Plasma Seam Welder

Spectac International has experienced significant productivity gains since investing in a SAF Colum & Boom welding machine, which offers the very latest in innovative technology for automatic welding.

The technology is based on the use of a “plasma arc” which involves heating gases to over 3000 ° and using it as a cutting and welding tool. This type of stainless steel engineering is a major step forward from traditional TIG processes and it offers both Spectac International and its client’s many advantages, including:

• Speed of operation – as the welding process is automated and undertaken with one welder working on the component, in conjunction with the equipment, productivity is significantly improved, which also increases the production capacity at the facility. In the past, two welders would have to manually work together, welding from both inside and outside a vessel. Now a single operator can monitor the welding process on a screen and simply adjust the head of the weld automatically if deemed necessary.
• Aesthetically attractive welding – because the equipment operates to an extremely high level of precision and it welds both externally and internally, the end-result is a much more attractive, smoother look than can possibly be achieved using manual processes.
• Excellent repeatability – as the process is automated and not manual, high-quality repeatability is easily achieved and the final weld will withstand even the toughest of inspections. As there is total control over the relevant parameters, the weld bead overlap that can be achieved is faultless.
• Reduction in welding time – as this is a speedy, automated process, which involves complete, consistent penetration of the component or vessel, the time required to complete the welding work is radically reduced; up to four-five times quicker than manual welding. Where a project requires a number of vessels to be produced, the stainless steel engineering work involved can now be delivered much more quickly than in the past. Also, no edge preparation is necessary, handling of parts is much quicker and easier and the final welds need little or no finishing work – all of these elements contribute to the significant time-saving benefits of this equipment.