Rely on Experienced Welding and Heating Applications Experts for Improved Outcome and Efficiency

Work with the manufacturer's experts for better outcomes

When it comes to selecting the right equipment for welding and industrial heating jobs, projects and tasks are best completed and accomplished through the proper application of the right resources. There exists an access point to high level technical knowledge and assistance that can be easily tapped and brought to bear on your successful task or project completion. The manufacturer's own internal experts.

 
Manufacturers provide services that may help you save time and cost, while also achieving a better outcome for the entire project. Consider a few elements the technical sale rep brings to your project:

• Product Knowledge: Product managers and sales support personnel will be current on product offerings, proper application, and capabilities. They also have information regarding what products may be obsolete in the near future. This is an information source at a level not generally accessible to the public via the Internet.
• Experience: As a project engineer, you may be treading on fresh ground regarding some aspects of your current assignment. There can be real benefit in connecting to a source with past exposure to your current issue. 
• Access: Through the manufacturer's internal applications people, you may be able to establish a connection to “behind the scenes” information not publicly available. The people at the manufacturer can provide answers to your application questions.

Certainly, any solutions proposed are likely to be based upon the products sold by the manufacturer. That is where considering and evaluating the benefits of any proposed solutions become part of achieving the best project outcome.

Develop a professional, mutually beneficial relationship with the manufacturer's technical sales team, and don't be shy to develop a professional and trusting relationship. Their success is tied to your success and they are eager to help you.

Resistance Heating Mats for Welding Pre and Post Heat Treatment

Ceramic Mat Heater

Resistance heating mats (or pads) are constructed of ceramic beads strung on nichrome or Kanthol wire. These resistance heating elements accurately heat the workpiece to the proper temperature before, during, and after welding, assuring compliance with recommended preheat, interpass, and PWHT practices. Designed as semi-flexible ceramic heater pads, with interlocking beads and high temperature wire, so a proper fit to the workpiece. Capable of temperatures up to 1,850 degrees F., ceramic mat (pad) heaters have an additional benefit in that they can withstand welding temperatures and don’t have to be moved during welding.

Resistance Heating Mats for Welding Pre and Post Heat Treatment from Hotfoil EHS, Inc.

Air Carbon-arc Gouging: A Fast and Efficient Way to Get Rid of Metal

In metal working maintenance and repair, it is sometimes required to repair or replace a weld, or remove excess metal from a worn or defective part. A process called air carbon-arc (also known as air arc) gouging, developed in the 1940’s, has become a widely accepted method for metal working. Compared to grinding, chipping, and cutting, air arc gouging provides a much faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective means to remove unwanted metal.

Air carbon-arc gouging differs significantly from oxy-fuel cutting (OFC) and plasma cutting. Air carbon-arc does not require oxidation to maintain the cut and is able to be used on many kinds of metal. Air carbon-arc gouging cuts and removes metal by an electric arc created a carbon or graphite electrode as it is drawn along the target metal. As the arc melts the target metal, a steady, high velocity air stream blows the molten material out of the way. The arc is supported by a constant current power source. A compressed 60 to 100 psi gas source supplies the air stream. A special air arc torch is required, as it not only holds the electrodes, but has unidirectional air ports built in to direct the air stream.

Air carbon-arc gouging will work on any material that will conduct electricity and which can be melted by the electric arc, such as carbon steel, stainless steel, cast irons, and many copper alloys. Metal removal rate is controlled by increasing the gouger’s amperage, slowing down the movement of the electrode, and by the efficiency of the air stream. Most common uses for air arc gouging are cutting, removal of defective welds, removal of bolts, removal of rivets, making holes, and casting finishing.

If you have any questions about air carbon-arc gougers, contact:

AFTEK-EHS Welders
6121 Airways Blvd.
Chattanooga, TN 37421
Phone # 423.424.0515
Fax # 423.424.0518

FM Approved Silicone Rubber Heaters for Tank and Vessel Heating

Silicone rubber electric heating element for tank and vessel heating.

Silicone rubber electric heating elements are well proven, tried and tested flexible heaters for heating plastic or metallic tanks and vessels. Their low mass offers virtually no thermal inertia and within minutes can achieve elevated temperatures. They are generally easy to apply to the surface of tanks, chutes, or hoppers and can be custom designed in virtually any shape, all that is required is a sketch of the heated area and information about the electrical connections.

Silicone rubber electric heating elements are constructed by vulcanizing a nichrome heating element to the silicone rubber layer to produce a homogenous laminate. Two layers of 0.028” thick silicone rubber compound, sheath cured on one side, are calendared with high strength fiberglass mesh and vulcanized together under heat and pressure. This bonding sandwiches the resistance heating element between the two layers. An electric grounding mesh is located on the assembly and a further layer of silicone rubber is applied and vulcanized, making a homogenous assembly.

The heaters are used primarily for metallic and non-metallic tank and vessel heating. Their flexibility, both physically and design-wise, allow the heaters to be used for a wide variety of applications. Silicone rubber heaters are water-resistant and may be used for outdoor or “wet” applications, as long as the thermal insulation or exterior covering over the heaters is weatherproofed.

Silicone rubber heating systems must be correctly temperature controlled. The controls and all electrical components must be approved for the area as classified. All wiring must follow Federal, State and Local codes and be fully compliant with the NEC as it relates to the project. If in doubt, please contact an industrial heating applications expert for assistance.

For more information about silicone rubber tank and vessel heaters visit this link.