Welding World - Issue 3 - June 2020

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JUNE 2020 WHEN SOLD

COVID-19

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W ELCOM E

INSIDE

NEWS 4 Coronavirus update: Advice for our members 5 Calendar: An update on global events 6 To the rescue: Helping to supply ventilators 7 Fundraiser: NHS Nurse statue 8 Future talent: Welding student succeeds 10 The right track: Rail good work 11 Newarc: Support worldwide 12 Q&A: Neil Pulsford of GYS 14 Rusty creations: From fun to business 16 Shipyard saga: Nancy Revell’s welding girls

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Sole deal: Kingsbury sign GEFERTEC Sellafield Ltd: Plant construction restarts Ronald Pope: Sculptor with a torch MACH 2021: New video on 2021 show President’s message

NEW PRODUCTS 24 A guide to some of the latest technologies

EDITOR ’ S L E TTE R Change.

Some fear it, some embrace it. It can come about through negative events but it can also be planned and be the bringer of positive new ways of working and living.

At the moment we are seeing change after change both in our lives and also in the way we work.

Our last edition was published just as lockdown hit, we were heading into a world of businesses closing down and staff going on furlough or being faced with even more difficult decisions.

Now, more than two months on there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Lockdown itself provided a ‘new normal’ but even this has changed yet again as we prepare once again to get out into the world of work and make our businesses function under new rules and restrictions.

At Welding World we have also grasped the nettle and have moved on apace with major changes to our magazine and its method of delivery.

We are delighted to place great emphasis on a digital interactive way of publishing, one which allows for live links, interactive content and elements such as video.

Giving you the best, most responsive service is now becoming our new normal. We hope that you enjoy our ease of reading and of course share links to pages of interest or even your own published stories across your own social channels.

Communication is more important than it has ever been and Welding World is now firmly at the forefront of our industry.

We thank you for being a part of this and look forward to hearing from you.

DARREN ISTED Editor, Welding World editor@welding-world.com

J OIN T HE CO N VE RS ATI O N @WeldingWorld1 Welding World Retweeted Air Products @airproducts To help meet an anticipated need for medical oxygen during the COVID-19 crisis, in early March, we began converting Portable Customer Station (PCS) Units—which typically deliver other industrial gases—to be able to provide emergency medical oxygen supply capability.

REGUALRS 30 SifTips 31 And Finally

Welding World @WeldingWorld1 We’re teaming up with @Croner to offer employment related help and advice to AWD and Welding World members on the current COVID19 situation. If you’d like to take part in our Zoom meeting please email admin@welding-world.com!

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COR ON AV IRUS UPDAT E

LOOKING FOR THE POSITIVES You must have heard people saying, “Too much time on your hands,” or “Not enough time to do what I want to do,” or “My phone never stops ringing, even when I’m on holiday,” then there is, “When on holiday it takes me the first week to unwind from work, then I am back again,” and of course, “I feel stressed - I need a rest.”

Never before have our personal and work lives stopped and all at the same time, for everyone. At first it is a worry and then it can be frightening. What is going to happen and when can we get back to normal?

‘Normal.’ Managing a business, finding staff, purchasing stock, selling to a target, delivering on time, chasing payment of

invoices, paying your invoices, checking are your customers happy, checking are your staff happy. What is the next promotion? Did that quote go out on time?

This is just your work life! Then there is your personal life…I will let you complete this part.

We are on lockdown. This is very serious and we must comply. Never before have we had to fight against such an invisible enemy. United we must stand. Stay at home, when out shopping stay two metres apart and more if needed. The fabric of society must come together.

Staying at home, talking on FaceTime with your family and friends. We start to understand what has happened. We start to find a routine in what we must do at home.

Now let’s think back to the sayings that we started off with. Our ‘normal life’ had work stress, never enough time, pressure to get the job done, not enough time at home,

when will I get those jobs done at home or even get started on the garden?

Never before has our world stopped. It is now time to use that time. To keep busy at home or in the garden. To start a hobby or find a new way to relax. All those years of not enough time and leaving you stressed out can start to melt away. Take advantage of this time at home and enjoy it. If you have found a new hobby why not tell us about what you did or achieved ?

When the lockdown is over you might just end up feeling a healthy, less stressed person with many of those jobs on your bucket list completed. In a better position to help re-start in the welding industry.

Enjoy this time and look for the positives.

I wish everyone in the WWA and AWD family a safe and healthy time. Looking forward to the next time we meet. ■ DAVE ELLWOOD WWA-AWD Director

BSI publishes UK Safe Working Guidelines UK business community encouraged to unite and shape best practice BSI, in its role as the UK’s National Standards Body, has published new safe working guidelines to help businesses manage a safe return to work and reoccupation of their facilities. The guidelines are intended to become a consensus of good practice and BSI encourages the business community and members of the public to have their say and share their learnings and insight on safe working to help protect public health.

Version 1 of the guidelines is available for immediate use. It provides a framework for business owners, senior leaders, managers and workers to protect people at work from the ongoing risks related to the coronavirus.

Working with an Advisory Group*, BSI will revise the document as frequently as necessary to reflect the dynamic situation businesses are in today, taking into account the comments, government guidance, the level of risk and emerging knowledge. A second Version of the guidelines will be published at the end of June with the revised sections clearly highlighted to assist easy implementation.

Each Version of the evolving guidelines will be sector neutral and aligned to and complement the current UK Government guidance.

Scott Steedman, Director of Standards at BSI said, “Since the UK Government announced gradual easing of the lockdown, business leaders across the country have been taking steps

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to ensure that their working environment is safe. Now it is imperative that they come together to achieve their shared goal.

“Our role as the National Standards Body is to bring people together so they can share their expertise and knowledge and agree what good practice looks like. Together we can help to make the working environment safe for all.”

The freely available guidelines use the Plan – Do – Check – Act approach (PDCA). The guidelines provide a framework to enable ongoing continual improvement and ensure the organisation responds to changes as the business community learns more about safe working and government requirements evolve.

The guidelines include examples in relation to workplaces such as: • Plan one-way systems in corridors, stairways and other common areas and taking other actions to mitigate the risks where this is not possible • Do implement processes to stagger arrival and departure times to reduce crowding at entry and exit points • Check how effective safety measures and controls are • Act to take immediate actions to improve or change safety measures and controls that are not effective

CLICK HERE to download Version 1, have

your say on the safe working guidelines and/or sign-up to be alerted for the latest versions

COR ONAV IR US UPDAT E

CALENDAR JUNE GLOBAL INDUSTRIE

23 - 26 June 2020 Paris Nord Villepinte Focus on the industry of the future

POSTPONED TO MARCH 16/19 2021

Eurexpo, Lyon www.global-industrie.com/en

NHS test and trace: workplace guidance The NHS test and trace service forms a central part of the government’s coronavirus (COVID-19) recovery strategy, which seeks to help the nation return to normal as soon as possible for as many people as possible, in a way that is safe and protects the NHS and social care sector.

Once launched, this service will also play a vital role in providing an early warning if COVID-19 activity is increasing locally, regionally or nationally. This information will then be used to inform the government’s approach to stop the spread of the virus.

This guidance explains how employers and businesses can play their part in the NHS test and trace programme to slow the spread of the virus, protect the health and care system and save lives.

This guidance should be used in conjunction with Working safely during coronavirus (COVID-19).

By following the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) guidance, employers can reduce the risk of co-workers having to self-isolate if a member of staff tests positive for COVID-19.

This guidance is for England only. There are equivalent arrangements for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

About the NHS test and trace service The NHS test and trace service: • provides testing for anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus to find out if they have the virus

•g ets in touch with anyone who has had a positive test result to help them share information about any close recent contacts they have had •a lerts those contacts, where necessary, and notifies them they need to selfisolate to help stop the spread of the virus By following instructions to self-isolate, people who have had close recent contact with someone with coronavirus will be protecting their family, friends, colleagues and other people around them, and will play a direct role in stopping the spread of the virus.

Guidance for employers The role of employers The NHS test and trace service will help to manage the risk of the virus re-emerging as restrictions on everyday life are eased, as far as it is deemed safe to do so.

