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A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S | J A N U A R Y
2 0 1 5
process for cutting metal, hybrid
induction-plasma
(HI-P) cutting, is also in
development. Much of
the equipment used for
HiDep welding is also used
for HI-P cutting. Use of
portable robots such as
the RTT mobile welding
system will further expand
the applications for welding
in shipbuilding and heavy
fabrication, as well as
other fields such as large
sculptures and specialized
architectural structures.
HiDep welding could also
be used in the transportation
sector to provide very low
distortion and increased
productivity in both freight
and passenger rail car and
locomotive fabrication.
Productivity improvement
should also be possible for
pipelines and large petroleum
storage structures.
Development of higher
power induction systems
for the HiDep process is
underway. Initial modeling
indicates that single-pass
welding of steel plates 0.75
in. thick or greater could
reach travel speeds of 10 ft
per minute or faster. Induction
power levels of 70 to 140kW
could substantially increase
welding speed for high
productivity of heavy steel
structures. Heat testing of other
materials, including aluminum,
stainless steel, titanium, and
nickel alloys indicates that it
should be possible to use the
HiDep process. ~AM&P
Acknowledgment
The National Renewable Energy
Laboratory, Department of Energy
(DOE) Small Business Innovation
Research (SBIR) Program, DOE
Energy Efficiency and Renewable
Energy Program, Office of Naval
Research SBIR Program, National
Shipbuilding Research Program,
Miller Electric Co., Hobart
Brothers Co., A. Zahner Co.,
EnergynTech Inc., and Gatekey
Engineering Inc. all contributed
toward development of the HiDep
welding process and HI-P cutting
process.
For more information: Jerald
Jones is chief technical officer,
EnergynTech Inc., 11354 W. 13th
Ave., Lakewood, CO 80215,
303.279.5286,
,
.