Welding World magazine June 2018

ISSUE 03 JUNE 2018 

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INSIDE 

4 

NEWS 

4 COVER STORY – 2018 Welding World 

Awards Special 

On a remarkable night for the welding 

industry a total of 12 major accolades were 

presented at the Awards this year 

9 President’s Hall of Fame 

Oscar Kjellberg 

10 Power tool inventor 

Talks Mag drills – part 2 

12 Sweissen & Schneiden 2021 

Messe Essen extends contract 

12 LTI Metaltech 

Call for more women to enter workforce 

13 Polysoude Awards Ceremony 

Recognising the human investment . . . 

13 BOHS confirm prestigious honour 

for Steve Hails 

16 Finding the Hidden Benefits 

of your Trade Association – AWD and WWA 

16 Calendar 

Don’t miss these dates for your diary 

17 Maritime Integration and Support 

BAE Systems announces a £10 million 

investment programme 

17 Call for Evidence 

Government review to help business 

embrace new technology 

18 Ray Lonsdale – Artist 

The journey from owning a steel fabrication 

business to becoming one of our most 

talked about artists 

18 Group earnings increase 

January to March 2018: Linde makes a good 

start to the new year 

NEW PRODUCTS 

22 A guide to some of the 

latest technologies 

FEATURES 

28 Job Knowledge 

Rotary Friction Welding 

REGULARS 

21 President’s Message 

21 The Board 

30 SifTips 

Welding Inspection Essentials 

31 And Finally 

A message from the board 

18 

28 

EDITOR’S NOTE 

Welcome to this edition of Welding World. 

The second Welding World Awards has meant this has been quite a time for the welding 

industry as friends, colleagues and peer businesses have been able to get together and truly 

discuss the state of the industry. 

As Editor of Welding World it is always a delight to be able to catch up with so many of you in 

this field and not only talk shop, but also enjoy what is fast-becoming the number one social 

event in the calendar. 

JOIN THE 

JCONVERSATION 

@WeldingWorld1 

Welding World Retweeted 

Extractability @Extractability Download 

our new Fume Extraction range 

Catalogue weld. 

Of course along with the remarkable networking and sheer enjoyment of the night, we must 

not forget that we also gathered to highlight and give accolades to those who have not only 

made a major impact in the industry in the past year, but those who have contributed over a 

much greater length of time. 

The awards evening, so skillfully hosted by Eamonn Holmes, celebrated what is best about 

welding, but it was merely a pause rather that a full stop. While we hope that you like the 

picture spreads of the event and are reminded of a great night, we are of course aware that 

there is still a busy time ahead in what are fast-changing conditions. 

Despite this though, we applaud all of our winners and those who were shortlisted on the 

night and to all those who were there on the evening, we say how great it is to see such a 

lively and engaged Welding World family. 

Darren Isted, 

Editor, Welding World 

editor@welding-world.com 

Retweeted eden pr @edenprnews 

#Did you know client @FosterindNews 

brought home the award for 

Best Welding Distributor to the 

#eastmidlands @WeldingWorld 

Welding World @WeldingWorld1 

What steel crisis? We’re stable say 

Chinese although steel has increased 

77% this year! @thetimes 

thetimes.co.uk/tto/business/i... 

www.awd.org.uk | 

WeldingWorld1

4 

NEWS / AWARDS 2018 

WELDING WORLD 

Adrian Hawkins Managing Director of Welding World 

with Eamonn Holmes and AWD President Bob Stacey 

On a remarkable night of celebration for 

the welding industry a total of 12 major 

accolades were presented at the Welding 

World Awards 2018. 

Held at the Hotel Metropole, 

Birmingham, this was the second edition 

of the awards which have moved from 

strength to strength highlighting some 

remarkable success stories and honouring 

those who have helped to keep the 

industry so buoyant. 

In an opening address, Adrian Hawkins, 

Managing Director of Welding World, 

welcomed the audience and reminded all 

those present that the awards underlined 

the industry’s ability to overcome adversity 

and also how customers are put at the 

very centre of the industry. 

Foster Industrial Ltd were the first 

winners onto the podium on the evening 

when they were announced as the Best 

E-Commerce Website Organisation. 

They were followed by Lorch 

Schweisstechnik Ltd who claimed the Best 

New Welding Product Supplier and then 

Extractability who were named as Best 

Safety Product Supplier. 

Best Surface Finishing was awarded for 

the first time this year and SIA Abrasives 

(GB) were the inaugural winners while 

AIS Training (Speciality Welds) claimed the 

honour for Best Welding Industry Training 

Provider. 

The Welding World Award was 

presented by AWD Company Secretary 

Dave Ellwood (the winner in 2016) to 

The Weldability-Sif Foundation and Best 

Welding Machine Supplier was claimed by 

EWM Hightec Welding (UK). 

General Welding Supplies (NW) 

Ltd were announced as Best Welding 

Distributor and the final scheduled voted 

award of the evening was the Best Gas 

Agent and it was Fowlmere Engineering 

Ltd who took the honours, they have now 

won the same award on two occasions 

having taken the honour in 2016 as well. 

Among the achievement and services 

awards which were announced on the 

night, Helen Brewin from PGS training 

was handed the Services to the Industry 

and Association while the Lifetime 

Achievement Award was presented to Jon 

Pearsall from Pearsall Training. 

WESTERMANS INTERNATIONAL 

PROUD SPONSORS AT THIS YEAR’S WELDING WORLD AWARDS 

Westermans international 

Ltd. has once again been 

proud to play a key role in 

this year’s Welding World 

Awards. The Leicesterbased 

company, which has 

specialised in the sourcing and 

supply of refurbished welding 

equipment to customers both 

in the UK and worldwide for 

some 50 years, sponsored 

the Best Welding Machines 

Supplier category at this year’s 

event. It is a role which, says 

founder Peter Westerman, 

is a perfect match for the 

company’s business – 

“The ongoing commitment 

by equipment manufacturers 

to keep pushing the 

boundaries of technology is at 

the heart of an industry that 

is central to so many products 

that are familiar to us all,” he 

says. “This belief in innovation 

and constant development 

also has a direct impact on our 

customers because it helps us 

to offer advanced refurbished 

Peter Westerman of Westermans International presents 

Best Welding Machine Supplier to EWM Hightec Welding (UK) 

equipment very cost effectively. 

The more technology advances, 

the greater the performance 

and capability of our 

refurbished stock – all of which 

we can then tailor to exact 

customer needs.” 

Peter Westerman and his 

colleagues were delighted not 

only to play a full supporting 

role for the awards but were 

also pleased to enjoy the 

event itself – which, this year, 

was hosted by Eamonn Holmes 

OBE. “The camaraderie 

and commitment towards 

achieving ever greater goals 

underpin the association 

and was clearly in evidence 

at the event. By sponsoring 

one of the principal awards, 

we believe we have made an 

important contribution that 

benefits not just the winners 

but the whole industry,” 

concludes Peter Westerman. 

“Our congratulations to 

all finalists, winners and 

organisers of the event.” 

WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03

NEWS / AWARDS 2018 5 

AWARDS 2018 

THE WINNERS 

To fittingly complete the evening the 

AWD and Welding World Association 

Directors Award was presented to Adrian 

Hawkins. 

On a night of top entertainment for 

the audience, along with the tension of 

the awards, there was some light relief as 

modern jazz band Bella and the Bourbon 

Boys played through the evening meal 

while there was also close-up table magic 

from magician Matthew Knight and an 

unexpected (but scheduled!) musical 

interlude from one of the ‘waiting staff.’ 

The chosen charity on the evening 

was Kidney Cancer UK which is the UKs 

leading kidney cancer charity, which aims 

to increase knowledge and awareness of 

the disease whilst also supporting research 

into causes, prevention and treatment. 

After a remarkable speech from Dave 

Ellwood, who described his own battle 

with the disease, a fantastic £10,276 was 

raised for the charity. 