It is vital that employers play their part by: •m aking their workplaces as safe as possible • e ncouraging workers to heed any notifications to self-isolate and supporting them when in isolation Although this may seem disruptive for businesses, it is less disruptive than an outbreak of COVID-19 in the workplace will be, and far less disruptive than periods in lockdown. ■

CLICK HERE for further in-depth guidance

SEPTEMBER METALMADRID ’20

30 September - 1 October 2020 IFEMA, Madrid, Spain The leading annual industrial show.

Jointly with NittiGritty. www.metalmadrid.com/en/

OCTOBER WELDING BRNO 2020 5 - 9 October 2020 Brno, Czech Republic International Welding Engineering Fair www.bvv.cz/en/welding/ welding-2020/

METAVAK

6 - 8 October 2020 Evenementenhal Gorinchem, Netherlands Annual trade event for the metalworking industry https://metavak.nl

EXPO WELDING

13 - 15 October 2020 Sosnowiec, Poland 7th International Welding Fair https://old.exposilesia.pl/uk/

EUROBLECH

27 - 30 October 2020 Hanover, Germany 26th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition www.euroblech.com/2020/ english/

CLICK HERE for more

events and news updates

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10,000 respirators in 50 days to save lives Faced with the urgent need for ventilators to treat the patients most severely affected

by COVID-19, Air Liquide, Groupe PSA, Schneider Electric, Valeo took up the challenge of producing 10.000 ventilators between April and mid-May, in response to a request from the French Government.

While its subsidiary Air Liquide Medical Systems (ALMS) had already begun tripling its production capacity to produce 1.000 first ventilators, Air Liquide is coordinating a working group with Groupe PSA, Schneider Electric, Valeo to meet French government’s request to deliver a total of 10.000 ventilators in 50 days.

The challenge is immense. It is

about securing the supply of the 300 components that make up the ventilators, reorganising the production workshops particularly at Air Liquide Medical Systems, and mobilising a sufficient number of operators, in record time.

Benoît Potier, Air Liquide Chairman and CEO, said: “In a context where each new respirator produced can save a life, Air Liquide is currently tripling its

production. We have decided to go even further by taking up the challenge of producing 10,000 respirators in 50 days, with, gathered around the teams of Air Liquide, Groupe PSA, Valeo, Schneider Electric and many other partners. In the face of adversity, this approach illustrates the best of French industry, from major international champions to small and medium-sized businesses.

“It is an industrial challenge but also a human one. Teams of engineers, technicians and operators from different companies must be brought together around this exceptional project, and in record time. Air Liquide is very proud to contribute with all its strength to the national effort against COVID-19.”

Beyond the industrial challenge and as part of its commitment to solidarity with healthcare professionals and the authorities, Air Liquide will supply these respirators at cost price and without passing on the exceptional costs incurred by this unprecedented industrial programme. ■

Tusker Industrial Safety manufactures supplies for the Covid-19 effort Plymouth based welding safety PPE and equipment manufacturer Tusker Industrial Safety, have dedicated a part of their production capacity to manufacture items needed for the current crisis.

The Plymouth based company have been manufacturing much needed supplies including medical aprons and gowns, medical privacy screens and body bags.

Managing Director, Emily Drake, said: “We are pleased to be able to help in this way, albeit in these circumstances.

The outbreak has highlighted shortages within the medical and care sector and we have been able to easily alter our manufacturing process to produce what is needed urgently at the present time.”

The company are working around the clock to produce the items.

CEO of Tusker Industrial Safety, Amanda Thatcher said “British manufacturers as a whole have really stepped up to demand during this crisis and this has highlighted the vital role that British manufacturers play, both currently and in general. Our hope is that there will be a positive outcome from this crisis and that we will see growth for British manufacturing emerge once it is over. The Government can help greatly by creating incentives for companies to invest in advanced machinery which will improve our productivity and competitiveness”.

She continued: “There will be many lessons learnt from the

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COVID-19 pandemic but one that we must never forget is the importance of British manufacturing. We have had a proud history of manufacturing from the wool and cotton mills to our incredible shipbuilding industry but we have too easily lost our manufacturing base and skills. We have tossed them aside for cheap imports.

“We were once the envy of the world with our innovation and industry. Now we are not even able to produce the necessary PPE in sufficient quantities to protect our NHS staff on the frontline during this pandemic. The UK needs and deserves better. Let’s rebuild our manufacturing capabilities so that we do not experience shortages of any kind again.” ■

CLICK HERE to view their product catalogue online

NEWS

WELDED NURSE

Stourport welding supply company supports care home with PPE donation A welding supply store in Stourport has donated PPE equipment to staff at Areley House Care Home to help them keep residents safe during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Richard Walker of Weldmax Ltd said: “Alongside our welding and industrial equipment we stock facemasks, safety gloves, goggles, visors and hand sanitisers. So we decided to donate some hand sanitisers and gloves to the team at Areley House during this difficult time.

A welder has created a statue of a nurse to pay tribute to NHS staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

Pete Henson sited the work, measuring approx 1.8m tall, in Wheddon Cross, Exmoor, after being inspired by World War One centenary statues.

It took him less than a day to cut out and assemble the Nurse Amy statue and the reaction has already been amazing.

He said he wanted to “make a point and to do all he can to support the NHS as they are doing so much for us at this difficult time.

“I sat down going through some paperwork and saw an old photo of the Tommy statues, it was then that I thought it would be a good idea if we did a nurse.”

When one of his customers helped him to lift the statue into position that was when the inspiration for the name came.

“When we installed it, I suggested we gave her a name, and the customer said we should call her ‘Nurse Amy’, it was

after a nurse who had looked after them during a spell at the hospital.

“This virus hasn’t really hit home in Somerset, there are not that many cases but we’re watching on the news, and I thought I should do something that people start talking about it,” he said.

The Nurse Amy tribute to the NHS tabletop version is now available for sale with profits going to the NHS. The Nurse Amy is standing on the coronavirus and is 27cm (10.5”) tall, and has been created to make her perfect to light a candle behind.

Pete has asked that you share pictures of your Nurse Amy on social media with #nurseamy in a bid to see all the locations around the UK that Amy reaches.

The model comes flat packed and ready for you to bend into position. Carriage charges will be added at the checkout. ■ For more details go to www.exmoorwelding.co.uk

“A lot of people are worried about their loved ones in care homes at the moment and we wanted to help make things safer for the staff and residents.”

A spokesman for Areley House Care Home said: “We really appreciate any help we can get at the moment.

Thank you very much to Richard and the team for thinking of us.”

Weldmax supplies a wide range of welding equipment and consumables to the welding industry and is operating an online order and delivery service during the outbreak. ■ For further details contact see www.weldmax.co.uk or call 01299 488898

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MIDDLESBROUGH WELDER

A young welder from Middlesbrough has scooped a national award for his skills.

Talented Josh Arrondelle, 17, beat other welders from across the country to win a prestigious Livery Company Prize – a title that recognises outstanding achievement among trainees.

Josh, a Level 3 Welding student at Middlesbrough College, travelled to London to receive his award in person at a ceremony in London hosted by The Rt. Hon The Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell.

He said: “I’m thrilled to have won this award. I’ve put a lot of hard work in to building my skills, and this will help me to stand out even more in the jobs market.

“The Livery Company Prize is one of the most prestigious in the country. I couldn’t have done this without the support of my teachers at Middlesbrough College – they’ve always helped me along every step of the way.

“The course has given me insight into a wide range of industry areas, and now I’m looking at a career in underwater welding.”

The Livery Company Prizes are a

From left, The Lord Mayor, Alderman William Russell; student Josh Arrondelle and Andrew Whitton, Master for City and Guilds Needlemakers

collaboration between the Livery Company Skills Council, which promotes vocational training, and The City and Guilds London Institute.

Zoe Lewis, principal and chief executive of Middlesbrough College, said: “We’re exceptionally proud of Josh and his achievements. That he’s been able to secure this national award is not only

testament to his own hard work, but also the quality of teaching at Middlesbrough College.

