For thick-walled pipe and vessels, Narrow Groove welding has for many years been an enticing but elusive goal; the cost savings were enticing, the quality elusive. Elusive, that is, until Arc Machines equipped a proven orbital welding system with an innovative, new welding torch concept.
By synchronizing the oscillation of both the tungsten and the wire feed within the groove, Arc Machines' torch with patented features is the only one to evenly distribute heat and filler material across the entire joint -- from sidewall to sidewall. The lead angle of the tungsten, along with the oscillation of the tungsten and wire feed also achieves sidewall fusion and overall weld quality that are consistently superior to any other commercially-available narrow groove system.
The benefits of Narrow Groove welding are becoming widely recognized. Reduced weld (70% or more, compared to conventional grooves), improved production rates, and reduced residual stresses are among the many advantages of this technique.
