Orbital welding is an out of the band welding operation type that has been around since 1950s. This technique is now the solution of choice in industries that need consistent, quality welds such as aircraft, nuclear power and chemical processing plants. Although orbital welding has many applications, these areas are full of myths and misconceptions. It falls to this article to break down five myths about orbital welding to dissolve confusion and misconception.
Myth #1: Orbital welding is very limited in its application, being employed only in very special circumstances.
Opinion has it that orbital welding is a technique that is only applicable in specific fields or operations. In fact, orbital welding is a very universal process because this method can be used in various segments of industries. For example in aerospace industry orbital welding is used for manufacturing space vehicles and in pharmaceutical industry, the technique is used in manufacturing sterile medical products. However, it’s a common process in constructing bridges, pipelines as well as other structures as part of the infrastructure.
Myth #2: Orbital welding can only be performed on a limited range of materials: those which are highly conductive.
Yet another misconception that people have about orbital welding is that it offers limited options for usage in terms of the material. Ideal to be used in orbital welding is metals with low welding capabilities like stainless steel; however, inconel or hastelloy are also used in orbital welding. In these cases, various parameters of orbital welding have to be controlled to the properties existing in the metal being welded. Perhaps it means using a different welding current or voltage or travelling speed of the welder.
Myth #3: Orbital Welding is Expensive and Tools Used are Limiting.
The first myth about orbital welding is that the process is costly and only possible with special equipment. It may also be important to note that while the application of an orbital welding system does entail certain costs, most of these costs may be recovered in the long run by incorporating this kind of welding technique. These are mainly as follows:- They include low downtime, high production rate, enhanced weld Quality. In addition, there are various types of orbital welding equipment that firms provide to rent instead of acquiring new equipment.
Myth #4: Orbital welding is a tough process that requires a lot of practice to master to the required standards.
The final common myth is that while orbital welding is a noble process, it is a very difficult one to learn. Contrary to what some enthusiasts would want you to believe, orbital welding is not impossibility, its just a technique like any other, which does come with the usual set backs associated with every welding process. That is why when operators master equipment and products and when they learn more about the orbital welding then this method is no more complex than any other welding method. Furthermore, numerous today’s systems supplied by orbital welding manufacturers possess easy-to-navigate interfaces and contain certain levels of automation, which enables operators to keep the quality of welds high and be consistent.
Myth #5: Orbital Welding cannot be used alongside any Welding Joint
This is a complete myth about the orbital welding that we are going to demystify and this is that orbital welding cannot be used with any type of welding joint. Consequently, orbital welding applies to various categories of welding joints such as groove joint, lap joint and plug joint. The most important requirement for obtaining consistent and well quality welds it to set proper orbital welding parameters for a definite type of the weldable joint and the material being welded. This may include changing the welding current, voltage, and welding speed, shaping the welder tips or welding nozzles appropriately.
Therefore, orbital welding is an efficient, stable, and versatile technique applicable across numerous industries. This discussion aims to clarify any misconceptions about orbital welding by addressing common myths and showcasing its true potential. With advantages such as minimal downtime, high productivity, and exceptional weld quality, orbital welding has become an indispensable tool for welding engineers.
For those looking to explore the full potential of orbital welding, UPM Technology offers state-of-the-art systems and expert guidance to ensure precision, efficiency, and outstanding results in every application.