Does you’re welding process involve irregular workpieces? Or awkward positioning and precise results? You should consider a welding positioner.
Whether it’s pipe welding applications, or agri and plant welding and fabrication. Investing in a welding turntable or positioner will enhance efficiency. Thus improving your bottom line and working conditions.
What is a welding positioner?
Designed to handle work pieces when welding, a positioner or turntable consists of:
- table top with T-slots
- manual or motorised rotating mechanism (positioner only)
- solid steel frame
The workpiece fixes to the table top with a jig or chuck. A positioner will rotate through 360 degrees and tilt. Thus allowing the welder best positioning to focus on creating the weld. However, turntable welding will only rotate the workpiece.
Welding positioner uses.
A rotary welding positioner is utilised in pipe welding applications, as well as tube welding.
The ability to rotate and tilt the table to the best welding position is ideal for welding flanges. Plus other fixtures and fittings associated with industrial pipe and tube welding.
Large, heavy-duty positioners can handle digger buckets, structural steel and plant manufacturing components.
Types of welding positioner.
To make the best use of your welding positioner turntable, you will need to consider the type of work you are doing. The main types include:
- Benchtop welding positioner.
Also known as a tabletop welding positioner, they are used for welding of smaller components. Thus making ideal TIG welding turntables, as well as tube welding positioners.
Commonly used in precision welding work, such as exhaust manufacturing and valve work. The ideal solution to achieve consistent, circumferential welds of small components.
Click here to view bench top welding positioners for sale.
- Conventional welding positioner.
A manual welding positioner is still able to rotate through 360 degrees, but it’s done by hand. Usually by using a hand wheel or crank, being manually turned to rotate the table top.
This solution is ideal if you would only need to use it every now and again. Plus, if you only need horizontal plane positioning. We wouldn’t recommend a manual welding positioner in a production metal fabrication environment.
Click here to view manual welding positioners for sale.
- Manual welding positioner.
A manual welding positioner is still able to rotate through 360 degrees, but it’s done by hand. Usually by using a hand wheel or crank, being manually turned to rotate the table top.
This solution is ideal if you would only need to use it every now and again. Plus, if you only need horizontal plane positioning.
We wouldn’t recommend a manual welding positioner in a production metal fabrication environment.
Click here to view manual welding positioners for sale.
- 3 axis welding positioner.
If you’re looking for a complete handling solution for your welding needs, a 3 axis positioner is the perfect fit. Not only do they rotate and tilt like a conventional unit, they also raise and lower via a hydraulic system.
Advantage being you won’t need extra lifting equipment such as cranes and slings. Creating a more efficient and safer workplace.
Industries that benefit most from a hydraulic welding positioner include oil and gas. As well as renewables, ship building and automotive.
Click here to view 3 axis welding positioners for sale.
- Robotic welding positioner.
Designed for automatic use only, with a robotic cell or automated welding solution. A welding positioner for robotic use needs very precise construction. Allowing for little to no room for tolerances. They need to have the capability to integrate with the welding source and manipulator.
This is why we would recommend purchasing a turnkey solution from the manufacturer.
Welding positioner manufacturers.
Preferred welding positioner manufacturers include Bode, ProArc, Pema, ESAB, Macobe and Lincoln Electric. This is due to their reputation Worldwide for quality machines, built to last. As well as a good range of solutions.
Other manufacturers include Gullco, Pandjiris, Silvistrini, Red-D-Arc and Muller Opalden.
Are you looking for a used welding positioner? Or need a chuck for your welding positioner? Click here to view all current welding positioners for sale and ancillary equipment.
Do you have a pipe welding positioner you’re looking to sell?
Click to contact Peter and Bev today for a valuation!
