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Welding Technology Information

A review of the Pro-Fusion web site by the AWS Welding Journal

By Mary Ruth Johnsen

Pro-Fusion, Inc. Although this Web site provides plenty of information about the company's line of tungsten electrodes, electrode grinders and plasma arc welding torches, welding technology information and how to apply it to a variety of welding applications makes up more than 75% of the site. The site contains three major sections: products, tungsten electrode data and welding application data. Other parts of the site offer information about the company, provide a way to contact it via e-mail, link to other welding related sites and detail some free offers such as how to obtain literature, copies of welding-related magazine articles and free samples of pre-ground tungsten electrodes.

The Tungsten Data section includes tips sheets that provide some general rules on how to identify amperage ratings for a variety of grind angles and tip diameters and outline proper grinding and cutting techniques for tungsten electrode preparation. Besides the guidelines from the AWS A5.12 standard, the company recommends the following: " 1) Always use a dedicated tungsten grinder (to avoid contamination of the electrode). 2) Grind longitudinally and concentrically so that the lines on the ground surface move in the same direction as the electrode and the electrode has no flat spots. 3) Since tungsten is a very hard material, grinding wheels should be made of diamond or borazon. 4) electrodes should be cut using a cutting wheel where possible. Notching and breaking or using pliers to snap electrodes can cause splintering in the electrode that is difficult to see and can create a weld defect."

The Welding Application Data section offers information on the fundamentals of welding parameter development including welding physics, weld current, arc length, weld speed and the benefits of arc pulsation. It also includes a troubleshooting guide for arc welding systems and information on how to analyze a welding application for automation. This includes details on the benefits of automatic welding, how to plan for system automation, strategies for implementing an automated welding project and a table giving a sample calculation for return on investment based on equipment and labor costs.

http://www.pro-fusiononline.com