BEST E-COMMERCE 

WEBSITE ORGANISATION 

Foster Industrial Ltd 

Alice Dewey (Development & Project Officer) 

of Kidney Cancer UK with Voluntary Community 

Fundraiser, Shirley Chapman and Eamonn Holmes 

BEST NEW WELDING 

PRODUCT SUPPLIER 

Lorch Schweisstechnik Ltd 

BEST SAFETY PRODUCT SUPPLIER 

Extractability 

BEST SURFACE FINISHING 

SIA Abrasives (GB) 

Modern jazz band Bella and 

the Bourbon Boys perform 

BEST WELDING INDUSTRY 

TRAINING PROVIDER 

AIS Training (Speciality Welds) 

THE WELDING WORLD AWARD 

The Weldability-Sif Foundation 

BEST WELDING MACHINE SUPPLIER 

EWM Hightec Welding (UK) Ltd 

BEST WELDING DISTRIBUTOR 

General Welding Supplies (NW) Ltd 

BEST GAS AGENT 

Fowlmere Engineering Ltd 

SERVICES TO THE 

INDUSTRY AND ASSOCIATION 

Helen Brewin PGS training 

“I was humbled for Extractability to be recognised at The 

Welding World Awards 2018. This was truly a perfect tribute to 

the hard work of the entire Extractability team, and a fantastic 

recognition of all our hard efforts in the Safety Product field. 

And what an amazing night it was, too!” Lee Darton, Extractability 

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD 

Jon Pearsall from Pearsall Training 

AWD AND WELDING WORLD 

ASSOCIATION DIRECTORS AWARD 

Adrian Hawkins 

www.awd.org.uk | J WeldingWorld1

6 


On a remarkable night of celebration 

for the welding industry a total of 12 

major accolades were presented at the 

Welding World Awards 2018. Held at the 

Hotel Metropole, Birmingham, this was 

the second edition of the awards which 

have moved from strength to strength 

highlighting some remarkable success 

stories and honoring those who have 

helped to keep the industry so buoyant. 

This year the event was hosted by TV 

presenter Eamonn Holmes. 

WELDING WORLD 

Quotes from the awards 

“It has been an exceptional evening on all fronts. We have won 

an award, won a raffle and even won one of the silent auctions 

Ray Bardsley SIA Abrasives 

so it doesn’t get much better than that!” 

Event organiser Alexis Hawkins with Eamonn Holmes 

WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 | JUNE 2018 

“It is nice to see that people in the industry appreciate the hard 

work you have put in - Its good to be recognised” 

Martin Chantrill SAF-FRO 

“This award and the other awards which have been given out 

tonight represent what we are all about which is the customer” 

Toby Gourley Air Products 

“It has been an excellent evening, with possibly 280 people 

here tonight and it has been great for networking with a really 

good atmosphere. 2018 has had a great start for the welding 

industry and lets hope it continues for the rest of the year” 

Arran Nicoll Fowlmere Engineering

NEWS / AWARDS 2018 7 

AWARDS 2018 

evening 

Adrian Hawkins addresses the audience 

“All the people who have turned up tonight have enjoyed it and 

all the comments I have heard have underlined their happiness 

with the event. There are lots of positive comments about the 

industry and where the industry is going. 

Given what we are trying to achieve with Welding World and 


with the AWD I simply couldn’t wish for more” 

“I have had an excellent evening and am sure that everyone enjoyed. It it is very important 

that we support and continue to support the AWD in all the crucial work that it does for the 

Bob Stacey, President AWD 

welding industry” 

A musical interlude for the audience 

Eamonn Holmes gets the proceedings underway 

Bob Stacey 


8 


“We really care for this industry and my family business 

and so many other family businesses are putting so much 

work into developing it and making it bigger and better and 

we will hopefully all be winners. That is what is so important 


to everybody” 

“It has been an excellent evening, with possibly 280 people 

here tonight and it has been great for networking with a really 

good atmosphere. 2018 has had a great start for the welding 

industry and lets hope it continues for the rest of the year” 

Arran Nicoll Fowlmere Engineering 

Alice Dewey (Development & Project Officer) 

of Kidney Cancer UK with Voluntary Community 

Fundraiser, Shirley Chapman and Eamonn Holmes 

“This support will help us to support awareness and to continue 

to undertake vital research into Kidney Cancer” 

Alice Dewey, Development and Project Officer for Kidney Cancer UK 

Thank You for Supporting the Kidney Cancer UK Charity at the 

Welding World Awards 2018. 

Thank you to everyone that attended 

the Welding World Awards Gala Evening 

2018 at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at 

the NEC in Birmingham in April, hosted 

by Eamonn Holmes OBE. 

The Evening was vibrant with the 

entertainment, conversations and many 

AWD/WWA Members. Also good to 

see New Companies supporting the 

Welding World Awards for their first 

time. Congratulations to all the Welding 

World Awards Finalists and a 

Big Congratulations to the Award 

Winners of 2018. 

Welding World and AWD nominated 

‘Kidney Cancer UK Charity’ for 2018. On 

the evening KCUK Charity spoke about 

Awareness to Kidney Cancer and how 

they help both the person and their 

family through the journey of getting 

well again. I was also asked to share 

with everyone my personal journey after 

getting Kidney Cancer and the recovery 

after my operation. 

The Unity and Generosity of the 

people at the Welding World Awards 

evening was overwhelming. The support 

you gave raised £10,267.00 on the 

evening for KCUK Charity. This will be 

put to Medical Research into Kidney 

Cancer and Help for the patients and 

their families. 

I would like to say a personal Thank 

You to Everyone for the Charitable 

Support you have given to beat Kidney 

Cancer. You have made a difference to 

help where help is needed. Thank you. 

Dave Ellwood 

AWD-WWA Director 

WELDING WORLD MAGAZINE | ISSUE 03 | JUNE 2018

NEWS 9 

PRESIDENT’S HALL OF FAME: #2 

On our last trip in our time machine, we talked about a pioneer left, this being a lime type substance. This was used in the early 

for the safe compression of Acetylene, Mr Nils Gustaf Dalen. experimentation of the first covered electrode, the man who 

We also identified that from the early manufacturing of had the vision to pioneer with this line of experiments was a Mr 

acetylene using a water to calcium carbide method, a waste is Oscar Kjellbergs. 

OSCAR KJELLBERG 1870-1931 

by AWD President Bob Stacey 

Pic of Oscar 

He was the eldest of five 

children, born to Johannes 

and Karolina, Kjellberg in 

the village of Motterud, in 

Sweden. 

It was said that as a pupil, 

he was always hardworking 

and diligent. In his early days 

as an engineer he had, by 

chance, a conversation with 

a Mr Axel Brostrom, who 

commented someone should 

invent a process so that the 

plates on a ship’s hull could 

be welded and not riveted, 

as was the norm. 

The main problem with 

the early type of arc welding 

was that they attempted to 

use a bare wire, (SWEDISH 

OR NORWAY IRON) this 

would produce a brittle and 

porous, weld due to the 

surrounding atmosphere, 

attacking the molten weld 

pool. Another method had 

to be found. 

Kjellberg rented a 

workshop to experiment, 

trying to overcome these 

problems. His first patent 

was dated July 1905. The 

description of this patent 

is more of puddle welding, 

when an arc is struck and a 

small weld pool is formed 

followed by using a hammer 

on the still molten weld 

pool to fashion some type 

of weld. 

In his detailed description, 

he explains how to hold the 

electrode in the left hand so 

that the hammer can be held 

in the right hand. In 1904 

he had the theoretical basis 

for what was to become the 

covered electrode. 

A big breakthrough came 

in June 1907. This patent 

was called Procedure for 

Electric Welding. This 

included the electrode. Its 

revolutionary property was 

that Kjellberg had coated 

the welding electrode, with 

a non-conductive material. 

The main advantage using 

this procedure was that 

the coating generated a 

protective gas (Co2) when 

the covering melted, this 

produced a weld without 

the formation of iron oxides 

in the weld pool, and for 

the first time, longer welds 

could be accomplished. 

After some successes using 

these lime based coverings, 

he then formulated a recipe 

for the coating that melted 

at the same rate as the 

metal rod. 

He found that a crater 

was formed at the tip of 

the electrode and this aided 

the direction of the flow 

of molten weld pool, thus 

giving some sort of control 

for overhead welding. This 

was only possible after 

many experiments with 

different recipes. 

Mastering difficult 

welding positions was a 

challenge and this would 

lead to another, third 

patent. From this we had 

the basis for all modern 

electrodes. 

Kjelberg became the 

MD for the ELEKTRISKA 

SVETSNINGS AKTIEBOLAGET, 

the known abbreviation is 

ESAB. 

Welding would prove 

itself during the First World 

War 1914-1918. Due to the 

need to replace and repair 

navel tonnage, welding was 

proven as strong as riveting 

and could reduce the sheet 

metal weight by up to 10%. 