“The investments we’ve made mean that our vocational training offer is industry-leading, making sure learners leave us with exactly the right skills that employers need in the workplace.” ■

Gullco and Translas announce Global Distribution Partnership Translas, global manufacturer and leader in on-torch fume extraction, has announced a partnership with GULLCO International Limited.

With this partnership, GULLCO will serve as the global distributor of Translas’ newest fume extraction solutions, such as the Translas 7XE Semi-Automatic Fume Extraction welding gun and the ClearO2 W-Series hi-vac units, designed and engineered for welding automation.

As the announcement was made, Translas Canada’s Executive Director Duncan Beaumont commented: “We are very pleased to partner with GULLCO as our global distributor of the Translas fume extraction solutions, the 7XE Semi-Automatic Fume Extractor welding gun in combination with the ClearO2 W-Series hi-vac units. With air quality regulations being a growing concern globally and with automation gaining traction worldwide, we see a strong potential for growth in a wide variety of applications. GULLCO is an ideal partner for Translas and we look forward to a successful collaborative partnership.”

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Nick Drake, GULLCO’s Global Marketing Manager said: “GULLCO is enthusiastic to enter into an exclusive distribution agreement with Translas to further influence the welding industry with a future forward alliance.”

Translas is a Dutch manufacturer of welding guns since 1960 and has grown at a fast pace over the last few years. With the recent opening of Canadian distribution channels the company is focusing on key partnerships with companies utilising smart technologies globally to influence today’s manufacturing industry towards “the future”.

Welders’ safety is of paramount importance to Translas. The company’s goal is to globally reduce workers’ exposure to hazardous fumes and to provide a healthier and safer work environment, therefore establishing higher productivity and profitability. Some of their pioneering products include fume extractor guns with a built-in module to safely extract welding fumes at the source and portable extraction units. ■ For more information contact info-CA@translas.com or visit www.translas.ca

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ON THE RIGHT TRACK When tracks are upgraded, maintained, or replaced, there should always be as little disruption as possible. This requires automated and reliable track-laying machines – such as those made by long-established Swiss company MATISA. The company swears by premium solutions from Fronius for their joining tasks.

On April 3, 2007, the French state rail company broke its own speed world record with a TGV: for the first time ever, a train, which was traveling on the ParisStrasbourg line, reached the ultra-high speed of 574.8 kilometres per hour. In order to achieve this record run, the TGV needed to be specially tuned and this stretch of track remodelled. Work on the track included raising the level between the outer and innersides of the track on some bends to 13 cm.

At speeds of almost 160 metres per second, it is necessary to overcome high centrifugal forces and to safely avoid ballast pick-up on open sections of track.

The experts therefore had to precisely measure the “train highway”, adjust the tracks to millimetre-precision, pack the ballast bed under the tracks, and remove each protruding stone with the upmost care.

High speeds aren’t the only reason for the growing demand in railroad tracklaying and maintenance machines. Everdecreasing time frames for pending works

Today the company’s welders have a total of 50 Fronius welding systems of several model generations at their disposal, such as the TPS 450, TPS 4000/5000, and eight TPS 400i.

MATISA have specialised in bespoke machines for the construction, maintenance, and renewal of railroad tracks since 1945.

mean that measuring, construction, and maintenance machines have to manage a heavier workload with greater precision and maximum availability.

It’s for this reason that track construction machines from MATISA are in such high demand. The company, who began manufacturing construction and maintenance machines on the banks of Lake Geneva in 1945, have become a respected name in the industry thanks to the reliability of their machines.

Although MATISA pride themselves on the reliability of their machines, they believe that customer satisfaction is every bit as important. Customers from around the world can be sure that they will find a receptive ear when it comes to their special requests.

“Each of the 300 machines that we currently have in the field is unique,” says Rony Chiavone, who is responsible for non‑destructive weld testing at MATISA. “This is because there are different track gauges and other regional variations, but also because we consider the supposedly smaller customer requirements.

“For example, installing a washroom could radically change the construction due to the closely packed design of the train

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and the altered weight distribution.” This is particularly true if the machine needs to be adapted to the customer’s specific workflows.

MATISA has therefore kitted out its construction and production departments with the very best equipment. Out of a total 500 employees, 100 are engineers who look after the different levels of electrical and mechanical structures in the trains. Of the 400 staff in the production department, 50 are fitters and welders.

MATISA is EN 15085-certified and processes metal sheets and profiles made from conventional construction steel (S355) with thicknesses of between 10 and 200 millimetres to construct the trucks, bogies, and superstructures.

The welding operations are diverse and comprehensive, accounting for around one-third of the time needed to build a tamper.

Each truck must comply with a geometrical dimensional record with extremely tight tolerances. The joining of the box sections with a 25 mm penetration depth is monitored through ultrasound and magnetic testing.

Experts manually weld these and all other weld seams up to two metres

NEWS the specified tolerances are met. Now the welders can start welding the box sections together. So that the frame does not buckle or become warped, specific welding sequences must be followed and the frame is turned around regularly to prevent deformation. Finally, the weld seams are subjected to both visual and non-destructive ultrasound and magnetic testing, as these are classified as a welded, safety-related component.

Since MATISA introduced its first Fronius power source at the start of the 1990s, the machinery park has changed and become successively bigger over time.

“We particularly like the durability and reliability of the Fronius solutions,” says Christophe Cochard, the International Welding Specialist (IWS) at MATISA. “It means that we can minimise our stocks of spare parts and consumables, allowing us to reduce our overheads.” Today the company’s welders have a total of 50 Fronius systems from several model generations at their disposal, such as the TPS 450, TPS 4000/5000, and eight TPS 400i. ■

To make welding the 25-meter-long base frame easier, MATISA uses a positioning device, as shown here, when welding together the truck of a transport wagon from five prefabricated boxes.

long using conventional filler metal (1.2 m Böhler EMK 8 solid wire electrode).

Welding is mostly carried out using the spray arc welding process (with plate thicknesses starting at 5 mm), but with longer longitudinal seams, the company uses a type FDV 22 MF battery-powered longitudinal chassis instead, which

has a permanent magnet and optional oscillation. The MAG power sources used for manual welding at MATISA are also a Fronius solution.

The five parts of the trucks for the transport wagons are clamped on a positioning device in order to prevent out-of-position welding and to ensure

Weldability Sif strengthen their support to the north with the addition of Newarc Newarc – since its inception in 1973 – has established a strong reputation as a British manufacturer of robust and reliable welding machines, with heavy duty cycle designed for a challenging environment such as: R5000 series CC/ CV industrial inverter power sources, RT2500 dual voltage single phase TIG welder and the Viper universal DC HF TIG conversion unit. They are trusted by customers internationally in the offshore, petrochemical, marine and defence fabrication sectors, and have delivered a suite of welding and industrial products and services from its facilities in Newcastle and Aberdeen, including comprehensive equipment hire and machine validation/ calibration and maintenance services.

A significant benefit of renting versus buying welding equipment is that you can always access the most advanced tools - without the cost or logistical issues of maintaining an aging inventory of your own. Newarc even provides technology

upgrades during the long-term rental contracts so customers will have every possible advantage available to them on site. Newarc inverters are serviced on a regular basis to the highest standards by expert technicians and they are always on standby for on-site requirements.

Providing long-term and short-term rentals

to welders worldwide, in all industrial environments, on land and offshore.

Newarc’s rates are highly competitive, with exceptional cost savings over the long term. The entire process is easy so that you can get on with your business as quickly as possible. The approach includes in-house or on-site consulting by experienced technicians to assess your specific needs and organise a selection of equipment that is ideal for your project.

They can also co-ordinate transport to any location - including all necessary customs or regulatory documentation.

In addition to this fantastic service, by becoming a part of Weldability Sif, Newarc assists with stockholding, demonstration and service locations in the North-East of England and the North-East of Scotland, to better support Weldability Sif’s network of distributors and further assist its product users, the Newarc range compliments and expands upon what Weldability Sif currently offer. ■

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Q&A Welding World spoke to Neil Pulsford, UK managing director of GYS about the business journey of the company, how the coronavirus has changed the climate we are working in and what trends he sees emerging.

