PRODUCT REVIEWS
MIG / MAG welding in focus
EWM AG is expanding its XQ series into MIG / MAG welding . Following on from its Titan XQ puls , the German manufacturer of arc welding technology is now releasing its new MIG / MAG multi-process welding machines – the Phoenix XQ puls and the Taurus XQ Synergic welding systems . According to EWM , all members of the XQ family are energy-efficient , have a long service life and can be digitally networked .
“ We are offering customers a chance to test the new welding machines in their own day-to-day work , in addition to an individual consultation . They offer maximum operating convenience , low power consumption , a long service life and perfect weld seams when welding low- to high-alloy steel and aluminium in all material thicknesses and all positions .
EWM welding processes , included with the purchased machines at no extra charge , also save significant energy and material costs ,” said EWM .
The MIG / MAG multi-process welding machines with XQ technology can be digitally networked , as standard , in Industry 4.0 . They are compatible with the ewm Xnet software solution to support , document and analyse a component ’ s entire production process , from work preparation to final costing . This is a paperless process , aimed at saving time and ensuring quality .
The control variants from the Titan XQ puls are now available for the Phoenix XQ puls and Taurus XQ Synergic . “ Favourites ” buttons make the user ’ s work much easier . At the touch of a button , the user can save the current set operating point and reload it later by pressing the button again . The functions of the EWM welding torches are also available with XQ technology . Parameters such as welding process , welding current , wire feed speed , welding program and tasks can be displayed and set directly on the torch .
EWM develops high-end welding technology . The company , based in Germany ’ s Westerwald region , offers complete systems that cover everything from welding machines ( and all associated components ), to welding torches , welding consumables and accessories for manual and automated applications . n
EWM ’ s new MIG / MAG multi-process welding machines , the Phoenix XQ puls and the Taurus XQ Synergic .
Launch of new metal AM process
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Wayland Additive launched its metal Additive Manufacturing ( AM ) system , the Calibur3 , recently .
“ Our proprietary NeuBeam ® process is an innovative metal AM process that effectively neutralises the electron beam ( eBeam ) powder bed fusion ( PBF ) process to offer greater flexibility than laserbased AM processes , while overcoming the stability issues experienced by many users of traditional eBeam AM systems . In addition , the NeuBeam
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free-flowing powder post-build ( no sinter cake ) and stress-free parts with reduced energy consumption . The process overcomes many of the limitations for manufacturing large components – no residual thermal stresses , no gas cross-flow and a more simplified powder removal process than existing eBeam systems .
“ The NeuBeam process produces fully dense parts in a wide range of materials , many of which are not compatible with traditional eBeam or laser PBF processes
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process enables metallurgical requirements to be tailored |
Close-up of Calibur3 . |
such as refractory metals and highly reflective alloys . |
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to application requirements rather than the previous limitations of the process — to produce optimum results ,” explained the manufacturer .
NeuBeam is a hot part process , rather than a hot bed process . This efficiently creates parts that are free of residual stresses because the high temperatures are only applied to the part and not the bed , ensuring
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As a result , the process can demonstrate vastly improved metallurgy , without many of the compromises that existing metal AM processes necessitate ,” commented Wayland Additive .
“ NeuBeam also offers significant advantages with built-in , real-time , in-process monitoring , allowing for rapid material development or tuning of microstructures
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by adapting the solidification during manufacture . With NeuBeam , the process temperature is not constrained by sintering the powder bed , allowing the process temperature to be optimised to the material microstructure and / or the application ,” it added .
These levels of in-process monitoring are achieved through a combination of advanced technologies including structured light scanning , electron imaging and high speed infra-red cameras . Each of these different monitoring approaches are calibrated to the same reference points in the machine , with managed adjustments . Being a true thermal process , everything in the build chamber can be monitored , and it is possible to see the true temperature of the whole powder bed in-process as a build takes place . The thermal history of the material being processed can also be seen , as can the topography of the surface so that defects can be detected — and reported — as they occur . n
62 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR April 2021