PRODUCT REVIEWS
Surface conditioning abrasive systems
Weiler Abrasives, a specialist in abrasives and power brushes for surface conditioning, will feature the next evolution of abrasive solutions as part of its“ Beyond Sharp” approach at EISENWARENMESSE 2026( 3-6 March 2026 in Cologne, Germany). Visitors to Hall 10.2( stand A050-B059) will see a range of Weiler solutions, including Metalynx and Toroflex abrasive products.
“ The new Metalynx 3D MAX ceramic resin fibre discs use 3D precision-shaped grain to deliver exceptional cut rate, durability and cool grinding for maximum productivity. The new
Metalynx 2.0 Ceramic cutting wheels and grinding wheels deliver enhanced performance with up to 40 % increased material removal compared to previous generations. We will also showcase Metalynx Ceramic flap discs and Metalynx Ceramic and SiC strip discs,” the company explained.
“ Toroflex abrasive products are designed to enable users to complete any specific job in the shortest time possible. Toroflex Ceramic flap discs feature advanced ceramic alumina grains that maintain a high cut rate and maximize effectiveness. Toroflex SiC strip discs provide a high initial cut and penetration, making them suitable for cleaning hard surfaces such as hard-grade steel, structural steel, hot-rolled steel and stainless steel,” it added.
A virtual reality station at the exhibition will give stand visitors hands-on experience with cutting and grinding practices. Company specialists will also be available for in-booth consultations. n
www. weilerabrasives. com
Turning welding wire into a sensor
Fronius is refining its knowledge of robotassisted welding with further improvements to its patented WireSense assistance system.
“ Used in the automotive industry for several years already, WireSense can now be used in the construction and agricultural machinery sectors, commercial transportation and the metalworking industry for the first time. More versatile than ever, WireSense delivers accurate results with all common seam geometries, including in steel and container construction or on chrome-nickel components,” explained the Austrian welding specialist.
Flexible detection
“ WireSense turns the welding wire into a sensor to precisely determine the position of the component, making it possible to react to positional deviations and correct weld paths accordingly. Rework and component rejects are reduced to an absolute minimum,” said Fronius.
WireSense uses the wire electrode not just for welding, but also for measuring component geometries. Using highfrequency, reversing wire movement, the system is designed to detect precise component and seam geometries, edges, height differences and air gaps without any additional sensor hardware. The benefits of WireSense are particularly pronounced on reflective surfaces such as aluminium, said Fronius.
“ The measurement is contact-based and works on a weld-free short circuit being established. WireSense is compatible with all standard filler metals,” outlined Philipp Schlor, Strategic Product Manager,
Fronius International.“ The Fronius welding machine— an iWave or TPS / i— detects edges or impacts and transmits this information to the robot controller. This then compares the data with the programmed path and automatically corrects the tool centre point( TCP), ensuring that the seam is always welded at exactly the required location.”
Wider support
The new WireSense version now supports all seam geometries: fillet welds, square butt joints, flange welds and complex, rounded shapes. It can also be used with materials such as steel, stainless steel, aluminium and CrNi alloys, making it suitable for significantly more applications— especially for companies that work with varying sheet thicknesses and complex geometries. Thicker materials of 4mm and more can now be detected and processed, said Fronius.
The assistance system requires a CMT- Ready set-up consisting of the Robacta Drive CMT drive unit and the corresponding CMT wire buffer, as well as the WireSense software package( the CMT software itself is not required). It is integrated via the Fronius welding machine, which transmits the sensor signal to the robot controller. Fronius works closely with robot manufacturers so that the most common robots can process WireSense signals.
“ WireSense is a software-only feature, which in this case can be activated without additional components to extract the maximum benefit from an existing investment,” concluded Fronius. n
www
. fronius. com
54 | ismr. net | ISMR February 2026