ORBITAL WELDING SOLUTIONS

Taking its name from the word orbit, which comes from the Latin orbita (track, path), orbital welding is a TIG (GTAW) welding method in which the weld head rotates automatically around the pipe. With orbital welding solutions, two pipes of the same diameter can be clamped in place and welded automatically around their full circumference. In conventional welding the welder moves the arc around the parts by hand, whereas in orbital welding the tungsten electrode rotates automatically 360° around the pipe to create a smooth, even weld. This automated process minimises operator error, gives full control of the weld pool and produces clean, high-quality welds.

Advantages of Orbital Welding

Orbital welding provides reliable welds of repeatable quality using a range of techniques. It delivers high-quality results even with difficult-to-weld materials, thick-walled or small-diameter pipes and demanding working environments. The ability to weld at hard-to-reach points is a major advantage for pipelines installed in confined spaces. Because the inside of the pipe is shielded with inert gas during welding, oxidation of the inner surface is prevented and the smooth internal weld bead required in hygienic lines is achieved.

Components of an Orbital Welding System

Makfen orbital welding solutions support your projects with standard-compliant equipment. An orbital welding system consists of three main components:

• Power source: The equipment that sets the welding current according to the parameters stored in the system or the weld to be made.
• Control unit: The unit that controls the speed of the motor rotating the weld head, the arc current and the shielding gas flow.
• Weld head: The mechanism that holds the tungsten electrode and rotates it around the pipe. In enclosed heads, the weld zone is protected from the ambient air inside a chamber filled with inert shielding gas.

Quality Control and Documentation

Makfen carries out orbital welding on pipe diameters from DN15 to DN100 and documents weld quality with a technical report and borescope inspection of the inner surface for every application. Welding work is carried out within the scope of the EN ISO 3834-2 welding quality certificate held by Makfen.

Applications

Orbital welding is preferred wherever smooth, reliable welds are required on all types of pipe surfaces. Leading examples are the food, chemical, semiconductor, pharmaceutical, aerospace, biotechnology and fisheries sectors, as well as hydraulic lines, CIP lines, purified water lines, deionised water lines, process lines and the piping used in plant and vessel manufacturing.

For information and a quotation for orbital welding solutions, please contact Makfen.