In the past, ultrasonic tests repeatedly revealed defects in the manual weld seams caused by a lack of fusion at the start of the weld. This wastes time and is a major cost factor, particularly because the frame requires many manually welded short weld seams – which means many weld starts as well. Every defect means that the affected location must be ground out, re-welded and checked again.
Ponsse reports significant improvements in the weld seam appearance following the introduction of the TPS/i in conjunction with the PMC (Pulse Multi Control) characteristic. The penetration is reliable in all welding phases, including at the start of the weld. The forestry machinery manufacturer has also been able to drastically reduce the time required for reworking. Furthermore, the system scores highly thanks to its excellent ease of use. The company bought and commissioned an impressive 63 machines from the TPS/i series within six months, and which are being used for both manual and robot-assisted welding. Fronius has therefore become Ponsse’s preferred supplier of welding technology solutions.
“Our primary aim was to continue to improve the weld seam quality produced from manual welding, which we have achieved with the change to the TPS/i. It quickly demonstrated that the new generation is in a class of its own!”
Heikki Selkälä, Production Development Manager at Ponsse