But it wasn’t until 1920 

that the Lloyds Register 

in London was to give 

approvals for an all welding 

as a production method. The 

first all welded ship was the 

ESAB 1V, this was launched 

on December 29, 1920. This 

became the world’s first all 

welded ship to be classified 

by Lloyds. 

So without Oscar 

Kjellberg, there is no doubt 

we would not have MMA 

welding as we know it - so a 

worthy place for our hall of 

fame hero. 

MATERIALS USED FOR ELECTRODE WELDING. 

THE TECHNICAL PART. 

Rutile is a mineral obtained from rutile 

bearing sands. It contains about 88-94% of 

Ti02 and is probably the most widely used 

material for electrode coatings. 

• Calcium carbonate or limestone is the 

covering for basic coverings of electrodes. 

• Solka flock is a cellulose acetate and 

is prepared from wood chip. It is the 

main constituent for class 1 of cellulose 

electrodes. 

An example of different Electrode 

Flux composition, and commonly used 

electrodes. 

RUTILE 

6013 High titania potassium AC OR DC either 

polarity. 

HYDROGEN CONTROLLED. 

7016 Low Hydrogen potassium AC or DCEP 

7018 Low Hydrogen potassium iron powder 

AC or DCEP 

We will Travel again in the next Edition, 

for more Hall of Fame Heroes. 


10 

NEWS 

POWER TOOL INVENTOR 

Part 2 of 2 

TALKS MAG DRILLS 

Nathan Ford, Area Sales Manager for 

Fein Power Tools in the UK, previously 

discussed what you should look for 

when purchasing a mag drill and the 

applications some can now achieve. 

He also briefly covers Fein’s own 

mag drill range, some new into 

the UK market. 

When it comes to drilling materials a 

little away from the norm then the 

correct accessory is essential. The correct 

cutter selection can make the difference 

between hours of frustration and 

expense, or getting a job done well. 

High Speed Steel, Tungsten Carbide, 

Titanium coated and High cobalt are 

some of the different cutter types 

available, and will all perform differently 

on different materials. It is worth seeking 

advice on which cutter would suit you 

application best and pairing it with the 

correct machine. 

We have a function on our Fein 

website called ‘core drill finder’ which 

provides precisely this advice, https:// 

fein.com/en_uk/drilling/metal-coredrilling/core-drill-finder-t642962/. 

It 

provides information on the carbide 

(Ultra), coated HSS (Dura) and HSS 

(Nova) cutters, with various helpful 

information on the types of cutter sets 

available in the market. 

ADDITIONAL FEATURES AND SAFETY. 

Once we have the correct drill and 

accessories for our application, it is 

worth taking a second to look over any 

additional features which may set one 

machine apart from another. 

Capacity: As well as being used on site 

many of the larger capacity machines 

can replace the need for a conventional 

pillar type in the workshop. They make it 

easier to take the drill to the work piece 

rather than trying to move large pieces 

of steel up onto the drill bed. Larger 

machines are available with Morse taper 

fittings which allow for a wider range of 

accessories to be used. 

Ease of use: Ease of access to the 

controls can be something that is 

overlooked. The controls may be easy to 

access when the machine is operated in 

one direction but when turned around 

they may be impossible to reach. Try 

to find a machine which has controls 

that can be reached regardless of the 

orientation of the machine. 

Slide adjusters: Over time the slide on 

your machine may wear slightly due to it 

being metal upon metal, a good quality 

machine should have adjustments on 

the slides so that you can remove any 

play and tighten your guide. Any play 

in the guide will lead to movement and 

chattering in the cutter which may break 

cutters and also lead to an oval hole 

being drilled. 

As you can see there are a number of 

different decisions to be made before 

choosing the correct machine – capacity, 

depth of cut, applications, accessories, 

safety features, ease of use. It can be 

useful to ask for a demonstration of the 

product before purchasing either via 

the machine manufacturer or your local 

supplier to ensure that it is suited to 

your application. 

Fein has a large range of mag drills. 

In November of last year Fein launched 

its brand new cordless (AKBU 35) and 

compact (KBC 35) mag drills. If you 

need an economical mag drill or basic 

functionality, Fein is re-launching the 

KBE family of mag drills between May- 

June 2018. 

To find out more about Fein mag 

drills check out: https://fein.com/en_uk/ 

drilling/metal-core-drilling/ 


12 

NEWS 

SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2021 

Messe Essen extends contract with most important 

Asian sectoral society, CMES Cooperation strengthens 

the world’s leading sectoral event. 

Messe Essen is extending its longstanding 

collaboration with the Chinese Mechanical 

Engineering Society. Both partners have 

agreed to cooperate with regard to both 

leading trade fairs, SCHWEISSEN 

& SCHNEIDEN and Beijing Essen 

Welding & Cutting. 

China, the world’s largest steel 

producer with a strong demand for 

modern technology, is continuing to 

place its faith in the German based fair. 

The announcement was made by Oliver 

P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, and Lu 

Daming, the new Vice President& General 

Secretary of CMES, at their joint contract 

signing ceremony. The Chinese engineering 

association which was founded in 1936 has 

over 180,000 members. 

For several decades, CMES has been 

present at the world’s leading fair in the 

sector, SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN, with a 

large number of exhibitors. 

At Messe Essen, over 1,000 exhibitors 

introduce innovations in joining, cutting 

and surfacing technologies every four 

years. Together, both partners, CMES and 

Messe Essen, organise the second largest 

fair in the sector, Beijing Essen Welding & 

Cutting. It has developed into an important 

sectoral platform and makes it possible for 

foreign companies to establish contacts 

into the region. 

China is an Important Market for the 

SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN Fair and for Lu 

Daming, the new number two at CMES, 

the contract signing ceremony was his first 

trip to Messe Essen: “I am pleased to get to 

know our important partner in person and 

to express my thanks for the outstanding 

cooperation, the deep trust and the success 

of the events. With our ideas and our 

proximity to the market, we will jointly 

accompany the fairs and develop them 

even further.” 

Oliver P. Kuhrt, CEO of Messe Essen, 

emphasised: “This contract extension 

highlights our commitment to offering 

the optimum fair platforms to the 

international welding sector. Thus, we are 

now already laying a foundation stone 

LTI METALTECH CALL FOR MORE WOMEN 

TO ENTER ENGINEERING WORKFORCE 

An award-winning Oxfordshire engineering company 

specialising in the green energy sector is calling for more 

women to enter into a career in British engineering and to 

sign up for the huge opportunities open to them in the sector. 

The UK currently has the worst percentage in Europe of 

women employed as engineers, languishing at less than ten 

per cent; something that urgently needs to be addressed, says 

LTI, if UK manufacturing is to remain competitive and more 

women are to be encouraged to join the industry. 

World leaders in advanced fabrication and welding 

techniques, Abingdon-based LTi Metaltech appreciates all 

too well the barriers many women endure when trying to 

break into traditionally male-dominated industries, such 

as discrimination and lack of resources. However, as an 

enterprising engineering company specialising in the precision 

fabrication of high performance vessels and structures, the 

company actively seeks employment of and supports both 

men and women, but the company’s Technical Director 

Edgar Rayner is still frustrated at the small number of female 

applicants wishing to embark on a career in the sector. 

Says Edgar Rayner, “At LTi, we actively encourage women 

to join our engineering team, and yet we are barely making 

in-roads, despite excellent opportunities and a recognition that 

women can bring unique skills to an industry still dominated 

by men. We need more women in engineering so younger 

for the next SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 

which we will stage at Messe Essen from 

September 13 to 17, 2021.” This event 

will take place at the new Messe Essen 

for the first time: After the successful 

modernisation, one of the technically most 

innovative fair sites in Germany will be 

available to exhibitors and trade visitors 

from all over the world. Simple orientation, 

logistical flexibility and a modern 

infrastructure will ensure comfort, the best 

service and a high quality of stay. 

generations have role models to look up to and to know that a 

career in engineering is possible for them.” 

At present, women make up only 19 percent of senior roles 

in the UK, and an even smaller number of women (11%) make 

up the country’s engineering workforce, despite 15 per cent of 

UK engineering graduates being women. 

Stevie Clayton, 34, graduated with a BEng in Manufacturing 

Engineering from The University of Nottingham in 2017, and 

began work in the engineering industry, firstly as a Process 

Engineer. With hard work and perseverance, she worked her 

way up to her former role as Senior Quality Engineer at LTi, 

and after a recent promotion, became the company’s Quality 

Manager, living proof that women can compete and overcome 

stereotypical barriers to achieve career success. 

