Chapter List

8.1 Introduction

In this chapter, methods that enable MIG/MAG welding with increased productivity are presented. Advantages and disadvantages with the processes are discussed and process selection aspects are commented upon.

High productive arc welding is basically an adaptation of a standard method to achieve a higher production rate. The improvement can be utilised either as an increase in welding speed or as a higher deposition rate. For the welding of thin sheet materials, methods that allow an increased welding speed are the main interest, while the welding of thicker materials is preferably carried out with high deposition or deep penetration welding methods. The applications are mainly mechanised or robotised welding. Manual welding is generally not suitable owing to the difficulties in managing a stable high welding speed or in withstanding the heat generated from the higher welding currents. One exception where manual welding can be performed should, however, be mentioned: it is cored wire welding. Still, a mechanised cored wire welding solution will reach higher productivity.

High speed welding (HSW) is a term that has been used in articles for the past 20 years when progress was made and somewhat faster welding was made possible. It is therefore necessary to define the actual method and productivity range when high...