Introduce yourself to our members and the wider business community, who are you and what do you specialise in?

GYS is a family owned French industrial group manufacturing welding machines, car body repair and battery maintenance equipment. Today with over 700 employees the GYS factory in France is now maybe the largest welding factory in Europe. GYS has also become the world leader in vehicle body repair and the largest manufacturer of battery chargers in Europe.

Describe any successes or achievements your business has achieved and the reasons for these?

It has to be the transformation and growth of the business. When Nicolas and Bruno Bouygues purchased GYS in 1997 it was a small and failing transformer factory with

just 30 employees. Following two decades of consistent growth through investment in people, research and development, the building of a modern integrated manufacturing plant in Laval and expansion around the world the current picture of GYS is quite different. As well as scale, innovation and technology perhaps the best measure of the transformation is that from its humble roots GYS today is now the chosen partner of some of the world’s largest manufacturing companies.

Behind this is the structure of the company, being family owned enables a long-term vision to be implemented and realized without the disruption often seen by quoted companies subject to takeovers and mergers.

What are your views on the current business climate?

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Like the 2008 recession the current coronavirus induced situation will be very serious for our sector. The challenge will be to maintain investment and a positive future outlook during the period we are now in whilst we wait until we have better treatment or vaccines available. Though demand may drop welding is a major and essential part of industry. Businesses that have accrued some resilience and are committed to the industry will be secure and will have opportunities to grow.

GYS is now a ₏100m business with strong cash reserves. We are confident that over the longer term the impact will be seen as a temporary slowing to the company’s progression.

What issues are of importance to your customers and how are you addressing them?

There are many but I will pick two. Firstly technology, welding equipment is now part of the advanced electronics world, we are developing and utilising ever more advanced electronics and ever more powerful processing power. Performance is a function of research and development investment, the capability of welding

NEWS equipment is progressing and as cost comes down new technology will reach more segments of the market. This offers efficiency opportunities for the end user.

To the distribution sector keeping up to date can be a challenge to keep up to date to ensure they continue to offer the best advice to their customers. Distributors will need more than ever the support from the manufacturer. Secondly range, equipment ranges are expanding, GYS offer over 80 welding machines and this makes stocking and thus customer service at distributor level difficult.

Therefore the GYS strategy is a joint one, major investment in R&D backed with investment in local markets, this means growing our sales and technical support subsidiaries. Putting stock in country close to point of sale and critically investing in skilled people to provide the support to end user and distribution partners.

What trends do you see emerging in the industry?

At manufacturer level in recent years we have already seen consolidation and the removal of some brands. The commercial violence from the coronavirus crisis will feed yet more corporate consolidation and possible loss of some players.

Technology will continue to enable advances in welding technology, we will see wider implementation of robotics as costs come down along with a continual gaining of momentum of Industry 4.0. It’s a great time to be in the welding sector, with technology offering efficiency gains and likely to continue to do so and at lower cost than ever before.

Which new products have you launched recently or do you intend to launch in the near future?

Historically GYS had become regarded as a manufacturer of smaller or lower specification welding machines now with the recently introduced 400/500A inverter family GYS is able to compete in wider markets. Currently building on our experience in body repair we are developing a new range of capacitor discharge and drawn arc machines to add to the range. Also we are applying the research & development team to

automation, and robotics, our first Cobot collaboration in the marine industry is happening this summer. Also we have opened up working relationships with system integrators and in addition we have embarked on several projects developing customised solutions for specialised users.

Do you have any new initiatives both in the home and foreign markets which are planned?

GYS is a growing company so there is always much going on. At the moment we are completing the first phase of our new European Logistics Centre in France. This is a brand new 120,000sq ft (12,000sqm) facility which started operation in January. On the same site we have capacity to add a similar size factory extension. Elsewhere GYS is expanding its investment in Italy, a small sales subsidiary was set up in 2015 and we are purchasing land to build a larger operation. We are also looking at several markets to open the next overseas GYS subsidiary. UK investment is also continuing and following the doubling of our office space in 2019 more expansion is planned. To reflect the move into automation and robotics we are preparing to build a new robotics centre at our head office at Rugby. â–

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Rusty creations N EWS

A man who took up welding just three years ago has set up his own business and now works full time in the industry.

Billy Moulton-Day, 29, had always wanted to weld and had been interested in making sculptures when he finally took the plunge and started a level 2 evening class on the basics at South Essex College in Grays.

Having picked up some elements of his craft, he decided to make a reindeer out of horseshoes which he had been given by a local farmer.

After posting an image of his creation on Facebook, Billy was amazed to get requests to make them and that was

where his business Rusty Creations Limited was born.

Commenting on his change of career Billy said: “In January 2018 my granddad died.

He was an engineer and I inherited many of his tools, some of which helped me with the welding.

“From this point I started to make a number of things such as wine racks and a fish sculpture, all of them using horseshoes or other bits of metal.

“It wasn’t until last year that I got my first

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NEWS commission, which was a King Charles Spaniel model and now I have just finished making a Border Collie.”

Billy, from Gestingthorpe, Essex is currently woking on his next big project commission which is to make a man sitting down catching a fish.

Commenting on why he enjoys welding Billy said; “ I enjoy having free rein to what I can make, and find I have a vision of what I want to make from the various bits of metal.”

Now a welder at an automotive company in Fordham in Essex, he has turned his new skill it into both a job and an artistic business.

But while Billy has been to college to finish the first part of his level three course, no colleges locally have hosted it to allow him to complete diploma in welding and fabrication.

Despite this he is keen to progress, and has made an appeal to businesses to support him saying: “I am still working with my first machine and have a basic mask so would love to be able to work with updated machinery and would of course be happy to speak to any businesses out there who would like to support me.” ■ For further information head to www.rustycreations.co.uk

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N EWS

Nancy Revell TRIUMPH OF THE SHIPYARD GIRLS

Nancy Revell, 51, has just published the eighth in the series called ‘Triumph of the Shipyard Girls’ while the next out is ‘A Christmas Wish for the Shipyard Girls,’ due to be available from October 1.

It is a 12 book series and is due to finish at the end of the war.

Nancy, who lives in Roker, Sunderland, half a mile away from the yards, was born and raised there but moved away and came back in 2015, the same year in which she began to write the series.

Having switched from writing hard news and features for national newspapers, Nancy had published about her own struggles with IVF and her husband Paul’s battle with cancer, before she was offered a book deal as a saga writer.

“My mother’s family were shipyard workers but there were four generations of shipyard workers who were platers not welders and the initial premise was about women on the home front in the second world war,” she explained.

“This is where welding came into it as I was living down south had a walk along the river with husband - I wanted it to be set in Sunderland as not many books are set there or in the North East in general and Paul said did women work in shipyards so I googled it and brought up a lone article about women in the shipyards during the war.

“It gave me the idea and I decided it would be about women who had been welders as my husband welds, and he gave me some pointers as to what they might have done.

“As I investigated the subject further I saw wonderful black and white pictures of women in overalls and welding masks and big leather gloves and boots. They were such striking images and these were

A former journalist whose family worked in the shipyards of Sunderland has published the latest in a series of books on women welders during the second world war.

the inspiration for my characters.

“Obviously welding was very different at that time than it is now with health and safety and equipment.

“I found a book which had been written by a woman who had been a welder in the US, they had been given huge orders to deliver a Liberty ship which was welded not riveted so it could be created quicker.

“I found out that yards in the north east had drawn up a prototype of a pre-fab ship which could be knocked together.

“The US had a bigger workforce so could handle more especially as they hadn’t faced bombing which had disrupted manufacturing here.

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“I discovered that welding was a slightly poorer relation here and that they used poorer equipment which was not as good as in the US. “Saga books are meant to be informative and I pride myself on getting things right and on taking time on little things like burns, what a weld looks like from afar and how cumbersome it was as women were wearing oversized clothes meant for men.

“The Imperial war museum archives have material from women interviewed who were in their 60s at the time and what they said backs up what I found out. Many were trained up quickly and not given as much money as the men and expected to be back to a home role after the war. I spoke to a number of men who were in the

NEWS

meant she she has had to learn to weld to create it.

