Orbital welding is a specialized type of welding process used for joining tubes or pipes, typically in high-purity or high-reliability applications such as aerospace, semiconductor, or pharmaceutical industries. The process involves the use of an orbital welding machine that rotates an electrode around the circumference of the tubes or pipes being joined, resulting in a continuous, high-quality weld.
The key pieces of equipment required for orbital welding include:
- Orbital welding power supply: A programmable power supply provides the necessary electric current to create and control the welding arc. It also stores and manages welding programs for different materials, thicknesses, and joint configurations.
- Weld head: The weld head is the mechanical device that holds and rotates the electrode around the tubes or pipes. It consists of a clamping mechanism for securing the tubes, an electrode holder, and a motor for rotating the electrode. There are various types of weld heads designed for different tube sizes, shapes, and welding applications.
- Cooling Unit: A cooling unit in orbital welding serves the purpose of regulating the temperature of the weld head and the electrode during the welding process. The cooling unit circulates a coolant, usually water or a water-glycol mixture, through the weld head to dissipate heat generated by the electric arc and maintain the optimal temperature for both the weld head components and the electrode.
