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With simplified interfaces, preset programming and automatic adjustments, the Welbee series of welding power sources is easy to use and quick to implement -- even for novice welders. Don’t waste hours of training only to be faced with rework. Learn how to achieve higher productivity and higher quality right out of the gate.
The Welding Industry Labor Challenge
Many industries are currently challenged with a labor shortage, and the welding and fabrication industries are no exception.
According to Tradesmen International, the shortage of welders is predicted to hit a deficit of 400,000 workers by 2024. Many manufacturers are seeing their most skilled welders retire or approach retirement. In fact, the average age of a welder is 55, with 80 percent of welders over age 35.
Unfortunately, the labor shortage isn’t going away. So what can you do to keep driving production? A highly viable solution is to upgrade the manual welding technologies on your floor. Having advanced, user-friendly power sources not only allows you to train new welders quicker but also increases overall productivity, meaning you may not need as many welders.
5 Welbee Technologies that Train Faster and Produce More
Let’s walk through the latest Welbee power source technologies that can help you overcome today’s labor challenges.
1. The Weld Job Journal
The Weld Job Journal on a Welbee power source saves jobs with optimal machine settings. Instead of an operator needing to set up the machine correctly every time for the material, gas and wire type, they can choose from a saved mode. An experienced welder can set up the machine correctly once, and other employees can use it over and over again, boosting consistency from job to job.
Also, the memory system allows a new welder to achieve high-quality welds immediately versus having to learn the adjustments of the machine and face rework.
2. Intelligent Arc Start and Arc End
To help avoid spatter at the start of a weld, the Welbee Intelligent Arc Start and Arc End system monitors the wire end temperature and automatically adjusts.
For example, when a welder lets go of the trigger and the end wire becomes red-hot, he or she may start the next arc with too much current and cause spatter. Learning how to properly adjust the machine is one of the biggest challenges a new welder faces.
With the Intelligent Arc Start and Arc End system, the machine monitors the end wire temperature and automatically adjusts the power. This helps the welder create a consistent, clean weld every time.\
3. WavePulse
With aluminum welding, most welders “whip and whack,” which is essentially a manipulation of the torch in a circular motion to prevent the material from crowning up. The manipulation makes it lie down; however, it also ends up creating inconsistent penetration.
With WavePulse technology, the welder doesn’t need to do this manipulation. The machine agitates the puddle mechanically, with the end result being more consistent penetration and an appearance more like a TIG weld.
4. Automatic Constant Penetration Adjustments
With mild steel, manual welders often end up naturally bobbing the torch up and down as they move down the piece of material. This varies by person depending on how steady that person’s hands are when they weld. This results in varying amounts of penetration.
With automatic Constant Penetration adjustments, the Welbee monitors the resistance and ramps up or down the amperage -- in real-time -- based on the person’s motion. It overcomes the inconsistency of the hand welder and allows production to keep moving at a fast pace. This is especially beneficial for a welder who doesn't have a lot of experience.
5. Low-Spatter Mode for Root-Pass Fill
Adjusting for open root passes on a pipe is often complex and difficult to learn. Welbee L-mode models (M350L, P400L and P500L) offer a simple software control process that allows any operator, new or experienced, to only have to adjust wire feed speed and voltage to achieve successful open root passes efficiently.
You May Also Be Interested In:
The Welbee Series Buyer’s Guide & Comparison Chart
Planning Ahead
As you look ahead to the future and prepare for the shortage of skilled welders, now is the time to transition to more advanced technologies.
It’s important to take into consideration that not only will these technologies lead to shorter training times, but they will also make your entire welding line more productive while reducing costs due to rework or failures. Add to this that employees are often happier when they are working with modern technologies that make their job easier.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help evaluate your welding fleet.
