Stainless steel fillet weld, welded with the MicorTwin process
As manufacturing, fabrication and site-based engineering continue to place greater demands on productivity and weld consistency, mobile welding equipment is evolving beyond simply being compact and portable. Today’s systems are increasingly expected to support digital workflows, deliver consistent welding performance across a range of materials, and adapt to changing production requirements.
Lorch’s Micormig Mobile and Micormig Pulse Mobile have been developed with these requirements in mind explains David Wilton, managing director Lorch South Pacific.
“Designed as inverter-based MIG/MAG and flux-cored arc welding systems, the machines combine mobility with digital process control, making them suitable for workshop fabrication, maintenance and repair work, as well as field-based applications,” says Wilton.
One of the key developments is the integration of resonance inverter technology with digital control. “Compared with conventional transformer-based equipment, inverter technology allows greater control over the welding arc while reducing the size and weight of the power source. Digital process control also enables welding parameters to be managed more consistently across a range of welding applications.”
The Micormig Pulse Mobile further incorporates pulsed MIG welding. Rather than transferring filler metal continuously, pulse welding controls the transfer of individual droplets into the weld pool, helping to reduce spatter while maintaining arc stability. The process is commonly used when welding materials such as stainless steel and aluminium, where controlling heat input and weld appearance can be particularly important.
Both systems also incorporate specialised welding processes developed by Lorch, including Speed Arc, Speed Up and MicorTwin (Pulse only). These processes are intended to provide operators with additional options for different joint configurations, welding positions and production requirements.
Beyond the welding process itself, digital connectivity is becoming an increasingly important consideration for many manufacturers says Wilton.
“Lorch Connect enables compatible machines to integrate with Industry 4.0 production environments, allowing welding data to be collected and managed electronically. As more manufacturers adopt digital quality assurance systems, the ability to record welding information may assist with production monitoring, traceability and documentation,” says Wilton.
Ease of operation has also been considered in the machine design. Lorch’s ‘3 steps to weld’ operating concept simplifies machine setup, while the ControlPro interface allows welding procedures to be stored and recalled for repeat production work. Near field communication technology enables authorised users to access machine functions quickly and consistently.
“As fabrication businesses continue to balance productivity, quality assurance and workforce capability, welding equipment is increasingly being designed to support not only the welding process itself, but also the wider digital manufacturing environment. Mobile systems that combine process control, connectivity and portability reflect the broader direction of modern welding technology.”
Sponsored content: For more information phone +64 9 634 1949, email sales@wenzl.co.nz or visit www.weldingengineers.co.nz.