on diameter
and wall thickness enhance design
possibilities, and lead to higher stability
for the transformation process.
Combined with the high strength offered
by the 5xxx series alloys, significant
weight reduction can be realised,
leading to improved technical solutions
and cost reduction. The 5xxx series
alloys need no age hardening, and are
offered in different tempers.
HF welded aluminium tubes are
used for a wide range of products,
from strong, pre-anodised telescopic
handles to very complex hydro-
formed lightweight automotive parts.
They have also found their way into
heat exchange applications, not only
as a more economical and lightweight
solution compared to other materials,
but also because the availability of
multi-layer clad materials allows brazed
heat-exchange solutions in the shape of
round, oval or D-shaped tubes.
To illustrate that the tubes are widely
used, Sapa states that many cars
contain parts made from an HF welded
tube made by Sapa Precision Tubing,
and claims that it is likely that the
chassis, sub-frame, suspension or
cooling system of your car contains
Sapa’s HF welded tubes.
HF welded tubes and profiles are available
in wall thickness ranging from 0.65 to
6mm, and in an outer diameter up to
160mm. Tubes are available in most 5xxx
and 3xxx series alloy, as a mill finish or
pre-anodised tube. For the 3xxx series
alloys, multi-layer clad tubes are possible.
Sapa Precision Tubing
Lichtervelde NV – Belgium