TPT November 2013

Welding technology

Low-power Weldac a hit in USA

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

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.

Two products from the EHE line-up: an induction coil specially designed for profile welding, and an impeder

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.”

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

Peter Runeborg with a 150kW Weldac similar to the one to be displayed at Fabtech

EFD as – Norway Email: knl@efdgroup.net Website: www.efd-induction.com

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N ovember 2013