“Being a female in a male-dominated role has its own 

challenges. Women often need to work harder just to prove 

themselves and have their voices heard. But, if you walk 

in ready to get your hands dirty, have an open mind and 

communicate well, you can be successful in an Engineering 

Career. Working for a company that treats genders as equals 

is essential for this.” said Stevie Clayton, Quality Manager, LTi 

Metaltech 

For more information about LTi Metaltech’s work with 

women in engineering, visit: lti-metaltech.com or contact us 

on 01235 827 060. 


NEWS- COVER STORY 13 

POLYSOUDE 

AWARDS CEREMONY 

Recognising the human investment… 

The majority of representatives from our global 

sales network were present for the ceremony 

Polysoude recently organised the 

second edition of the Polysoude Sales 

Awards at the company headquarters 

in Nantes. Polysoude invited 

representatives of their worldwide 

business partners, subsidiaries and 

offices participate in this ceremony. 

These awards were to recognise 

the best performances in the 

commercial, development and client 

service areas. Hans-Peter Mariner, 

the company CEO, had the honour of 

awarding the prizes at the prestigious 

Château des Ducs in Nantes city centre. 

Mr Mariner expressed his pleasure 

in awarding the cooperation between 

Polysoude employees and its partners. 

“It’s the recognition of team spirit and 

merit, major assets that I now share 

with you, by awarding for the second 

time these “prizes of excellence”. 

To reflect each effort given in 2017 

in the different activity sectors, many 

categories were given awards. 

For the category of the highest 

progression of orbital welding sales, 

the winners were as follows: 1st prize 

– Astro Arc Polysoude, subsidiary in 

USA, 2nd prize – Polysoude UK, office 

in UK and 3rd prize – Polysoude India, 

subsidiary in India. 

Special thanks also went out to 

teams and partners in South Korea 

(Chemiko) and in Japan (GMT) for their 

exceptional contribution regarding the 

volume of sales in 2017. 

In the area of automated welding 

and weld overlay cladding, they looked 

The majority of representatives from our global 

sales network were present for the ceremony 

towards SALWO with their impressive 

contribution, who received the award. 

Effectively, SALWO actively supports 

Polysoude welding and cladding 

operations in the Middle-East, 

especially orders from companies 

such as Gulf Steel Works and Aasia 

Steel. Those last two being extremely 

significant companies, working in the 

Oil and Gas industry. 

When looking at customer service, 

it’s the Polysoude France team 

who received first prize. This team, 

supported by all the services at the 

headquarters, developed their actions 

to combine spare parts sales and other 

services such as welding assistance, 

and material rentals all year long, 

contributing to a turnover of more than 

1.5 million euros in 2017. 

The awards ceremony was followed 

by cocktails and a meal with the festive 

atmosphere in the halls of the historic 

Château. Mr Mariner continued to 

express his willingness in working with 

volunteer groups and listening to their 

customer needs. He also mentioned 

that “Polysoude is now, more than ever, 

motivated to anticipate change”. 

BOHS CONFIRMS 

PRESTIGIOUS HONOUR 

FOR STEVE HAILS 

Steve is the Director of Health, Safety and 

Wellbeing at Tideway – the organisation 

responsible for delivering the Thames 

Tideway Tunnel. Steve has more than 

20 years’ experience in developing and 

implementing effective strategies, policies 

and systems in the engineering and 

construction sectors. 

He is a Chartered Member of IOSH; 

a Practitioner of IEMA; and has a 

Masters degree in Health, Safety and 

Environment. BOHS’ Honorary Fellowships 

are offered to only a small number 

of respected individuals, who have 

demonstrated significant effectiveness in 

working, influencing and advocating for 

improvement in worker health protection 

at a national level. 

Karen Bufton, immediate past president 

of BOHS, said: “It’s only fitting that Steve 

has been honoured for the significant 

and valuable contribution he has made 

to BOHS and occupational hygiene 

during the past few years, especially in 

terms of his involvement in the Breathe 

Freely in Construction campaign. We are 

privileged to have benefited from his 

extensive experience and expertise, and his 

involvement in groups such as: Health 

in Construction Leadership Group, 

and Mates in Mind. 

Speaking about the announcement, 

Steve commented: “I’m delighted to have 

had the opportunity to contribute to the 

valuable work that BOHS undertakes, 

by supporting its Breathe Freely in 

Construction campaign. Breathe Freely 

has not only helped shine a much-needed 

spotlight on the health risks faced by 

construction workers, but also – most 

importantly – it offers a wide range 

of free, expert training materials and 

information: this is accessible to all and 

can be downloaded from the website, 

offering valuable resources for managers 

and supervisors in the construction 

industry. Tools such as these can make a 

significant contribution to helping both 

employers and employees understand 

health risks in a construction environment, 

and subsequently to improve working 

conditions and working practices via 

suitable, inexpensive, effective and 

practical exposure control measures.” 


16 

NEWS 

FINDING THE HIDDEN BENEFITS 

OF YOUR TRADE ASSOCIATION – 

The word ‘Association’, 

AWD AND WWA. what does it mean? 

Organisation of people with a common purpose 

and having a formal structure: 

The act of associating or state of being associated: 

friendship; companionship: networking: sharing ideas: 

When you first thought about joining 

the AWD-WWA it was probably for 

one of several reasons. Your company 

may have been new or you needed to 

find out information or required help 

from the many of the benefits that are 

part of being a member of the AWD. 

Legal advice, technical advice, insurance 

advice, company medical schemes, 

advertising in Welding World Magazine, 

being seen in the AWD buyers’ guides 

and many others. 

The AWD is a conduit of welding 

information that is there to be shared 

and used. The Welding World magazine, 

use of the AWD-WWA logo on your 

company information profiles and your 

website. All are very strong and powerful 

benefits which mean your company can 

benefit by being a member. 

In some ways it is like a health club. 

Just because you joined the gym, this in 

itself does not make you lose weight or 

CALENDAR – MAKE SURE YOU DON’T MISS... 

July 15-20 2018 

IIW 2018 Annual Assembly and 

International Conference 

In conjunction with the IIW General 

Annual Assembly, the International 

Conference aims provide a forum for 

networking and knowledge exchange 

among scientists, researchers, and 

industry related to welding and joining. 

Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center, 

Denpasar, Bali, INDONESIA 

October 16-17, 2018 

2018 Welding Summit 

Due to the volume of construction 

projects taking place in the Gulf Coast, 

this year’s Welding Industry Summit 

will take place in League City, Texas, 

minutes from downtown Houston. 

South Shore Harbor Conference Center, 

League City, Texas 

tone those muscles. No, you have to join 

in and get the best out of the equipment 

and the advice they offer. You joined to 

get fit and improve by being part of a 

group of likeminded people. To share 

new ideas and the goals you set when 

you joined. This is when you see the 

value of your membership! 

When you joined the AWD 

(Association of Welding Distribution) it 

was for some very sound reasons. 

To improve what you are already 

doing, to get better communication 

with likeminded people. To become 

known. It is a very powerful benefit that 

should not be hidden and you must use 

your membership. 

Please remember to be associated with 

your association. Do not leave your AWD 

membership in the office drawer. Take 

part in the AWD during the year and 

keep your company fit and in front of 

the competition. 

October 23-26, 2018 

EuroBLECH 2018 

Sheet metal working professionals from 

all over the world will meet again in 

Hanover, Germany, at the largest trade 

fair for this industry sector. EuroBLECH 

offers its audience a comprehensive 

overview of prevailing trends in sheet 

metal working, with an impressive range 

of machines, tools and systems live on 

display across eight exhibition halls. 

Hanover Exhibition Grounds, Hanover, 

Germany 

November 6-8, 2018 

FABTECH 

FABTECH brings a wealth of innovation 

and technology solutions to Atlanta. 

More than 35,000 attendees and over 

1,500 exhibiting companies are expected 

to gather once again to celebrate metal 

Dave Ellwood, Director and Company Secretary, 

Welding World 

If you have any questions please do 

not hesitate to contact Dave Ellwood 

on 07860 258309 

or email dave@britweld.co.uk 

manufacturing at its best. 

Georgia World Congress Center, 

285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, 

Atlanta, GA 30313 

December 5-6 2018 

International Conference Welding and 

related technologies 

The International Conference Welding 

and related technologies, organised 

by the Paton Electric Welding Institute 

of NAS of Ukraine, at the Ukrainian 

National Academy of Sciences in Kiev, 

Ukraine, will cover areas like welding 

and related technologies. 

Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, 

Kiev, Ukraine

NEWS 17 

MARITIME INTEGRATION AND SUPPORT 

BAE Systems has announced a £10 million 

investment programme to upgrade 

its Maritime Integration and Support 

Centre (MISC) in Portsmouth – a specialist 

facility providing vital support for Royal 

Navy warships whilst researching future 

combat systems and technologies. 

Located on Portsdown Hill and shaped 

like a Type 45 destroyer, the MISC is a 

unique facility that accurately replicates 

real-life ship conditions using the same 

combat system technology found across 

the Royal Navy’s surface fleet - including 

systems used to track threats, co-ordinate 

weapons and manage on-deck aircraft 

movements. The facility enables highly 

skilled engineers to develop and test key 

elements of combat systems before they 

are installed on ships and, once in service, 

provide them with through-life support. 

Supporting the development of future 

combat systems, BAE Systems’ £10 million 

investment programme will research new 

technologies such as artificial intelligence, 

information and electronic warfare, 

unmanned vehicles and new weapons. 

The MISC will benefit from new 

facilities including a state of the art 

visualisation suite able to display live 

tactical data from any Royal Navy warship 

anywhere in the world, further enhancing 

warship support. The pioneering 

technology will provide BAE Systems’ 

Naval Combat Systems Integration 

Support Services (NCSISS) engineers with 

all the information they need to keep 

ships battle ready and support them in 

their deployments. 

CALL FOR EVIDENCE 

Government review to help business embrace new technology and boost wages and profits 

In a bid to increase productivity 

and with it the nation’s wages and 

profits, Chancellor Philip Hammond 

has announced a Call for Evidence on 

the UK’s productivity, seeking views 

on how to boost the performance of 

Britain’s businesses. 

The Business Productivity Review 

will focus on how firms across the 

country can take advantage of leading 

technologies, management practices 

and business support services. Increasing 

productivity leads to a long-term boost 

to workers’ wages and businesses’ 

profits – a key part of the government’s 

modern Industrial Strategy. 

Through the Industrial Strategy, the 

government is building upon the UK’s 

position as one of the best places in the 

world to start and grown a business. 

Around 1,100 businesses start every day 

in Britain. However, UK productivity is 

below the average for the rest of the 

G7 advanced economies. 

Research from the CBI suggests 

that by encouraging more businesses 

to adopt the best tried and tested 

technologies available – such as cloud 

computing, mobile technology and 

e-purchasing – the UK economy could 

receive a £100 billion boost and see a 

5% reduction in income inequality. 

Acknowledging the UK’s significant 

economic strengths, the Chancellor told 

the Confederation of British Industry 

(CBI) that we can do more to make the 

most of our untapped potential. 

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: 

“For centuries Britain has been a nation 

of discoveries, but these ideas haven’t 

always been commercialised in the UK 

and new ideas applied in practice. 

”Now our modern Industrial Strategy 

is ensuring that firms across the UK can 

take advantage of leading technologies 

and management practices, potentially 

adding £100 billion to the economy and 

boosting people’s earning power right 

across the country.” 

The Chancellor also announced £20 

million government investment for the 

Made Smarter pilot scheme aimed at 

boosting productivity and growth in the 

north west. 

The industry-led pilot will help 

up to 3,000 small and mediumsized 

manufacturers become more 

competitive through greater use of 

digital technology in the manufacturing 

process and in supply chains. 

The Business Productivity Review 

Call for Evidence is open until 4 July 

2018 and the government encourages 

businesses, trade associations and other 

interested parties to contribute their 

views to it. 


18 

NEWS 

RAY LONSDALE – ARTIST 

The journey from owning a steel fabrication business to becoming one 

of our most talked about artists has been a swift one for Ray Lonsdale. 

After working at Coles Cranes in 

Sunderland, and then forming his own 

steel fabrication business, producing 

items such as bins and seats, he has since 

made headlines in the art world with his 

business Two Red Rubber Things. 

Speaking to Welding World magazine, 

Ray said: “This was the direction that I 

wanted to take and there just wasn’t the 

time for me to take an art degree so I 

went ahead and took a chance in 2007. 

Most of the work I undertake is fabricated 

from Corten steel in a 3D mosaic style. 

This is basically just random shape and 

size pieces plasma cut from mainly 3mm 

sheet. These pieces are then reassembled 

to produce the finished article. All the 

sculptures are made freehand and are 

basically three dimensional sketches.” 

With more than 30 life sized statues 

completed Ray has won warm acclaim for 

his works ‘Freddie Gilroy and the Belsen 

Stragglers’ and ‘Eleven O One’. 

The latter stands at 9ft 5ins tall and is 

situated in Seaham, County Durham. Its 

name is given to the time and date of the 

World War I armistice in 1918 and looks 

GROUP EARNINGS INCREASE 

Corporate News 

• Group revenue: EUR 4.044 bn (up 1.4 

percent after adjusting for exchange 

rate effects and the impact from the 

first-time application of IFRS 15) 

• Group operating profit : EUR 1.081 bn 

(up 12.1 percent after adjusting for 

exchange rate effects) 

• Earnings per share adjusted for special 

items: EUR 2.19 (2017: EUR 1.77) 

• Group outlook for 2018 confirmed 

• Completion of merger with Praxair still 

planned for the second half of 2018 

Technology company The Linde Group 

saw positive business trends in the 

first quarter of 2018. After adjusting 

for exchange rate effects and for the 

impact of the first-time application 

of new accounting standard IFRS 15, 

revenue rose by 1.4 percent compared 

with the first quarter of 2017. Group 

operating profit increased significantly 

by 12.1 percent after adjusting for 

exchange rate effects. Linde was able 

to improve its operating margin by 

300 basis points to 26.7 percent (2017: 

23.7 percent). 

Caption if needed 

“We have continued to grow and 

have achieved a substantial increase in 

our profitability,” said Professor Dr Aldo 

Belloni, Chief Executive Officer of Linde 

AG. “The significant improvement in 

our Group margin is the result of the 

efficiency measures we have introduced, 

continued portfolio optimisation and 

good macroeconomic conditions.” 

In the Gases Division, Linde generated 

revenue in the first quarter of 2018 of 

EUR 3.512 bn, a decrease of 7.6 percent 

when compared with the figure for 

the first quarter of 2017 of EUR 3.799 

bn. After adjusting for exchange rate 

effects and for the impact of the firsttime 

application of IFRS 15, revenue 

in the Gases Division increased by 2.8 

percent. On a comparable basis (after 

also adjusting for changes in the price 

of natural gas), revenue growth was 

2.6 percent. Operating profit was EUR 

1.079 bn, which was 2.5 percent higher 

than the figure for the prior-year 

period of EUR 1.053 bn. After adjusting 

for exchange rate effects, operating 

profit increased by 10.9 percent. At 

30.7 percent, the operating margin was 

set to be exhibited 

permanently after a 

campaign to keep 

the 1.2 tonne statue 

in the town. 

Freddie Gilroy is located on North Bay 

in Sacrborough and is based on a retired 

miner friend of Ray who he later found 

out was one of the first soldiers to liberate 

the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at 

the end of World War II. 

“Both the ‘Freddie Gilroy’ and ‘Eleven 

O One’ sculptures were built on spec and 

not commissioned. They were put out on 

loan and fortunately bought by members 

of the public then donated for display,” 

said Ray. 

Ray is currently working on an sculpture 

of Emily Wilding Davison (the suffragette 

who was killed by the kings horse in 

1913). This will be sited in Morpeth, 

Northumberland near where she is buried. 

Caption if needed 

January to March 2018: Linde makes a good start to the new year – significant increase in Group earnings 

significantly higher than the figure for 

the first quarter of 2017 of 27.7 percent. 

Positive trends were to be seen 

in the EMEA segment in almost all 

product areas. In the liquefied gases 

and cylinder gas product areas in 

particular, revenue increased in virtually 

all regions. In the on-site business, there 

were volume reductions as a result of 

the sale of parts of a production facility. 

Engineering Division: 

Margin significantly above the target of 

around 9 percent 

Revenue in the Engineering Division 

fell in the first quarter of 2018 by 7.1 

percent to EUR 602 m (2017: EUR 648 

m). Operating profit increased to EUR 

60 m (2017: EUR 53 m). At 10.0 percent, 

the operating margin was significantly 

above the figure for the first quarter 

of 2017 of 8.2 percent and exceeded 

the target of around 9 percent which 

Linde Engineering has set itself for the 

2018 financial year. This was due not 

only to higher earnings from individual 

plant construction projects, but also to 

improved capacity utilisation. 


