History and Evolution of Orbital Welding

Introduction

Orbital welding technology has gone through numerous changes over the years and has benefited many industries and applications. Today it is still improving, offering great welding options in such industries as pharmaceutical, aerospace, food and beverage among others. In this blog post, the author will outline the basics of orbital welding technology, describe the historical progression of the technology and give an overview of noteworthy technological milestones of the industry.

Roots of Orbital Weldingtechnology

The history of orbital welding goes as far back as to the late 19th century when a French engineer François Eugène Séeber developed the first electric resistance welding machine. This machine employs a continuous resistance welding, where sheets and pipes of metal are welded without utilising filler material. However, serious consideration of orbital welding for space applications only starts in the 1960s when the technology started to define the form that is recognizable in the present time.

A researcher named Herbert F. Schaefer from the Battelle Memorial Institute in Columbus, Ohio was in 1961 looking for a solution for a problem associated with how best to store nuclear waste . His job was to find out how to fasten long tubes at their ends in the shortest time possible. During GTAW experimentation, Schaefer found a way to robotize the process – origins of the orbital welding technology began. The term ‘orbital” connoted the circular movement of the torch as it moved around a tube akin to how a satellite encircles the Earth.

The period from its inception to the development of rural telecom infrastructure.

As soon as the technology of orbital welding was developed people of the nuclear industry using equipment that could not reach weld joints because of high level of radiation. Gradually, the technology was introduced to other fields like cryogenic where zero leakage weld were required for want of adequate gases, and aerospace industries where high quality welds were paramount importance.

An important development in the 1970s was the use of numerically controlled NC welding machines that could enable orbital welding systems to deliver far more accurate welds. This was the starting of the computer-era of welding, where Orion welding machines could be coded in such a way that can will trace complex paths to make high quality welds.

The Growth of the Technology

More development on orbital welding began in the 1980s and 1990s with more specific control systems and additional process monitoring devices. For example, the development of Closed Loop Control (CLC) made it possible to automate the welding process more accurately and hence, enhance the weld quality. Due to the establishment of factors such as the torch height, Welding current, and arc voltage, CLC systems offered feedback leading to the welding of items with the best quality.

During the period between the 1990’s and early year 2000, internet based technologies and digital communication technologies were adopted into the monitoring and controls of orbital welding systems. This was helpful in overseeing and managing a number of welding machines from a single center, which in turn boosted the positivity and steadiness of the orbital welding method.

The Dawn of a New Era

Fortunately, the day has come when welding technology has taken new dynamics of improvement, and it is ready with the new welding orbital systems embedded with Artificial Intelligence and Automation. For example, some advanced orbital welding machines are capable of developing an ability to analyze previously performed welding and adjust accordingly in order to enhance welding performance. Moreover, with the help of machine learning algorithms, it is possible to foresee certain problems in the welding process and offer recommendations on how to eliminate them, thus increasing effective production time.

Other technological enhancement has also been observed in the Welding equipments like design of compact, lightweight and highly movable welding guns that can easily maneuver and provide excellent weld at complex joint sections.

Conclusion

Orbital welding technology, which originated in the 1960s, laid the foundation for modern welding advancements, evolving from its early use in the nuclear industry to widespread adoption across various sectors today. Driven by the demand for better solutions, this technology has advanced significantly with innovations in control systems, process monitoring, and remote operation capabilities. As welding technology continues to progress, orbital welding is set to remain a pivotal element in ensuring industries worldwide achieve unmatched efficiency and precision in their welding operations.

 

For cutting-edge orbital welding systems and expertise, UPM Technology provides advanced solutions designed to meet the demands of modern industries, ensuring optimal performance and innovation in welding processes.

January 17, 2025