Lorch’s new iQS platform represents what the company describes as a significant step forward in inverter-based arc control, driven by a long-standing commitment to advanced research and development and continuous process innovation, says Lorch South Pacific managing director David Wilton.
“The system architecture is built around high-speed digital regulation, enabling precise manipulation of current, frequency and arc dynamics. This provides the foundation for the next generation of high-performance metal inert gas and metal active gas welding processes,” Wilton says.
A central advancement is the rapid current shutdown (RCS) module. Wilton says RCS is engineered to optimise short-arc transfer by sharply reducing current at the exact moment of droplet detachment.
“This controlled detachment minimises residual arc energy, producing clean, spatter-free transitions and significantly improving weld quality.
“For thin-sheet applications below 3mm and open-gap root pass welding, the stabilised weld pool behaviour reduces heat accumulation, improves edge wetting and lowers the risk of burn-through, a critical advantage in precision fabrication environments.”
The iQS platform’s capability to support rapid process expansion is driven by the smart process control engine. This high-response inverter system achieves higher and more stable switching frequencies, allowing Lorch to introduce new synergic lines and arc modes without hardware changes.
He says the expanded frequency bandwidth improves arc stiffness, droplet formation control and dynamic response, forming the basis for future developments in Lorch’s speed technology.
For demanding materials such as aluminium and chrome-nickel steels, the iQS extends Lorch’s advanced pulsed-arc processes.
“The proven TwinPulse behaviour is now available across all non-cyclic Speed processes via the new Twin function, giving welders greater control over heat-input modulation and bead appearance,” Wilton says.
“The introduction of SpeedWave XT marks a major metallurgical and process-control enhancement. SpeedWave XT is a cyclic pulsed-arc mode that applies energy modulation at adjustable frequencies between 4-40Hz while maintaining constant wire feed.”
This ‘wave’ excitation interacts with the weld pool’s natural frequency, improving gas expulsion, reducing porosity and refining grain structure during solidification.
“The result is lower porosity formation, reduced cracking susceptibility and finer weld-bead scaling, characteristics highly valued in aluminium and stainless applications.”
Wilton says that because SpeedWave XT maintains constant wire feed, mechanical load on torches and accessories is reduced compared with traditional TwinPulse operation, improving long-term system durability.
“With its combination of high-speed inverter control, advanced arc physics and material-specific process innovation, the Lorch iQS establishes a new benchmark for high-end industrial welding performance.
“It is a platform engineered for precision, stability and future expansion.”
Sponsored content: For more information phone +64 9 634 1949, email sales@wenzl.co.nz or visit www.weldingengineers.co.nz.