20 

NEWS 

WHAT IS JOB KNOWLEDGE? 

Job Knowledge is written into and 

recognised by most Welder Qualification 

standards and, dependent on the 

standard, can become a mandatory 

requirement (for example, in ISO 24394 

or BS EN ISO 14732). 

Its purpose is to provide welders and 

operators with a thorough 

understanding of the welding process 

being used. Job Knowledge covers 

the associated Health and Safety 

risks, weld defects and how to reduce 

their occurrence, the variables which 

can influence a change of welding 

parameters, and the importance and 

understanding of the Inert Gas Envelope, 

to name just a few. Job Knowledge also 

satisfies HSE requirements that welders 

and operators have been adequately 

trained, which is clearly of benefit to 

employers. Providing welders with a 

better understanding of the adopted 

welding process reduces weld failures 

and improves overall weld quality, 

and this is where Job Knowledge really 

becomes effective. 

If you have any questions on Job 

Knowledge or would like more information 

please get in touch with our office and we 

will be happy to answer your questions or 

discuss your requirements. 

Phone: 01327 879500 

Mobile: 07702 120686 

Email: jake.rambaldini@outlook.com 

Website: www.rambaldiniwelding.co.uk 


NEWS 21 

THE BOARD 

Dave P. Ellwood 

Director & Company Secretary 

Tel: 

01252 333661 

07860 258309 

E-mail: 

dave@weldingworld.com 

AWD National Council 

PRESIDENT 

Bob Stacey 

Tel: T +44 (0) 5600 494 599 

E-mail: president@awd.org.uk 

PAST PRESIDENT 

John Wilkinson OBE 

Tel: +44 (0)1952 290036 

REGIONAL OFFICERS 

North 

Iain Pickles – Regional Officer 

Welding Alloys Ltd 

Tel: +44 (0) 1763 207568 

07826 546797 

E-mail: 

iain.pickles@welding-alloys.com 

Central 

South East 

Gareth Hawkins – Regional Officer 

Weldability-Sif 

Tel: +44 (0)1462 482200 

0797 6830017 

E-mail: 

gareth@weldability-sif.com 


Managing Director 

Tel: 

01462 482200 

07793 220800 

E-mail: 

adrian@welding-world.com 

Lee Darton 

Finance Director 

Harry Reade – Membership Manager 

AWD 

Tel: +44 (0)7584 088061 

E-mail: harryreade@aol.com 

South West 

Caretaker of Region – Robert Pullen 

(Regional Officer) 

Tel: +44 (0)1639 777012 

Mob: +44 (0)7807 275089 

E-mail: Rob@mhmplant.com 

WORK GROUPS 

Product Safety and Quality 

(PSQ) Committee 

Chairman: Nigel Hasted, BOC 

Education and Training 

Committee 

Chairman: Dave Ellwood, 

Britannia Welding 

Tel: 

01462 482200 

07734 857044 

E-mail: 

lee@weldingworld.com 

Membership Committee 

Chairman: James Westhorp, Welding 

Engineering Services 

Personnel Safety and 

Occupational 

Health (PSOH) 

Chairman: Tony Ashall, Plymovent 

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 

For all those who joined me at our latest Welding World 

Awards, I know I can speak for everyone present when I say 

what a fantastic evening it was. 

I would like to pass my congratulations to all of the 

worthy winners of the Welding World Awards and also to 

the finalists. 

We have all contributed to our industry, in one way or 

another, and it is only fitting that the winners and finalists are 

recognised for these efforts. 

It was a joy to see manufacturers, distributors and all 

present, contributing to a very special evening. 

We all may be different on how we approach the end user 

market, and competitors, but remember that we are all trying 

to earn a living in a sometimes, difficult business climate. 

I had a fantastic time at the awards evening, it was a real 

pleasure to meet up with old friends from all different sectors 

of our industry. It was also an honour and a privilege to have 

been your President, on this special occasion. 

Thank you to everyone who supported The Welding World 

Awards, and your continuing support to the AWD, whose 

part in our industry is vital. 

A special thanks has to go to the 

organisers who did a most remarkable 

job in making this awards evening so 

professional and entertaining. 

My last mention is a big thank you to all 

who donated to a very worthy charity, 

Kidney Cancer UK. We heard 

some really moving stories 

about why it’s so important 

to continue our support 

for these, in many cases, 

unrecognised heroes. 

Bob Stacey 

President AWD 

AWD CUFFLINKS 

As part of The Association of 

Welding Distribution official 

merchandise, AWD cufflinks 

are available for members 

to purchase at £20.00 per pair 

(P&P £5.00). Payment may be 

made by debit/credit card – 

telephone the AWD secretariat 

on +44 (0)1952 290 036 or 

email: secretariat@awd.org.uk 


22 

PRODUCT NEWS 

NEW PRODUCTS 

Your 

guide to the latest 

welding technologies 

on the market 

FRONIUS LAUNCHES NEW TIG SERIES ON THE MARKET 

Fronius has expanded its portfolio of manual power sources 

with three new devices for Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG). The 

MagicWave 230i, 190 and TransTig 230i are extremely practical, 

powerful and quiet. Thanks to their rapid signal processors, they 

always achieve the exact current curve that allows for maximum 

arc stability with the lowest possible noise emissions. With its 

intuitive menu navigation, users are able to access the correct 

parameters in just a few steps and can then concentrate fully on 

what they’re best at – achieving a clean weld seam. 

The MagicWave 230i can communicate and be networked with 

other devices via Bluetooth, WLAN and NFC technology. 

HIGHLY VERSATILE POWER SOURCES 

FOR AC WELDING 

Whether in pipeline or container 

construction, for processing stainless steel 

or vehicle repair and maintenance – the 

new Fronius TIG welding systems have a 

whole range of uses. The most powerful 

power source is the MagicWave 230i for AC 

welding. It has one particular advantage: 

it can communicate with other devices via 

Bluetooth, WLAN and NFC technology, The MagicWave 190 is 

and can be networked with them. The ideal for welding materials 

such as steel, stainless steel 

MagicWave 190 is ideal for welding or aluminium. 

materials such as steel, stainless steel or 

aluminium. The AC power source features gas cooling and is the 

best choice for a wide range of uses. 

LIGHTWEIGHT FOR DC WELDING 

An integral part of the new series is the 

TransTig 230i for DC welding. Weighing 

just 15.9 kilograms, it is especially light. 

This manual power source is suitable 

for all welding applications apart from 

aluminium. As with the MagicWave 230i, 

the power source can also be supplied with 

an optional water-cooling system. Using 

Bluetooth, WLAN and NFC, the TransTig 230i 

can also connect wirelessly to devices such 

as an intelligent welding helmet, remote 

control or even 

a smartphone. 

OPTIMUM USER CUSTOMISABILITY 

The multilingual operating concept of 

the manual power source with a 4.3-inch 

full-colour display allows for 

intuitive and extremely 

simple operation. Using 

the favourites button, 

welders can easily retrieve and 

The pure DC power source 

TransTig 230i can optionally 

be supplied with a watercooling 

system and is suitable 

for all welding applications apart 

from aluminium. 

set parameters that they often use. 

The modular design is a particular advantage: 

users can expand these devices as desired with 

different function packages. These include 

the job function, which can store up to 999 

jobs at the same time, the PulsPro package to 

obtain all pulse functionalities, additional data 

documentation and limit monitoring. 

The latter aids the user in setting a defined parameter 

window and keeping to certain welding parameters. USB ports 

allow software updates to be installed and welding data to 

be documented. 

NEW WELDING TORCH FOR PRECISE HANDLING 

Every device is available as a multivoltage 

version. Using the Fronius Power Plug – a 

lockable plug connector on the rear of the 

power source – the mains cable or plug can 

be changed quickly and easily depending 

on where the device is being used. This 

means it can be used anywhere in the 

world – even with different mains voltages. 

Fronius has also redesigned the welding 

torch: an ergonomic grip combined 

with a torch changing system as 

standard increases comfort and 

convenience, and allows for 

even more precise handling. 

The integrated, highperformance 

LED illuminates 

the seam area efficiently, 

leaving the welder to 

concentrate entirely on 

their task and achieve 

excellent results. 


