Motorized and precision motorized motion of the carriage are available. The motorized option is for rough weld head positioning, while the precision option provides programmable positioning and can be used for longitudinal welding. Limit switches are included for both options, and the precision option includes a home switch.

Weld programs can be created, modified, or stored on a PC. These programs can be moved back and forth between the controller and the PC using a USB storage device or through an Ethernet connection. This software can increase productivity by allowing programs to be created/edited while the weld controller is executing another weld program.

A motor and friction drive assembly can be added to provide motorized linear motion of the tailstock along the length of the base. The motion is controlled by a hand pendant attached to the tailstock and would be used for positioning purposes only. This also includes the hydraulic braking option to lock the tailstock into position.

Adds motorized tilting of the headstock from 0 (faceplate horizontal) to 90 degrees (faceplate vertical) with an attached angle indicator. A hand pendant is included to control the tilting motion.

Upgrades the motorized headstock rotation with a higher precision gearbox for reduced backlash. This option is beneficial for complex operations such as intersecting bore cladding.

Replaces the manual brakes for the tailstock linear motion with a hydraulic unit to lock the tailstock into position and prevent unwanted movement during operations. The manual brakes are sufficient to hold the tailstock in place, but the hydraulic brakes operate more quickly saving time and increasing productivity.

A manual chuck or gripper can be added to the headstock or tailstock faceplate to provide manual part gripping/holding.

An additional carriage can be added to the system to provide two (2) weld heads. This option allows two welds to be performed simultaneously or sequentially for increased productivity.

This feature adds synchronized rotation between the headstock and the tailstock, so rotation begins simultaneously and then continues at the same speed. The advantage of this feature is that AMET does not link them mechanically but electronically. Each one is servo motor controlled with encoder feedback, so they can be clocked to different positions. This is beneficial if one end of the part is required to be welded at a 90 (or any other) degree offset of the other end.

Arc Viewing Cameras can be added to a GTAW/PAW system giving the operator a view of the weld arc from a remote location. This keeps the operator in a safe location and reduces operator stress and fatigue. Additionally the image that is shown on the monitor is magnified and shows greater detail than what could be observed without the camera. Multiple cameras may be integrated for projects where a view of the lead and trail side of the weld zone is required. Please see the Arc Viewing Camera page for additional information.

A variety of optional part holding devices may be added to standard faceplates. These include grippers, three jaw scroll chucks, three jaw pneumatic chucks as well as other part holding solutions.

Data is collected and analyzed in real-time to ensure all modules are within the set tolerances. The data points can be displayed graphically on the display and can also be exported as a .csv file and viewed on a program such as Microsoft Excel. These files can be exported through one of the USB or Ethernet ports on the XM or XPro Controller.

An AVC (Arc Voltage Control) Module is added to provide the weld head with automatic arc standoff. The module provides automatic height adjustments to maintain a consistent arc voltage throughout the entire weld, including automatic adjustments on multi-pass welds.

We integrate components into our controls for automating additional functions other than the welding process. These components include safety equipment such as automatic weld screens or curtains that are programmable to automatically open and close at the end or beginning of each weld. We can also integrate additional tooling such as automated part loading equipment.

Our advanced controls allow us to integrate multiple weld processes into one weld head. Each process can be operated independently or simultaneously. For example, a TIG & Plasma weld head would feature two AVC axes (one for each torch) and either torch could operate or they can both operate simultaneously for Keyhole Plasma with a TIG trail. We offer TIG & Plasma, TIG & MIG, TIG MIG & Plasma, and SAW & MIG. Any of these combinations are available and would be completely programmable from ONE central controller. Other combinations are also available. Please contact us with any requests.

AMET specializes in offering custom weld heads. We offer GTAW and PAW weld heads with two wires. The wire feeders can be synced to operate simultaneously or they can be separated to operate independently. We also offer multiple wire SAW head welds. Up to 10 wire weld heads can be integrated with our control packages for applications such as cladding. Heads with 3 wires are available for thick wall welding applications.

The operator can “teach” a weld path by manually moving the weld torch along the seam and selecting points. Up to 20 points can be selected to create a circumferential, longitudinal, or combination weld path. After all of the desired points are selected, the system will retrace each one to create a custom weld path. This can be helpful if parts or materials vary or have unique joint configurations. The path can be repeated for multiple pass welds, or offsets can be applied to repeat the motions of the original path in a new location.

The headstock includes a thru hole for the inclusion of an additional gas line for backing gas or a purge system. This package includes a gas union, digital solenoid, manual flow meter, and a gas line from the solenoid to the gas union. The digital solenoid is integrated with the XM for programmable and manual on/off control of the gas.

A precision servo motor driven ball screw slide with encoder feedback provides mechanical oscillation. The oscillation motion is completely programmable including dwell time, oscillation frequency and width, and travel speed.

Magnetic probe is used to deflect the arc back and forth in a stirring motion for excellent sidewall tie in. The arc can also be deflected and maintained in a set position. This can be beneficial for fillet or otherwise hard-to-reach joints. Dwell time, oscillation frequency, and width are all programmable from AMET controls. Compatible with both magnetic and non-magnetic materials.

The vertical or horizontal axis is integrated with the rotary axis to provide precise cladding motion. We offer both Spiral Path, and Step-Index cladding options. Spiral welds begin at the bottom of the part and spiral upward until the defined height is reached. Step-Index clads in a straight line for each revolution of the part. After each revolution is completed, the torch steps upward and begins the next pass. The pitch of the spiral and the step height are programmable.

Weld programs can be automatically selected by scanning a bar code associated with a specific part. This can help eliminate the incorrect program being loaded and run. Beneficial if many different parts are to be welded and operator needs to frequently switch between weld programs. Includes the bar code scanner and the necessary software to integrate with the XM or XPro Controller.