What are some of the most common questions we get about the Spool Welding Robot (SWR™)? Read on to find out the frequently asked questions our sales team receives about welding with our Spool Welding Robot, and how it can be incorporated into your fabrication shop.
- How do you handle interpass cleaning if you weld without stopping?
We use Lincoln Electric’s pulse process to enable us to burn out the silicone islands that are common with GMAW. When welding thicker materials, we do recommend stopping and cleaning the torch nozzle after the 3rd layer. Typically, this means you’ll stop to clean after the 5th or 6th pass and allow inter-pass cooling.
- Do you still maintain low hardness values and acceptable charpy toughness values?
Yes! We have PQRs on various pipe diameters and thicknesses that are tested to hardness requirements of NACE MRO175, toughness requirements of B31.3 at -50F for carbon, and -196C for stainless steel.
- How fast can you weld with the SWR™?
As an example, a 6” schedule 40 (0.28”) pipe takes the SWR™ 5 minutes and 30 seconds to complete. A 10” schedule 40 (0.365”) pipe would take the SWR™ 14 minutes and 40 seconds. An even larger pipe at 24” extra heavy takes the SWR™ 47 minutes to weld.
- Our customer requires FCAW fill and cap, do you have a solution?
Yes, we offer a dual torch solution that allows for our root welding to be done GMAW and fill and cap with FCAW.
- Will we have to create our own programs or recipes?
No, those will come pre-programmed with your unit, but our team will train you on how to edit and create your own as well.
- What materials can you weld on?
The SWR™ can weld on carbon and stainless steel pipe. The SWR™ is designed specifically for pipe, small pressure vessels, and other types of roll out welding.
- Do you use standard torch consumables or are they proprietary?
We use standard Abicore Binzel and Lincoln Electric torches. Replaceable parts such as tips and nozzles can be bought off of the shelf from your local suppliers.
- How can the SWR™ feed wire over such a long distance without any issues?
We utilize the Abicore Binzel Master Liner. This master liner has ball bearings inside that reduce drag and resistance within the torch.
- Does the operator have to press buttons to switch from root welding to fill/cap welding?
The operator does not need to press buttons to switch. Because we integrate with the positioners, the SWR™ does it all on its own, and the SWR™ knows where the rotation of the pipe is at all times.
We hope this helps answer questions you might have had on the SWR™ and how it can easily integrate into your fabrication shop’s current workflow. For more information on the SWR™ have a look at the Spool Welding Robot product page and contact us with any questions or to book a demo!