FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Left : Kemppi welding equipment . Below : The Flexlite GF handle grip .
Factors such as health and safety , as well as ergonomics and usability , play a key part in Kemppi ’ s design focus
in globalisation ; current supply chain issues ; higher raw material prices and material shortages are all challenges right now for our customers ,” he continued .
Although Kemppi has experience with digital tools , it relied more on them during the pandemic . A lot of its meetings take place online now and have become part of its daily routine . They have also helped to reduce unnecessary travel although meeting customers , said Hegemann , is ‘ an essential part of what we do ….’
One of the greatest challenges in the welding market globally is the lack of skilled workers and this , Hegemann pointed out , will worsen as experienced welders retire from the market in the next few years .
“ This is an issue of concern and will push the need for automation further up the agenda . We currently work with many different partners on robotics and automation projects ,”
The X5 FastMig is the latest industrial MIG / MAG welding system from Kemppi , available in either 400A or 500A models . he commented . “ So far , 2021 has been a good year for us . The market seems to have recovered quickly . For 2022 , if COVID-19 can be managed , I see strong potential .”
Safety and ergonomics
Factors such as health and safety , as well as ergonomics and usability , play a key part in Kemppi ’ s design focus .
“ Our focus on product development has been on streamlining Kemppi guns and torches , making them lighter , more efficient , easier to use and more ergonomic . All our MIG / MAG and TIG torches are designed with this in mind . We try to set new standards in ergonomics . Kemppi ’ s design focuses on developing arc stability and welding properties , as well as improving the welding experience of individual welders ,” Florian Hegemann told ISMR .
“ We also wanted to strengthen our position in global aftersales markets which is why we bought Trafimet , an Italian torch manufacturer , in 2019 . That was a very strategic asset for us ,” he added .
Flexlite is a series of welding torches for both MIG / MAG welding and TIG welding . Flexlite torches are available as gas and watercooled versions in alternative power classes , lengths and value levels . Flexlite products feature specific user values , including light weight , balance and reduced wrist loading . Silicon rubber material and innovative design gives a firm grip and allows the welder to concentrate on producing ‘ the perfect weld in any welding position .’ It also offers consumables with increased durability and extra-long lifetime .
“ We launched the Flexlite GX MIG / MAG
welding gun in 2019 and this set a new standard in ergonomics and handling . It has a detachable pistol grip handle from the welding gun – this makes it much more comfortable for the welder to use and eliminates muscle pain when welding . This grip also reduces the workload on the welder by up to 64 %, depending upon welding position ,” added Hegemann .
“ This year , we brought out our new Flexlite GF fume extraction gun for higher safety levels . The ergonomics and weight are close to our standard GX torch . We tried to reduce its weight and make a lightweight fumigation torch . It offers up to 95 % efficiency . * The Flexlite GC product range contains five lightweight and robust entry-level welding gun models for MIG / MAG welding processes . Our consumables are appropriate for our overall MIG range and most consumables can be used with all Flexlite MIG guns , providing extended consumable parts life ,” he continued .
Flexlite GC ‘ entry line ’ guns , with a specially designed handle requiring no bending support ( hence better torch cooling and longer consumable life ), can also be accessorised with a detachable pistol grip handle . Another GC accessory is a rotatable neck giving easy access to challenging workpieces .
Occupational lung diseases are the number one cause of work-related illnesses . In welding , workers are exposed to greater risk because the welding processes produce smoke containing harmful metal fumes and gases . Respiratory protection equipment , featuring a positive pressure principle , is an efficient way of preventing occupational health problems . Kemppi therefore launched its Flexlite GF MIG welding gun product family for efficient fume extraction .
ISMR October 2021 | sheetmetalplus . com | 85