“The sculpture is to provide a legacy for the 700 women who worked in the shipyards, it was due to be unveiled in May this year but that has now been pushed back.”

Reflecting on what she has learned about welding as a process and an art form Nancy says: “My experience of welding now is that there is so much skill involved and I see it as something quite beautiful, the colours which come out of the process and the the chemistry behind it with the visual imagery make it just magical.” ■ yards at the time but many didn’t have any recollection of the women who had been there.

“I was vocal that many of these women haven’t been recognised in the war.

Over past couple of years women from Soroptimist International Sunderland have pushed for a public sculpture as a commemoration of their work.”

Sunderland City Council have commissioned sculpture on the new Riverside Development.

“We wanted a woman with connections to Sunderland to do it and artist Rosanne Robertson has been chosen - it has

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N EWS

Kingsbury to be the sole distributor of GEFERTEC machines in the UK, Ireland & the Gulf Kingsbury has announced that it will be the exclusive provider of GEFERTEC machines, after recently signing the distribution contract which took effect in April.

This will make them the only GEFERTEC supplier in the UK, Ireland and the Gulf.

GEFERTEC, the provider of arc machines, actively develops new methods for producing metallic parts, specifically where parts extend beyond conventional production processes. As such, GEFERTEC is very popular among designers and engineers for offering unique possibilities that are otherwise difficult, expensive or time-consuming.

Tobias Röhrich of Gefertec said; “Kingsbury is a perfect partner for GEFERTEC with more than 60 years of experience in the relevant markets and industries. We share the same vision of offering our customers more than just

hardware but looking for a long-term cooperation. With Kingsbury’s expertise and passion for manufacturing, we will make the benefits of 3DMP a success for our UK customers too.”

The manufacturer’s 3DMP® technology is based on modern arc welding in the form of ready-to-use machinery.

Richard Kingsbury, Managing Director of Kingsbury explained: “There are some tremendous advantages associated with WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing), chief amongst these is the use of wire as the raw ‘building’ material, as opposed to powdered metal. Gefertec are the only provider of the revolutionary 3DMP® technology, incorporated onto a machine platform that is controlled by the familiar Siemens 840D CNC, and this transforms the offering for Kingsbury customers.”

3DMP® technology is the combination

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of reliable arc welding and CAD for metal part production. GEFERTEC’s bespoke software uses CAD data and converts it into individual digital printing layers; CAM models, before the blank part is printed, followed by a 3D scan for quality control and subsequent milling to net shape. In comparison to conventional subtractive machining, 3DMP® is an economic and efficient additive manufacturing method.

Savings in production costs can be up to 60%.

GEFERTEC and its 3DMP® technology, shuns traditional powder methods in favour of wire, which is used with great effect. Wire is a low-cost material that is easily stored and offers nearly 100% material utilisation. It is typically easier to use than powder and provides optimum processability, whilst presenting significantly reduced Health and Safety concerns. ■

NEWS

Two more of Sellafield Ltd’s major projects are set to restart construction work Work on the Box Encapsulation Plant (BEP) and SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP) sites ceased when the lockdown hit on 23 March 2020.

Since then the organisation has been planning a phased restart. These projects are the third and fourth to bring construction teams back on-site.

As with their predecessors, every effort has been made to ensure employees are as safe as they can be whilst at work.

Construction sites offer more outdoor work and space to move around, meaning that social distancing can be easier than in other parts of the business – especially with fewer people on-site.

But there are still new safety measures for people coming back on-site at BEP and SCP that change the working day.

These include new one-way systems, socially distanced change rooms and canteens, barriers, and changes to the way people access and leave the site.

SCP construction manager Steve Gilroy said: “Our project is fundamental to

protecting and enabling the site’s future mission of high hazard reduction, post operational clean out and broader decommissioning of the site, so returning the project to construction activities is time critical.

“The project team have worked closely with our supply chain partners, including workforce representatives, to prepare the site to ensure our workforce can return to work with confidence that their safety is our top priority.

“Learning from other major construction projects at Sellafield and nationally has been incorporated into the SCP restart arrangements, which are based on a phased approach with careful consideration of our work activities.

The work that will restart includes continuation of excavation activities that were paused in March, foundation formation works for the two main buildings and associated asbestos remediation activities. This phase is anticipated to take 6 to 8 weeks to

complete, during which time we will be working up the restart plan for the next phase.”

BOX ENCAPSULATION PLANT When built our Box Encapsulation Plant will place waste from our legacy facilities (including Magnox Swarf Storage Silo, First Generation Magnox Storage Pond, and the Pile Fuel Storage Pond) into 3m3 boxes, prior to them being stored in the Box Encapsulation Plant Product Store.

SIXEP Continuity Plant THE SIXEP CONTINUITY PLANT The SIXEP Continuity Plant is being built alongside Sellafield’s Site Ion Exchange Effluent Plant, or SIXEP – what is referred to as “the kidneys of the site”.

SIXEP does vital work to clean our liquid effluents before discharge to the sea.

Its importance is beyond question – but it won’t last forever, which is why the continuity plant will replace it. ■

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N EWS

RONALD POPE (1920-97) Sculptor with a Welding Torch A photograph of a man using a welding torch is a familiar icon of our industrial heritage. Rarely is it symbolic of a talented sculptor - except in the case of Ronald Pope.

Pope was a sculptor of the Modernist era, constructing sculptures in steel, copper, bronze, wood and stone. By his wide use of different materials his imagination and technique crossed the boundaries of the sculptors of his time.

He began to establish himself as a sculptor in Derbyshire in the 1950s, but recognition came at a price he was not comfortable to pay. He had several large exhibitions, but his unease with the concurrent demands on him and intrusion into his private life led him to public seclusion. However, Pope was a man with a clear focus, and was determined to let his art speak for

Ronald Pope at Kings Lynn Festival 1970

itself. It was not a bad strategy - in relative peace he was able to produce almost 500 unique sculptures, the majority in metals, creating works to compare with those of Constantin Brâncuşi, Henry Moore,

‘Five Bishops’ maquette

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Barbara Hepworth and American sculptor David Smith.

His sculptures in metals are carefully constructed using skills he first learned as an engineer, and then perfected as a sculptor; the effect is unparalleled by many sculptors. He preferred oxy-acetylene gas welding to give him full control of the process required for the ‘building up’ of his sculptures, several of which were intricately formed of many separate pieces, or were small and delicate - his ‘Musician’ and ‘Crowd’ Series required particularly fine skills to complete. At the other end of the scale are two of his major sculptures ‘Christ on the Cross and St Catherine’ at St Catherine of Siena Church, Sheffield (commissioned by architect Sir Basil Spence), and the ‘Five Bishops’ at the Hertford Theatre, Hertford, both in phosphor bronze. Pope light-heartedly called his technique a ‘touch and a flick of the wrist’ - which somewhat belies the skill he summoned to the task.

Most of his sculptures, in all mediums, reflect his deep belief in the bond within the family and between couples - in his representational ‘Duo’ (on display at

NEWS

‘Five Bishops’ Hertford Theatre, Hertford

Crucifix at St Michael with St Mary’s Church

Derby University), and in his abstract work, based on his observation of the rock formations in Derbyshire cliffs.

Pope was a philosopher at heart, but struggled to reconcile his passion for peace, compassion and understanding in a world he saw as mechanistic, aggressive and driven by ambition. His sculpture at times portrays this conflict. The crucifix at St Michael with St Mary’s Church (Melbourne, Derbyshire) is indicative of Pope’s mind. This sculpture, formed in welded mild steel, challenges conventional norms, expressing discord within the guise of a crucifix; nonetheless it conveys a very clear message of peace.

There are many Pope sculptures in the public domain, and large collections also exist at

Derby Museums, Watford Museum and the Djanogly Gallery (Nottingham University), as well as many in private collections. ■ An exhibition of Pope’s work at Derby Museums hopes to reopen in June, and run to September 2020.

His work can also be seen on his website www.ronaldpopesculpture.co.uk, and www.artuk.org

‘Crowd’ Series

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N EWS

MACH 2021 - All those machining innovations 25/01/2021 - 28/01/2021

MACH is a fantastic event for both exhibitors and visitors.

