FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
Welding with the Flexlite GF gun .
The Flexlite GF product series consists of several MIG / MAG welding guns with a fume extraction function . The vacuum system extracts the welding fumes directly from the gun nozzle without disturbing the shielding gas flow . The MIG gun collects welding fumes as soon as they are generated and before they reach the welder ’ s breathing zone .
Lower fatigue has a positive effect on welder ’ s work and results in better welding quality since the welder spends around 20 % of his / her working day holding a welding gun . The Flexlite GF welding gun ´ s anatomically designed shape and balance reduce wrist loading , is designed to allow the welder to achieve ‘ the perfect weld ’, according to Kemppi .
Flexlite TX welding torches are designed for use with MasterTig welding equipment . The torch range includes several neck models . It won the Red Dot award for industrial design in 2020 . Available in alternative power classes and lengths , the torch range includes different neck versions for water- and gas-cooled models . On-torch remote control options enable accurate and immediate welding current adjustment at a distance .
An accent on sustainability
Meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs is a key tenet of sustainability . This has become even more important with the march to Net Zero , climate change goals and the focus on global emissions reductions .
“ Sustainablity is very important to us . We focus on longer lifecycles and the higher quality / durability of our products . We create a win-win situation by doing this . On the one hand , this creates long-term cost savings for our customers ( as they need to buy less equipment ) and it also creates material and resource savings . We have a responsibility towards our environment – we live in a very ‘ throwaway ’ society and we do our best not to be part of that ,” Hegemann told ISMR .
“ We chose this sustainable design approach for our guns and torches a long time ago and believe even more strongly now that this was the right choice . Although price pressure in the market is steadily increasing and it can be easier to develop a new product that can be thrown away , this is not a sustainable approach and we do not endorse it . Long lifecycle and high quality are part of our DNA and will continue to drive our innovation and product development in the future ,” he added .
Sustainability is also a personal goal for Hegemann , who studied the subject as part of his Master ’ s thesis . It relies on three principles that are ecological , economic and social .
“ With a ‘ build to last ’ approach , our equipment pays off for our customers who can also increase their productivity by using wellperforming , high-end equipment whilst saving resources . Together with our customers , we are trying to build a better future for society ,” commented Hegemann .
The next generation of welders
Europe is the main market for Kemppi ’ s guns and torches business unit . Hegemann also highlighted Australian and Asian markets , with China as an important , but also competitive , market .
“ Target industry sectors for us include construction ; shipyards ; general engineering and infrastructure projects . In terms of growing markets , we see strong potential in the renewables sector , and the need for more lightweight TIG-welded parts . We also see future growth in the automotive market , with its shift towards e-mobility and lighter welded parts ,” commented Hegemann .
However , social responsibility and the need to attract a younger workforce to the welding industry also fuels Kemppi initiatives . It supports , as a partner , the EuroSkills welding skills competition which takes place every two years . The Finnish specialist also has a long history of teaming with schools , colleges and universities across the world to help train a new generation of welders .
“ With the current lack of skilled welders globally , we also feel that it is part of our responsibility to motivate young people to join this business and become welders . We can supply the equipment to make their job safe and easy . Welding is a great industry – you see the tangible results of what you create every day . Wages are also lucrative . The industry offers great career prospects . I see this as a goal for our business unit . There will always be a future for manual welders ; robotics and automation will not be able to do every job ,” concluded Hegemann . n
The Flexlite family
Flexlite GX is a series of MIG / MAG welding guns for professionals . Flexlite GX welding guns are available in alternative power classes and lengths , including different neck types . Flexlite TX is a series of welding torches for TIG welding . Its innovative design and ergonomic handles are shaped to the hand . Flexlite TX welding torches are available in different neck types , which provide good ergonomics for welding in all positions . The Flexlite GF product series consists of several MIG / MAG welding guns with a fume extraction function . The Flexlite GC product series contains five lightweight and robust entry-level welding gun models for MIG / MAG welding processes .
A Flexlite GC welding gun .
Kemppi supports EuroSkills competition
Kemppi was a partner at the EuroSkills vocational competition , presenting the achievements of young , talented and skilled welding professionals ( up to 26 years old ). The event took place in Graz , Austria , in September , attracting 450 participants . Kemppi provided the welding equipment and had several stands around the venue area , guiding and hosting the competitors and participants during the event . “ We support EuroSkills 2021 because it is a great way of encouraging young people and the event audience into the welding profession using Kemppi Red Dot award-winning equipment ,” said Kemppi .
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Extraction efficiency has been measured according to ISO 21904-3 . Welding fumes are removed directly before reaching the welder ’ s breathing zone .
86 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR October 2021