Sheldon Brear talks all things welding at Fronius - where revolution comes as standard.

Fronius has been at the forefront of manufacturing state-of-the-art welding technology for the last 70 years, during which it has contributed significantly to developments within the welding industry, creating some of the most sophisticated welding machines on the market today. This Austrian brand has a workforce of over 3,800 behind it, with subsidiaries the world over, and is completely dedicated to meeting the demands of the 21st century welder.

Probably best known within the automated and robotic segments, the presence of Fronius in the UK market has also been growing increasingly into the light industrial segments, particularly with the recent launch of its Professional Welding Tool range. “We recognised the requirement for completely versatile, affordable technology with such features and capabilities as multi-voltage, digital technology, cordless welding and multi-process technology - housed within the most compact and robust units available for every welder, everywhere,” explains Sheldon.

Meeting the challenges of new, complex materials

“As materials that require welding have become more complex and sophisticated, we’ve adapted our products to meet those new challenges.” In 2013, Fronius released the TPS/i in what the company have termed the ‘Intelligent Revolution’. The system is built with a super-fast processor that makes it possible to analyse and control the welding process more accurately, resulting in less spattering, improved droplet detachment and an even more stable arc at higher welding speeds. “Welding has never been so simple with such impressive quality. This machine really is the future of welding,” continues Sheldon. “The TPS/i modular welding system is designed for today and for years to come, with upgrades and new processes directly downloadable for specific requirements.”

One of those processes available for the TPS/i is the low heat input welding process, Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) that allows users to achieve optimum results when joining different materials, for example, steel and aluminium.  Unique to Fronius, CMT is favoured by many leading vehicle manufacturers. “Many automotive projects that we are involved with include the welding of aluminium and we are breaking new ground when it comes to welding this material.” Resistance Spot Welding is also an area that Fronius knows much about and offers its own version ‘DeltaSpot’ that uses a process tape to eliminate tip dressing of the electrodes and to control heat input, especially in aluminium applications. With a new contact surface for every welding spot, 100% reproducible welding results can be achieved as well as up to 7000 spots without interruption. Fronius DeltaSpot also provides flexibility when welding different sheet thicknesses and three-sheet joints. 

“Products start out in our R&D department. We create technically superior solutions to prominent unfulfilled customer needs.” The company reinvests heavily into research and development. Every product is subjected to a wide range of tests to ensure they function in extreme conditions and have a long service life. “We go to such extremes, because that’s what our products do,” Sheldon affirms.

Fronius in the UK

Fronius came to the UK, opening up a large technology centre in Milton Keynes in 2012. The facility houses a laboratory to conduct welding trials for customers including manual welding bays, automated machinery and many robot bays. The centre also features classrooms, teaching bays, offices and a warehouse. 

What’s your welding challenge?

Fronius places a huge emphasis on finding solutions to its customers’ current welding challenges. Globally, Fronius engineers have the expertise to help companies determine the best processes to suit their applications.

“Every welder has at some point encountered a task that’s not easy to solve and the company’s campaign ‘What’s your welding challenge?’ is all about strengthening our position as a solutions provider,” Sheldon clarifies.

If you have a welding challenge, discuss it with the team at Fronius UK. Alternatively, if you want a demonstration on any Fronius product, call them today.