Showcasing live, digital production systems in one space, under one roof, hundreds of millions of pounds worth of business is discussed, secured and completed at the event.

Attracting 25,000 visitors and in excess of 600 exhibitors, MACH is the platform to connect UK manufacturing engineers, decision makers, buyers and specifiers with suppliers of new technology, equipment, services and processes.

MACH is owned and organised by The Manufacturing Technologies Association, the voice for the manufacturing technologies industry, committed to driving innovation, creating value and helping UK manufacturing to thrive.

Steel Blue Introduces New Welding Boot to UK Market Steel Blue, Australia’s leading supplier of safety footwear, takes the next step in safety with the launch of the new Collie S3 welding boot. The Collie is a durable whiskey coloured, heat and spark resistant welding boot, that is built to last and with 100% Comfort Guaranteed.

COMFORT FROM DOWN UNDER The Collie has been the welding boot of choice in Australia due to its longevity and level of comfort. Steel Blue is now proud to introduce this premium safety boot to customers across Europe. First orders have just been placed in the UK where the Collie has recently launched. The Collie is now available from selected UK stockists.

The Collie S3 is a high leg boot, made from premium leather, and has been specifically designed to withstand the toughest hot welding and metal fabrication environments. For easy on and off, the Collie includes an industrial grade zipper.

The surrounding leather protects the zip from sparks. Fire retardant laces at the top ensure an extra snug fit.

The redwood leather is water-resistant and is stitched in a contrasting strong yellow

Kevlar® thread. The oil and acid resistant nitrile rubber outsole is heat resistant to 300°C. For added safety, the steel toe cap has been included and the penetration resistant (PR) midsole reduces the chance of sharp objects piercing though the sole. The Collie S3 can be worn in any weather condition, as the leather has a natural moisture-wicking and absorption capability so that feet stay warm and dry.

All Steel Blue safety boots are CE certified and tested independently to European Standard EN ISO 20345.

All Steel Blue footwear comes with a 30 day 100% comfort guarantee and 6 months manufacturer warranty for a no risk trial.

ABOUT STEEL BLUE Steel Blue is a 100% Australian-owned premium safety footwear manufacturer

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that continually innovates to provide comfortable, safe and durable work boots.

Featuring patented Trisole® Comfort Technology, Ortho Rebound® Footbed and supple leather, all Steel Blue boots are backed by a 100% Comfort Guarantee.

Established in 1995, Steel Blue is Australia’s leading supplier of safety boots and the only one to receive the Australian Physiotherapy Association endorsement.

Steel Blue began exporting in 1996 and now services New Zealand, Europe, USA, Papua New Guinea, South-East Asia, West Africa, the Middle East, Trinidad and Tobago. Steel Blue are strong supporters of the community and they enjoy a close association with many groups nationally and globally.

For more information please visit www.steelblue.com/gb/ Sales enquiries: 0114 3216 433 info.europe@steelblue.com

B OA R D M EM B ERS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE How is everyone?

I celebrated the 75th Anniversary VE day on the 8th May, did you?

Hoping the worst is nearly over and we can start to think about getting back to normality. Getting back to the life we knew may not be easy but if we all stand together and reach out for help we can do this.

If there is any members the same age as me you will remember in 1945 when we made it through the war and we started to rebuild, We have done it before and we can do it again. Over the last few weeks I have had a lot of time to think and try to make plans and at my age I think it’s time I make plans for my future which includes me jumping on my BMW and riding up to the west side of Scotland. Will I be passing any of you? I could come and say hello.

Next month is my birthday so I am hoping that I can spend that day with my family and celebrate with them that we got through this terrible time.

I am extremely proud of how our family company has survived this time, we have all worked together and been thinking outside the box to ensure we keep connected with our customers and to ensure we contribute to the economy going forward.

We feel very privileged that we were contacted by our local hospital, the Leicester Royal Infirmary requesting our help.

They had been donated 20 ESAB filtration masks which are normally used as PPE for the welders. These masks needed replacement filters and replacement pre-filters. We managed to get our hands on these filters and donated them to the Hospital, this was just a small way of saying thank you to the NHS and I am sure a lot of you have been doing the same.

I am still actively looking to buy welding equipment and although there are restrictions in place I can still take your calls and emails throughout the day.

I talk a lot about communication but this is because it is key!

We must communicate with each other, it’s so important in our industry that we all stick together and help each other where possible. I am always available for a chat so please pick up the phone and give me a call.

Take care, stay safe.

PETER WESTERMAN President AWD

Brought to you by:

Welding World Ltd on behalf of the Association of Welding Distribution Gavin Pearson, 5 Parsons Street, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1JJ. + 44 (0)1952 290 036 + 44 (0)1952 290 037 secretariat@awd.org.uk www.awd.org.uk Adrian Hawkins Managing Director Telephone: 01462 482200 07793 220800 E-mail: adrian@welding-world.com Dave P. Ellwood Director & Company Secretary Telephone: 01252 333661 07860 258309 E-mail: dave@welding-world.com Lee Darton Finance Director Telephone: 01462 482200 07734 857044 E-mail: lee@welding-world.com

Editor: Darren Isted editor@welding-world.com Design: David Walters Published on behalf of Welding World by: Tel: 07539 782979 Email: hdmdigitalsales@gmail.com www.hashtagdigitalmedia.co.uk While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the AWD, the editor and the publisher, Hashtag Digital Media, cannot accept liability for any statement or error, or for any claims made by the advertisers, contained herein ©Welding World 2020. They cannot be held responsible for the failure to use, or for the poor depiction of use of environmental, personal or other equipment, such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment in photographs received from editorial contributors or advertisers. Best practice in the use of the correct and appropriate equipment is advocated and strongly recommended by the AWD. Hashtag Digital Media ensures that the paper used for printing this publication has been sourced from sustainably managed forests.

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P R ODUCT N E WS

Exatig The GYS Exatig HF ignition control unit allows you to convert a standard DC power source or an Engine driven welding generator into a functional HF start Tig. The portable and robust Exatig is IP23 rated with a reinforced design and shock absorbent pads making it suitable for harsh outdoor environments. A knurled control knob and clear gas flowmeter located on the face of the machine allows for simple and precise gas control.

2T and 4T torch trigger management with Dinse type connectors and 7 pin Amphenol for use with any tig torch. Pre and Post gas timers crucial for the start and end of welds can be adjusted from 0.1 s – 8 seconds.

The Exatig has been optimised for use with the GYS 400A Exagon CC/CV power source,

meaning the Arc ignition, Tig pulse, slope in/ slope out gas timers and trigger control is fully operational from the Exatig. Optional fixing kit means the Exatig can be securely and neatly located on the Exagon trolley.

Ideal areas of use are where no electrical supply is located nearby, working at heights or where the power source needs to be left at a distance to the working area.

CLICK HERE for datasheets, manuals, images and more

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THE ASSOCIATION OF WELDING DISTRIBUTION MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Joining the AWD will offer peace of mind, a steady source of information and useful sales initiatives - increasing real business opportunities for our members.

The AWD promotes the interests of its membership across the UK and throughout the world. Of principle interest to most is the access provided to the Welding World brand, which supports the magazine, the Apple/ Google app, the website, the Buyers Guide and the Marketplace. Entry to all of these is entirely FREE to members of the AWD. Via the Welding World Magazine, you will access a readership of some 30,000 end users, distributors and students, and more worldwide with access to our FREE, online App and Website. We are actively engaged in tweeting our regular articles, boosting that readership further still.

Encourage your colleagues and suppliers to join and share the great benefits detailed below.

• Members are offered greatly reduced advertising rates, discounted by 35%.

WELDING WORLD HEADLINES

• FREE to AWD members: Highlight your business in the centrefold of Welding World Magazine.

• We will provide 500 A4, full colour leaflets, for your local distribution based on your magazine entry.

• A members only bi-monthly email newsletter which keeps members informed on matters relative to the welding industry including economic data, new UK & European directives, employment issues, changes to the laws affecting our industry, and forthcoming exhibition information.

