New smart machine for making welding operations faster, energy-efficient and eco-friendly

What is the News?

Researchers have developed a smart Internet of Things(IoT) integrated machine called “Magnetically Impelled Arc Butt Welding Equipment”.

What is Magnetically Impelled Arc Butt(MAIB) Welding Equipment?

It is an Internet of Things(IoT) integrated machine developed for welding ferrous tubes faster than conventional fusion welding or solid-state processes.

This machine has several benefits such as a) minimal energy consumption, b) automating the welding process to avoid human-induced errors and c) manufacturing products swiftly in an eco-friendly manner.

How does this machine work?

Magnetically Impelled Arc Butt(MIAB) welding involves striking of an arc between two coaxially placed tubes, followed by interaction of the axial component of arc current and the radial component of a magnetic field that causes a force called Lorentz force. 

This force acts on the arc and impels it around the joint line with an approximate linear speed of 200 m/s that uniformly heats the tube surfaces up to the highest temperature at which it is solid (solidus temperature). 

The softened tube edges (butt-ends) are then forced into penetration by forging to form a weld.

Source: The post is based on the article “New smart machine for making welding operations faster, energy-efficient and eco-friendly” published in PIB on 29th April 2022.