TPT November 2013

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Welding technology
114 November 2013
Low-power Weldac
a hit in USA
IN 2011 EFD Induction added a range
of low-power (50-225kW) welders to
its Weldac range. “We knew that there
was a demand for this power range, but
we never anticipated such a positive
reaction,” said EFD Induction sales
manager Peter Runeborg. “For example,
in just two years these systems have
come to dominate the US market for
new induction profile welders.”
To mark the success of the new
Weldacs in North America, EFD
Induction will be displaying a 150kW
model at this year’s Fabtech event in
Chicago. Mr Runeborg commented,
“Visitors can learn first-hand how the
welder’s IGBT transistors, patented
switching technology and automatic
electronic matching make it ideal for
high-throughput profile welding.”
According to Mr Runeborg, the
automatic electronic matching is suitable
for profiles because such work-pieces
typically feature ‘cut-outs’, places where
the metal has been cut or stamped out.
These areas produce major
impedance changes. Obsolete
welders attempt to handle
these changes with voltage and
current ‘overkill’, but the result
is often unsatisfactory weld
quality.
“Automatic electronic
matching is one of the
hallmarks of EFD Induction
Weldacs,” said Mr Runeborg. “That
we can now offer such a benefit in a
low-power package is a real boon for
manufacturers – and not just as regards
weld quality. Productivity is boosted,
too. For instance, the Weldac is faster
by metres per minute at welding profiles
than are laser and TIG alternatives.”
Mr Runeborg was, however, keen to
highlight that aphysical welder is only half
of any EFD Induction welding solution.
“Yes, all Weldacs offer automatic
matching, rugged IGBT transistors, and
a high constant power factor of 0.95. But
our customers also want the scheduled
maintenance, genuine
spares, operator training,
logistical support, and
the local presence that
only a global player such
as EFD Induction can
provide.” Weldacs offer a
five-year warranty on all
inverter modules.
Fabtech will also
showcase some of the
products and services
available from Electronic
Heating Equipment
(EHE), the impeder,
welder coils and scarfing
specialist acquired last
year by EFD Induction.
Based in Washington
State, EHE supplies
manufacturers worldwide
with everything from
Canticut internal scarfing
systems to induction coils
and impeder clusters.
EHE will share
Booth S3642 with EFD
Induction, and plans to
display a selection of its
impeders and induction
coils. “Visitors from the
oil and gas industry will
be particularly interested to learn more
about EHE’s innovative ID scarfing
system, where the impeders are fully
integrated into the design of the ID
mandrel,” said Mr Runeborg.
It is claimed that this innovation
can reduce weld power consumption
by up to 30 per cent compared with
other ID scarfing methods. Supporting
the scarfing tool on a cantilever also
removes the need for internal rolls,
allowing the mandrel to cover a wide
range of tube sizes, and eliminating
the problem of rolling weld spume or
other debris into the tube wall. A typical
Canticut unit can ID scarf and chop 8" to
16" pipe using a single mandrel.
EFD Induction will also be holding
live demonstrations of a Minac 25/40
Twin mobile induction heating system.
“An EFD Induction Minac always draws
a crowd,” said Mr Runeborg. “And it’s
easy to see why. Visitors are usually
amazed at the speed, ease and safety
of operation, and the fact that one power
output can, for example, be brazing
copper while at the same time the other
output is shrink-fitting a steel ring.”
The Minac features automatic
electronic matching that lets it handle
virtually any electrically conductive
material. “Versatility is what the Minac
is all about,” said Mr Runeborg. “It can
be used as a stand-alone stationary
system, it can be attached to a robot,
it can be used with standard power
outputs or with hand-held transformers
attached via long, flexible cables. It can
be fitted with a special elongated coil
and used to remove the huge bolts on
power station turbine covers. It can even
be loaded onto a helicopter and flown
out to offshore oil and gas platforms.”
EFD as – Norway
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Two products from the EHE line-up: an induction coil
specially designed for profile welding, and an impeder
Peter Runeborg with a 150kW Weldac similar to the one
to be displayed at Fabtech