Why not provide some useful articles that can be included with the circulation of this newsletter?

WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE • The only full colour and professionally presented journal distributed within the UK welding industry. • AWD members are provided the opportunity to provide their own product reviews, FREE of charge • Take the opportunity to advertise and open up your range to our extensive readership.

WELDING WORLD HIGHLIGHT

WELDING WORLD APP • Enjoy FREE access to the Welding World Magazine and Welding World Buyers Guide online, as a member of the AWD. • Enable your advertising or editorial features to connect to real time streaming video to enable your potential customers to obtain the best impression or view of your product range.

CLICK HERE for a full

list of membership benefits

P R ODUCT N E WS

Heavy duty, strong & powerful pipe bevelling machine RANGE I/D 180-590 MM (7” – 24”) The Supermaxi 7″-24″ pipe bevelling machine is an extremely heavy duty, large diameter pipe bevelling system for use in industries such as on & offshore oil & gas pipelines.

The new generation of Supermaxi machines are equipped with an innovative self centring, 6 point contact internal locking system enabling increased stability, minimal pipe deformation and a reduction in of vibration during machining operations, offering repeatable, high quality weld preparations.

Equipped with a precise speed control and a unique right angle axial feed system, the Supermaxi 7″-24″ pipe bevelling machine allows the user precise control of both head rotation speed and depth of cut.

This innovative machine is designed with tooling geometry which ensures that cut previously cut material and swarf do not interfere with the surface finish of the following passes.

As with its smaller counterpart the Supermaxi 4″-16″ pipe bevelling machine the heavy duty, tough, yet portable construction of the Supermaxi 7″-24″ pipe bevelling machine is configured with top mounted lifting eye and rear handles for operator friendly handling and less operator fatigue when in use.

GBC’s Supermaxi range of pipework preparation machines is designed and built with maximum durability in mind providing operators with the best possible tools for the job in hand year upon year!

Drive conversion kits available to easily swap between power source with minimal effort.

• RANGE – Working range from 7” to 20” (180-504mm) in standard configuration and up to 24” (590mm) with the optional extension kit.

• FUNCTIONS – Pipe & tube chamfering, facing & counterboring, external and internal bevelling of pipes • MATERIALS – Carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, inconel, other alloys.

• POWER – Pneumatic, electric (110v or 220v), hydraulic (hydraulic power pack required) • OPTIONS – Wedge lock carbide tool holders and tooling Superm

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The unit for any is equipped with easil angle of scales y inter in relat bevel whic changeab h com - 8% coba ion to the material e in various le tools - titanium lt hardness typology coate : - tip of hard metad l

GBC UK operate an extensive, unrivalled hire fleet of machines including many Supermaxi 7″-24″ pipework preparation machines available internationally for immediate dispatch.

For further information on the range of hire equipment please do not hesitate to get in touch with the team on 01844 201 555 or sales@gbc-uk.com.

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om

PR ODUCT NEWS

The welding helmet is an important part of personal protective equipment, it protects the eyes and face of the welder from the harmful UV radiation.

INTELLIGENT OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY FOR MAXIMUM COMFORT The Vizor Connect is the world’s first welding helmet that communicates with a power source via Bluetooth. This means that it darkens prior to ignition rather than waiting until the arc is lit. The helmet also eliminates the problem of interference from external light and reliably darkens even in demanding welding situations. It therefore ensures a higher degree of both safety and comfort.

Using Fronius PreTrigger technology, the power source sends a signal to the welding helmet via Bluetooth as soon as the user presses the On button on the welding torch. The helmet therefore darkens before the arc is ignited. This protects users against the abrupt flash of light that would previously appear before the helmet darkened. This completely protects the welder’s eyes from welding light and reduces tiredness.

The auto-darkening filter cartridge remains in place even at the lowest currents and if the arc is concealed and in constrained positions, as long as the arc is burning. This is because the helmet

reliably responds to the signal sent by the connected power source. This improves occupational safety for the welder. The level of protection applicable to the welding process is automatically adjusted between DIN 5 and DIN 12. The darkness level is therefore perfectly adapted to the intensity of the arc at all times. The welder also has the option of switching to manual mode and infinitely adjusting the darkness as required.

A further advantage is that the Vizor Connect eliminates the problem of interference from external light.

Conventional welding helmets sometimes darken at inappropriate times as a result of light reflections, warning lights, or external welding light. Not the Vizor Connect. The helmet provides ideal protection during activities before and after welding, including grinding.

When the welder disconnects the Bluetooth connection between the helmet and the power source, the Vizor Connect acts like a conventional protective helmet and darkens in the presence of light sources as of a certain intensity.

When the helmet is not darkened, it provides a clear view with a brightness level of 2.5 as well as real colour

perception thanks to a specially developed UV and infrared filter. The autodarkening filter cartridge with nose cutout gives the welder an unobstructed line of sight and makes the helmet extremely comfortable to wear. The special shape increases the field of view up to six times and reduces the weight of the helmet. â–

The modern design of the Vizor Connect from Fronius reflects its high-tech functionality.

The nose cut-out gives the welder an unobstructed line of sight.

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P R ODUCT N E WS

DIGITAL WELDING DATA MANAGEMENT IN ROBOT-ASSISTED PRODUCTION

Complete documentation and quality assurance is becoming more and more important in robotic welding. ewm Xnet, EWM’s welding quality management system, supports companies to achieve just that.

Complete documentation and quality assurance is becoming more and more important in robotic welding. With ewm Xnet, the digital Welding 4.0 quality management system, EWM AG is offering its trade and industry customers an extensive, versatile and easy-to-operate solution. It even recognises changes to the parameters using real-time welding data recording and analysis, signalling these to you and helping you to prevent errors.

And now, both EWM power sources and welding machines from any manufacturer can be integrated into the network, making your company’s entire welding production safe and transparent.

Welding technology production is under enormous pressure and this pressure seems to be constantly growing due to the ever-increasing demand for complete documentation. In the past five years, expenditure for such has increased almost

Companies that use ewm Xnet are able to meet product liability requirements with minimum effort. In addition to quality assurance, ewm Xnet also helps companies boost their productivity and reduce costs.

Preparation and subsequent controlling play a crucial role in automated welding.

eightfold in many sectors. That’s why production-related quality assurance is becoming more and more important.

This is where ewm Xnet has been making the lives of EWM customers easier for years. The welding quality management system supports, documents and analyses a component’s entire production process, from work preparation to final costing, all completely paperless. ewm Xnet records all the welding data in real time, manages it and communicates the consumption values.

While the skills and technical know-how of the user have a huge impact on quality in manual welding, preparation and subsequent controlling play a crucial role in automation. To be able to compile smooth documentation, the following questions must be answered: • Which order does it involve?

• Which components are needed for an assembly?

• Which WPS/WPQR is used as a basis?

• Which parameters have been used for welding (current, voltage, wire feed speed, gas flow rate)?

• To which order will all the information be assigned?

The welding parameters are set using a higher-level control. It must then be ensured that these are adhered to. ewm Xnet follows the parameters throughout the entire welding process and reports in real time if any inconsistencies occur.

The welding process can then be ended without damaging the product and a

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signal will be triggered, e.g. a light or a sound.

Order numbers, assemblies, batches, serial numbers etc. can be recorded when entered using an industry scanner and assigned to the welding process.

The welding management system also provides data on consumption and efficiency. As ewm Xnet works in an open SQL database, various systems are able to read and write data for the purpose of digitalisation. ewm Xnet gives you the ability to integrate both EWM power sources and welding machines from any manufacturer into the network, making the whole production transparent in line with Industry 4.0 requirements, even for companies that use various makes of machine in their welding production. ewm Xnet is web-based and compatible with all operating systems. ■ ewm Xnet is web-based and compatible with all operating systems.

Once the programme is installed on the company’s own server, it can be accessed by all machines linked to the server in a similar way to a website. Devices include fixed PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

PR ODUCT NEWS

The QIROX QRC-30/45/60-PL is characterised by high dynamics, a slim product design and a low net weight

QIROX QRC-30/45/60-PL ROBOT

More than welding: The all-round robot with high payload Whether laser or The new QIROX laser-hybrid QRC-30/45/60-PL welding, robot is characterised by a high payload handling capacity for a wide or grinding range of applications tasks – the QIROX QRC-30/45/60-PL robot is a true all-rounder with a high payload capacity for a wide range of applications.