DOWNLOAD 

 

OUR NEW APP 

As a special benefit to AWD members 

the app will also be FREE 

The direct links to the Welding World app 

are as follows: 

iOS: http://goo.gl/ZaXVYY 

Android: http://goo.gl/USwFjZ 

WW_Apr17_19_WW_App.indd 1 19/06/2018 15:57

24 

PRODUCT NEWS 

WESTERMANS INTERNATIONAL BRINGS COST EFFECTIVE PLASMA CUTTING TO A WIDE MARKET 

Westermans International Ltd. has built a leading global 

reputation for the sourcing and supply of refurbished welding 

equipment that meets both performance and budgetary 

objectives. The approach has opened up opportunities for 

customers in a wide range of industries and geographical 

locations to benefit from proven and technically advanced 

equipment without the need for capital outlay on new 

installations, but still with the benefit of extensive experience 

and a broad service capability. 

The company’s reputation is not built only on the provision 

of welding equipment – from conventional MIG or TIG welders 

to advanced orbital welding stations – but also on a long list of 

ancillary equipment that is relevant to welding processes. For 

the last 25 years, this has included a range of plasma cutting and 

associated equipment and, because of Westermans’ access to 

multiple manufacturers – there are more than 100 plasma cutting 

equipment producers worldwide – the door can be opened for 

customers to ensure that the most suitable machinery is supplied 

for each specific application very cost-effectively. 

“Plasma cutting has come a long way from large machines 

found typically in shipyards,” explains Claire Spillane, Company 

Secretary at Leicester-based Westermans International. “Today, 

modern installations can be far smaller – even operating in some 

cases from a lap top – and are invariably noted for their extreme 

versatility and low capital investment requirements.” 

This is an area in which Westermans has long been a key 

supplier to the international welding and cutting industry. The 

range of benefits associated with plasma cutting systems can 

therefore be brought more readily to appropriate industry sectors. 

“Factors such as cut quality, shape and size versatility, batch or 

mass production options, high definition or simply the ability to 

follow template silhouettes or line drawings – all are associated 

with the choice of equipment now on the market – and which we 

can make available to our customers,” adds Claire Spillane. 

Westermans can source and supply used systems based on 

single or multiple cutting torches while most machines, if not 

already, can be upgraded and fitted with CNC controllers and/or 

additional torches at a later date. The company provides systems 

that can operate with a range of metals – from mild and stainless 

steel to aluminium – and, in all cases, provides installation 

support and warranty options, enabling many customers to bring 

their plasma cutting in-house. 

Steering a path through the consequent choice of systems is 

one of the key roles played by Westermans for its customers. In 

all cases, the objective is to ensure the best solution is identified 

each time – both in terms of performance and cost. From 

the cutting system itself to control systems and mechanical 

components, and from fume extraction to CAD/CAM software, 

Westermans provides tailored packages to customers worldwide. 

“Whether a small fabrication shop or a multi-national oil and 

gas system manufacturing enterprise, we are able to work 

with each individual customer to help them optimise their 

installation and to work towards their continuing success,” 

concludes Claire Spillane. 

Full details of Westermans’ services can be found at 

www.westermans.com 


26 

PRODUCT NEWS 

PREMIUM QUALITY THAT PAYS – EWM AG PRESENTS THE NEW PM-MIG/MAG WELDING TORCH SERIES 

EWM AG expands its range of MIG/MAG welding torches to 

include the PM series for professional users. The newly designed 

grip guarantees a comfortable hold, even over long periods, 

and illuminates the working area with its motion-activated LED 

lighting. Thanks to tried-and-tested EWM quality, the PM welding 

torches contribute to the improvement of welding properties and 

the quality of the welded seams. Weld spatters can be reduced 

considerably – this saves time on finishing work. The standard 

welding torches of the PM series are – as are all EWM welding 

torches – suitable for use on any commercially available welding 

machine with Euro torch connector. 

Additional comfort in the tough daily welding routine is always 

welcomed. With the new PM torch, EWM delivers noticeable 

relief for work. 

MORE LIGHT FOR BETTER SIGHT 

Excellent welding results require optimal lighting of the 

working area. The integrated LED lighting of the new PM 

welding torch from EWM ensures that everything is also 

clearly visible – even in dark spots on the workpiece. It 

is activated automatically as soon as the welding torch 

is moved. This independence from the torch trigger 

provides protection from incorrect operation and 

unintentional arc striking when bringing the welding 

torch close to the component. 

STANDARD TORCH IN PREMIUM QUALITY 

The new PM welding torch from EWM makes its 

debut in combination with the new MIG/MAG Titan 

Right: The new PM standard welding torches from EWM are also 

available with the torch trigger installed at the top. 

Below: EWM supplies the new function torch in three versions. Depending on the model, 

current and wire feed speed, voltage correction, welding procedure and program, among 

others, can be changed and displayed. The top-of-the-range RD3X model even has a display 

screen with access to ewm Xnet component management. 

XQ multi-process welding machine. But it can also be used in the 

standard torch version together with all other MIG/MAG welding 

machines – thanks to the Euro torch connector. 

READY FOR INDUSTRY 4.0 

On the standard torch the torch trigger 

can optionally be installed at the top. You 

also have the option of selecting function 

torches which make remote control of 

welding parameters possible. The OLED 

graphic display shows the welding parameters in a 

user-friendly manner at the welding site. With the 

high-end RD3X version the welder can use ewm Xnet 

and component management to access a welding 

sequence plan. The welding parameters are set 

automatically by the system from the stored WPS. The 

setting process is less complex and constant quality is 

ensured – this way Industry 4.0 can be integrated into 

everyday welding. 

THE RIGHT WELDING TORCH FOR ANY NEED 

Regardless of what the user’s requirements are for cooling, 

torch neck and size, the new PM welding torch from EWM 

is available in numerous variants. Customers can select the 

model which best matches their individual applications: 

The choice includes gas or water-cooling as well as short or 

long necks. The welding current range extends to 550 A. All 

torches are available as function torches. 

THE WELDING TORCH PAYS OFF 

Robust fabrication, lasting quality and generous dimensioning 

of all components – the new PM welding torch also brings 

together all these properties which are typical of EWM products. 

It scores high points even in a continuous 3-shift operation – 

also in terms of efficiency. On the one hand, it lowers the error 

rate by an interference-free wire guide, excellent shielding gas 

coverage of the arc range and safe current contacting. At the 

same time, the use of consumables is also reduced because of the 

large material cross section of the contact tips (M7/M9 instead of 

M6/M8 as is common in the industry). Substantially better heat 

dissipation prevents overheating and extends the service life. 


28 

JOB KNOWLEDGE 

ROTARY FRICTION 

INTRODUCTION 

Rotary friction welding (RFW) is a solidstate 

joining process which works by 

rotating one workpiece relative to another 

while under a compressive axial force. The 

friction between the surfaces produces 

heat, causing the interface material to 

plasticise. The compressive force displaces 

the plasticised material from the interface, 

expelling the original surface oxide layer 

and other contaminants and promoting 

metallurgical and/or surface interlocking 

joining mechanisms. This deformation 

process forms a flash collar and causes the 

workpieces to shorten in the direction of 

the compressive force. Once the required 

shortening has been achieved (known as 

burn-off distance) the rotation movement 

is ceased and a forging force is often 

held, or increased, for a period of time to 

help consolidate the weld. There are two 

primary mechanisms for delivering the 

energy to the weld interface: 

• Direct drive - the rotating part is 

continuously driven by the equipment 

spindle motor (Figure 1). 

• Inertia - the rotating part is connected 

to a flywheel which is disconnected from 

the drive motor once a desired rotating 

speed is achieved. The workpieces then 

engage and the flywheel supplies the 

energy to the interface. During this 

approach the rotation speed gradually 

decreases to a stop (see Figure 2). 

APPLICATIONS 

RFW is widely implemented across the 

manufacturing sector and has been used 

for numerous applications, including: 

• Turbine shafts 

• Automotive parts including steel truck 

axels and casings 

• Monel-to-steel marine fittings 

• Piston rods 

• Copper-aluminium electrical connections 

• Cutting tools 

• Tubular transition joints combining 

dissimilar metals (Aluminium-Titanium 

and Aluminium-Stainless steel, for 

example) 

Figure 1: Direct Drive Process Schematic 

Figure 2: Showing Flywheel 


JOB KNOWLEDGE 29 

WELDING 

Figure 3a: Rotary friction welding applications – turbine shaft 

Figure 3b: Rotary friction welding applications – piston rod 

allowing for a range of dissimilar 

materials to be joined. 

