Large-scale welding operations seek technologies that offer greater productivity, safety, and cost-efficiency. They’ve found that performing welds with an automated process can enhance precision and control, which is difficult to achieve with manual welding. Additionally, automated processes have enabled operators to weld in spaces with tight clearances. However, automation sometimes results in welders losing direct control of the welding process.
This doesn’t have to be the case, though. With welding remote pendant control, welders can exert control over the welding process and make necessary optimizations without engaging with the power supply unit for adjustments.
What Are the Advantages of Using Welding Remote Pendant Control?
The greatest asset in the welding process is the skilled welder’s ability to judge the weld pool and identify procedural errors. In manual welding, this is simple because the welder is in direct control of the process and can observe the error and optimize the parameters. However, when the welding process is mechanized, the operator is restricted to the monitoring position. Consequently, welding remote pendant control is needed to give the operator the key to weld parameter control whenever and wherever required. Let’s discuss the advantages in detail.
- Remote control capability: When performing complex weld applications, welders may need to frequently change the weld head positioning and other parameters to ensure the weld meets specification. In applications like large-bore welding, observation of the weld pool may not be as simple. Welders may need to adjust in awkward positions with little room for movement. In such cases, it would be much easier to make adjustments to parameters without having to rush back to the power supply unit. The welding remote pendant control provides a solution where adjustments can be made without operational downtime.
- Operator safety: When weld control relies on the power supply unit, welders may be required to make frequent trips whenever parameter optimization is needed. This is an inconvenience that can also become a safety hazard. Multiple trips to the power supply unit also add to a welder’s fatigue. Unfortunately, fatigue is often a contributing factor to poor weld quality. Additionally, some weld procedures may expose welders to hazardous fumes, toxic gases, and radiation.
Power supply trips can be minimized with a remote control pendant, because weld parameters can be optimized from the weld site.When paired with a visual monitoring system, the remote pendant also allows welders to operate remotely and prevent most health risks. Additionally, manufacturers should follow OSHA regulations aimed at ensuring welder safety.
- Productivity: Real-time weld parameter optimization and fewer trips to the power supply unit translates to reduced downtime during welding. Welding remote pendant control also offers accuracy in parameter control that can result in less rework. These improvements can help manufacturers achieve increased productivity and cost-efficiency.
Welding Remote Pendant Control for Orbital GTAW
When the orbital GTAW process is used for applications like pipe welding, most tasks are automated with components like weld heads, monitoring systems, programming software, and robots. In addition, the welding remote pendant control can be paired with the visual weld monitoring system.
Welding operators can examine the weld pool up-close in high resolution and monitor the movement of the weld head. The use of remote pendant control is simply the process of making parameter adjustments through the keypad while observing the weld puddle. This remote access can be particularly advantageous when lengthy pipe welds have to be performed. Here, the weld pendant can offer control, productivity, and cost savings for the weld operation and ergonomic benefits for the welders.
Enhancing the Effectiveness of Welding
To ensure welding effectiveness, welders must adhere to weld standards and follow the weld procedure specification. Along with material selection, weld preparation, weld machine setup, and similar processes, the welding operator must study the weld puddle during the process. High-quality welds and a productive operation can only be assured when the standards, weld technology, and technicians perform efficiently in unison.
Arc Machines, Inc. offers welding remote pendant control compatible with a range of welding machines. For product inquiries contact sales@arcmachines.com. For service, service@arcmachines.com. Contact us to learn more about orbital welding accessories.