The six-axis articulated arm robot is used in upright or overhead position and is mounted on a base or directly at a robot positioner. The QIROX QRC-30/45/60-PL robot has a classic wrist where working tools with a weight of up to 30, 45 or 60 kg can be mounted. The optional changing tool at the wrist allows the use of different working processes with one robot.

The QIROX QRC-30/45/60-PL is characterised by high dynamics, a slim product design and a low net weight. By using carbon components, vibrations on the mechanics are optimally damped.

Users benefit from the repeatability, the long service life and long maintenance intervals. The robot also impresses with a big working envelope of 4,500, 4,200 or 3,900 mm and little floor space.

The mechanical interface on the third axis body allows the attachment of tools and wire drives up to 40 kg. Due to the integrated media supply system, a media box can be integrated on the robot shoulder without the need for an additional cable loom. The externally guided cable loom allows quick repair by plug & play in the case of service.

Furthermore, extensions and retrofits are possible at any time due to the modular design. â–

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SI F T I PS

SOLDERING ALUMINIUM Historically, engineers have considered that welding aluminium presents a range of problems due to its surface oxide and that it does not change colour when heated. With the advent of MIG and TIG welding, it is now regularly welded with great success.

Certain alloys can be gas welded or brazed, but the removal of flux residue is most important, as its corrosive action will continue after the joint has been completed.

There is another ‘low temperature’ process, which is called soldering, although the workpiece is melted. The parts to be joined are heated (even by a small propane burner) and the rod rubbed on the work surface. At the correct temperature (370 C), the rod is seen to melt and creates an exothermic reaction generating sufficient heat to locally melt the aluminium. An advantage of this process is that flux is NOT required. We refer to the material as SIF 555 Aluminium Solder. The product gives high strength deposits that do not have the problem of galvanic corrosion between base metal and solder. The low working temperature keeps distortion and discoloration of the work to a minimum.

This process is commonly used by manufacturers of aluminium windows and doors. It is ideal for repairing and sealing defects in aluminium boats, gutters, engine parts, castings and sheets, being especially recommended for applications where flux residue removal is a problem.

The correct procedure is as follows; cracks and joints should be bevelled to a 60 to 90 Vee. Remove all dirt, grease and foreign material from the surface to be bonded.

For a higher strength bond, roughen the surface before applying the alloy. Using a carburizing flame, heat the part broadly.

As the temperature approaches 370 C, rub

the rod on the surface to be soldered.

Continue heating base metal until enough heat is present to cause the rod to melt off when it is rubbed on the joint. Do not overheat, but be sure the entire joint surface is tinned before adding additional alloy to make a build-up. Tinning action may be improved by using a clean, stainless steel wire brush to brush through the molten metal to the base metal surface. Allow part to cool slowly.

BRAZING ALUMINIUM Traditionally Sifbronze referred to the technique as “Process 36”, but recently Sifalumin No 36 and Aluminium No 36 flux have been replaced by Sifalumin No 16 which melts approx. 80 C lower than pure aluminium and Aluminium Flux.

The process is applicable to pure aluminium and alloys with up to 2% magnesium. Other alloys will prove difficult, especially if containing high % of silicon. The joint design should be lap type with a good mechanical fit.

Parts must be thoroughly cleaned and if magnesium bearing wire brushing is

essential. The brazing operation should be carried out as soon as possible after cleaning.

The SIF Aluminium flux is used as a temperature indicator and can be applied via the rod or applied direct to the workpiece as a paste, made by mixing the flux with water. The whole workpiece should be pre-heated with the blowpipe moving backwards and forwards along the joint line. As the flux melts, the rod is applied to flow freely along and trough the joint. It is important to avoid overheating which can destroy the properties of Sifalumin No 16.

Aluminium flux is highly corrosive and the residue must be removed within 30 minutes of the brazing operation. Where joints are accessible, wire brush with very hot water or even a steam jet, alternatively treatment with 5% nitric acid solution may be required.

Preparation Is Key. All brazing and soldering applications require components to be clean and oil free to facilitate capillary action. Thorough degrease and clean all component before attending to start the process. ■

Technical advice in the original SifTips style was started in 1932. ‘Sifbronzing’ is an almost universally recognised way of describing the low temperature bronze welding of sheet steel, cast iron and other metals. This explains why Sifbronze, the company which first developed and promoted the technique, is generally considered to be a supplier of high quality welding rods, wires, fluxes and equipment.

‘Will the Welder’ was a SifTips magazine that was produced in the early 1930s. The aim was to provide users with ideas and tips on how to get the most out of their welding equipment.

Sif is renowned for its UK manufacturing heritage as well as its complete range of quality welding consumables used globally for almost a century.

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A ND FINA L LY

AND FINALLY...

Its extremely sad that within a few months, the UK economy is potentially entering its worst major economic turmoil since 1706. However the death toll, whatever the final official number becomes, makes for very grim reading and we can only be comfortable that the measures taken so far has stopped a very bad situation becoming a lot worse.

Lets not dwell too much on the dismal situation over the past few months but focus instead on the positives post pandemic. We have lost almost three months turnover and will need to spring back into action in the coming months to make up this shortfall and by your side you will need a positively charged Welding Industry Association to help carry your messages to your Customers!

Consequently the AWD and Welding World are making a range of changes to the way in which we support our Members.

The first of these is the change in our Magazine producer and Advertising sales agent from TRMG to Hashtag Digital Media. The Board has long considered that the magazine required a facelift not just in the type face but in the manner in which we were represented and fully able to disseminate information on behalf of the industry.

This magazine is the first in this new style.

You will see that in maintaining a digital version during COVID19 we are able to add some really interesting features such as, connection to website URL’s, automated email responses and the additional links to online videos which make the advertising in the magazine come alive! We hope you like our style and will take advantage of the new facilities provided and our competitive pricing!

We are delighted with our growing U.K. and international circulation of this magazine and we will be making each edition available digitally and in printed form (on request) in the future.

Many of our contributors are keen to reach the largest possible audience, so to support this and from this edition onwards, each magazine will be distributed electronically via email, via the Welding World website and App, via social media on Twitter and LinkedIn. So this will be the second major change we are introducing and we hope you will take full advantage of these changes by emailing all the contact names within your organisation that would benefit from access to this magazine.

Please email their addresses to admin@welding-world.com and we will arrange circulation of the magazine bi-monthly to them.

We are delighted that our long serving Editor, Darren Isted has been able to bring the complete redevelopment of the Welding World magazine under his direct control. These changes mark an acceleration of our support to the industry and our Membership in particular.

Our voice of the Welding Industry is your content and your continued support is appreciated.

Our third major change is the emergence of regular face to face meeting opportunities via Zoom. We held our first seminar on the COVID19 pandemic under the title “Life after Lockdown�, where Croner the Employment law specialist, presented advice to Employers on enabling the safe return to work of their staff.

For those that missed the presentation, this advice can be viewed again below:

We are planning a number of these Welding World Virtual Meetings, via Zoom sessions over the coming months and would appreciate hearing from Members and Organisations that wish to sponsor these events or support them with content, presentations or subject matter.

The dates for each event are as follows and each seminar will run from 10am until 12 noon.

2020 - July 8th 2020 - September 9th 2020 - November 11th 2021 - February 10th 2021 - April 14th Please contact us at admin@welding-world.com to confirm your interest in supporting these events or reserving your place.

Finally, the world is in turmoil, but slowly rebuilding its strength.

The Welding Industry has always been strong and will continue to be so. Lets work together to develop the right image of the Industry, the people and the products and build a brighter future to compensate us all for the recent past.

Kind Regards,

Adrian Hawkins Managing Director, Welding World Ltd managing.director@welding-world.com

Adrian is also Deputy Chair at the Main Board of the Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of the LEP Board for Skills and Employment in Hertfordshire.

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