• The process does not require a filler 

metal, flux and shielding gas. 

• The process is easily automated, making 

the process highly repeatable and 

not dependant on human influence, 

resulting in very low defect rates. 

• When used to fabricate preforms, the 

material usage and manufacturing 

costs are reduced when compared to 

subtractive techniques (eg machining 

from ingots and forgings). 

MICROSTRUCTURE AND 

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES 

Rotary friction welds are similar in 

appearance in that they have several 

distinct zones: a weld centre zone 

(WCZ), a thermo-mechanically affected 

zone (TMAZ) and a heat affected zone 

(HAZ). The extent and microstructural 

composition of these zones are dependent 

on the material and processing conditions 

used. The weld region is surrounded by a 

flash collar. A typical example of a weld is 

shown in Figure 4. 

When optimum processing conditions 

are used, RFW can produce joints that 

are superior or similar in strength to 

the parent material. This is true for 

many similar and dissimilar material 

combinations. 

avoiding many of the defects associated 

with melting and solidification during 

fusion welding, such as pores and 

solidification cracks. The distortion of the 

welded component is also reduced. 

• The process has lower peak 

temperatures than fusion welding, 

reducing intermetallic formation and 

Figure 4: A macroscopic section of a titanium alloy rotary friction weld 

SUMMARY 

Rotary friction welding offers many 

advantages to the manufacturing sector 

for a wide range of applications. TWI 

Ltd has developed extensive knowledge 

of RFW over many years of research and 

development. 

If you would like to know more about 

the process, please contact us. TWI on 

01223 899000 or visit our website: 

twi-global.com 

ADVANTAGES 

Rotary friction welding offers 

many advantages over competing 

manufacturing processes, for example: 

• The weld remains in the solid-state, 



30 

SIFTIPS 

WELDING INSPECTION ESSENTIALS 

The ultimate guide to markers and fillet gauges. 

There are many applications in the metal 

working industry which require items to 

be identified and inspected, and a range 

of products is available to meet these 

varying needs. 

PAINT MARKER OR PERMANENT 

INK MARKER? 

Both can be used on a wide range of 

surfaces with permanent ink markers 

generally being faster-drying and 

inexpensive, but ink will tend to fade in 

direct sunlight and cleaning solvents will 

remove them easily. 

Paint markers have a far greater 

resistance to atmospheric conditions and 

are more difficult to remove, even when 

solvents come into contact with them. 

This makes them the ideal choice for 

long-term marking applications. 

INTRICATE OR GENERAL MARKING? 

For small parts or when intricate shapes 

are needed, a marker with a fine nib 

should be selected, such as the Squeeze 

Marker with its durable metal nib for 

controlled paint delivery, allowing 

elaborate, detailed marking. For generalpurpose 

marking applications, a pumpaction 

paint marker is ideal. Fitted with a 

rubber grip handle, it can be used while a 

welding gauntlet is worn. Its pump-action 

tip optimises paint flow and produces 

clear, crisp-markings, making this an ideal 

marker for everyday application. 

OTHER OPTIONS 

When larger areas need to be marked, a 

large tipped marker should be selected, 

such as the Jumbo Marker which uses a 

14mm-wide felt tip, with paint dispensed 

using a pump action for accurate 

application. 

For parts that will be galvanized as part 

of the manufacturing process, a Metal- 

Pro marker can be used. The paint simply 

dissolves, leaving no visible signs after the 

galvanising process. 

Finally, when marking metals that 

are coated in oil, you will require the 

use of a marker with a trace of solvent 

in the paint mixture. This eliminates 

the bleeding of the paint in oil upon 

application. The Weldability Bottle 

Paint Marker is suitable for these and it 

features a metal roller nib where paint is 

delivered via a squeeze action, resulting 

in precise marking with the optimum 

amount of paint used. 

HOW TO GAUGE THE RIGHT GAUGE 

FOR YOU 

The fillet weld gauge is the most 

used measuring device in the welding 

inspector’s kit, which is understandable 

considering the majority of the welds 

deposited are fillet welds. An MG11 Fillet 

Weld Gauge Set is ideal for measuring 

a range of fillet weld dimensions in 

imperial and metric units. It also comes 

in a handy pouch, ready to add to one’s 

inspection kit. 

Just as convenient is the Pocket Fillet 

Gauge, a little red number that allows 

simple measurement of fillet leg length 

and throat thickness. Suitable for 3.5mm, 

6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 

20mm and 25mm leg length welds, 

all increments are clearly engraved on 

the gauge. Secured together with a 

stainless-steel chain, the Pocket Fillet 

Gauge is manufactured from 2mm thick 

aluminium, making an ideal every day 

tool for the Responsible Welding Co- 

Coordinator. 

Technical advice in the original SifTips style was started in 1932. ‘Sifbronzing’ is an almost 

universally recognised way of describing the low temperature bronze welding of sheet steel, 

cast iron and other metals. This explains why Sifbronze, the company which first developed and 

promoted the technique, is generally considered to be a supplier of high quality welding rods, 

wires, fluxes and equipment. 

‘Will the Welder’ was a SifTips magazine that was produced in the early 1930s. The aim 

was to provide users with ideas and tips on how to get the most out of their 

welding equipment. 

Sif is renowned for its UK manufacturing heritage 

as well as its complete range of quality welding 

consumables used globally for almost a century. 


JUNE 2018 

WHEN SOLD 

01_WW cover 003 June_V2.indd 1 20/06/2018 12:44 

AND FINALLY 31 

AND 

FINALLY 

The Government is promoting the delivery of its Industrial Strategy via the 38 Local 

Enterprise Partnerships (LEP’s) across the country and it has set the following priorities 

• AI and Data Economy: putting the UK at the forefront of the artificial intelligence 

data revolution; 

• Clean Energy: maximising the advantages for UK industry from the global shift 

to clean growth; 

• Future of Mobility: becoming a world leader in the way people, goods 

and services move; 

• Ageing Society: harnessing the power of innovation to help meet the needs 

of an ageing society. 

This will boost the activities of Engineering and Fabrication companies as they develop 

and deliver new technology, to meet these challenges for the future. 

On the 29th March 2019, the UK will leave the European Union and we are already 

seeing manufacturers reshoring to the UK, parts production, as we move away from a 

common market place for goods. 

Both the Industrial Strategy and Brexit will in turn create more demand in 

the Welding Industry. 

All we need next, is a ready supply of skills training facilities and the people that want 

to take on this type of work and we have the opportunity to become the workshop of the 

world once more! 

Against this backdrop, promoting the Welding Industry via the Welding World 

Magazine and the Awards programme is essential both in generating the need for Skills 

training, Safety provision and Supplies across the UK and we were delighted with the array 

of great quality winners and nominees who now wave the flag for the welding Industry. 

ISSUE 03 JUNE 2018 

£8.99 


IN THIS ISSUE 

WELDING WORLD AWARDS 2018 

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE•JOB KNOWLEDGE • SIFTIPS 

WELDING WORLD APP: why not grab it now? 

PLUS: PRODUCT REVIEWS • WELDING NEWS • AND MUCH MORE 

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Managing Director: Adrian Hawkins 

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Editor: Darren Isted 

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Published on behalf of Welding World by: 


Managing Director, Welding World Ltd 

e: managing.director@welding-world.com 

Adrian is also Chairman of Weldability Sif, 

Deputy Chair at the Main Board of 

the Hertfordshire LEP and Chair of 

the LEP Board for Skills 

and Employment 

in Hertfordshire. 

PS 

Please remember that 

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Place, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 0RN 

+44 (0)1707 273 999 

+44 (0)1707 269 333 

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Publishing Director: Jon Fellows 

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Head of Production: Charles Dragazis 

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Design: Mark Chambers 

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While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy 

of this publication, the AWD, the editor and the 

publisher, TRMG Ltd., cannot accept liability for 

any statement or error, or for any claims made 

by the advertisers, contained herein ©Welding 

World 2018. They cannot be held responsible for 

the failure to use, or for the poor depiction of use 

of environmental, personal or other equipment, 

such as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 

and Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) equipment in 

photographs received from editorial contributors or 

advertisers. Best practice in the use of the correct 

and appropriate equipment is advocated and strongly 

recommended by the AWD. TRMG ensures that the 

paper used for printing this publication has been 

sourced from sustainably managed forests. 



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Welding World magazine June 2018

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