Submerged Arc Welding: Technology That Gets Better With Age - Allis Roller: precision machined parts, welding, and services

• May 30, 2018
• automation, machined parts manufacturing, manufacturing, submerged arc welding, welding cnc machining
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Manufacturing technology today is worlds away from the techniques and processes used in the early part of the 20th century. However, in the case of Submerged Arc Welding (SAW), a uniquely safe and consistent welding method that’s been in use since the 1930s, new technology hasn’t reduced its relevance to machined parts manufacturing. As a matter of fact, automated welding technology has ensured that SAW remains an important part of our own manufacturing processes here at Allis Roller.

What Is Submerged Arc Welding?

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) was first patented in 1935, and most notably used in the manufacturing of tanks during the second world war. The same elements that made SAW the perfect process for welding tank parts are what also makes it ideal for longitudinal and circumferential butt welds required for line pipe and pressure vessels today. SAW utilizes powdered flux to act as a conductor between the welding electrode and the workpiece, and prevents sparks, fumes, and splash from escaping during the process. As a result, there’s no need for a protective shield during the welding process, and large amounts of metal can be deposited in a short amount of time, which makes SAW an excellent choice for welding heavy pieces of equipment.

The advantages of using SAW to safely and efficiently weld heavy pieces is why Allis Roller continues to utilize it in our own facility during the production of heavy-duty, complex machined parts for the agricultural, construction, and mining industries.

SAW’s Future In an Automated Manufacturing World

At Allis Roller, much of our machining and manufacturing processes involve the use of computerized equipment operated by one of our skilled technicians, and our application of SAW is no different. During a mechanized or automated SAW process, a CNC program rotates the part at a specified speed, while controlling the heat and speed of the weld to ensure optimum quality and consistency of the part. In contrast to the early SAW technology used during WWII, automated SAW in quicker, more cost-effective, and more precise.

In addition to incorporating both traditional and automated SAW processes as needed by the customer, our engineers continue to innovate our own systems to produce larger parts. We most commonly use SAW for producing three-foot-long structural cross tubing in CNH Tractor Loaders, but right now, Allis Roller is working on building a much larger drive shaft — 7” diameter by 5 ft. long — to accommodate the SAW of even heavier equipment. Allis Roller has also updated our welder to a MillerDC650 and added a new torch/feeder to increase our capacity and accommodate larger welding wires. Each of these upgrades help us maximize the potential of historically relevant welding technology in the production of bigger, better machined parts.

Allis Roller’s engineers are experts at innovating and upgrading SAW methods for the benefit of our customers. Each project that comes through our doors is carefully reviewed and the best machines for the job are selected to ensure parts are made accurately and cost efficiently for our customers. For more information on the use of SAW at Allis Roller, connect with one of our team members via the Contact page.