News: 13.05.2014

Welding with two different filler materials on the same component in one pass and one setting – a task handled by the Wire Select torch system in a perfect way. The same is true for joining with two different arc-based processes, such as welding or soldering. Both have the potential to achieve significant cost and time savings. SKS Welding Systems based in Kaiserslautern, Germany, developed this alternative option that replaces systems relying on the change of the torch or a second welding robot largely from standard components. Only the Y-shaped torch body represents a proprietary component. The torch neck and wear parts come from the standard accessories shelf. 

Significantly different temperature conditions in a component, such as at the hot and cold end of an exhaust system, require different materials and therefore also appropriate weld filler materials. High temperature resistant chromium-nickel steel, for example, would require the ferritic wire electrode 1.4511; for low-alloy steel, the austenitic wire type 1.4370 would be the right match. Instead of feeding the different wires via a torch change system or installing a second robot, selecting a Wire Select welding torch would be the smart choice. Within a few seconds, automatic wire change takes place in four short steps: cut, retract, feed, cut. The torch neck taken from SKS' standard range of products ensures good accessibility to the welding joint. 

Combinations of processes are handled by the Wire Select system in the same way. For instance, users can first weld thin steel pipes of hydraulic brake systems and then solder the pertaining brackets. And, of course, for each wire electrode, different gas types can be selected depending on the process and material.