Frequently Asked Questions

Orbital welding is an automated GTAW/TIG welding process in which a non-consumable tungsten electrode mechanically rotates around a securely clamped pipe. The arc is stably maintained under shielding gas—usually argon. The result is reproducible, documentable, high-quality weld seams.

Orbital welding is used wherever the highest requirements for purity, tightness, and process reliability exist—for example, in the pharmaceutical, food, semiconductor, chemical, and energy industries. The process is particularly suitable for thin-walled stainless steel pipes.

Compared with manual TIG welding, orbital welding offers greater repeatability, digitally storable welding parameters, lower error rates, and consistently high weld quality—ideal for quality-critical applications.

Depending on the welding head used, pipe diameters from approximately 0.118 in (3 mm) to over 6.693 in (170 mm) outside diameter can be processed. Closed welding heads are suitable for smaller diameters, open systems for larger pipe dimensions.

A square, burr-free, and clean cut edge is a prerequisite for a uniform joint gap, complete penetration, and tight connections. Incorrect cut geometries lead to gaps, incomplete fusion, and increased rework.

Orbital welding is an automated TIG welding process (Tungsten Inert Gas, also internationally referred to as GTAW) in which a non-consumable tungsten electrode rotates mechanically around a fixed pipe or component. In contrast to manual TIG welding, the arc is not guided by hand, but is moved precisely around the workpiece by a closed or open welding head. The workpiece remains fixed while the torch rotates orbitally. The arc is stably guided under shielding gas—usually argon. This results in reproducible, documentable, and high-quality weld seams with controlled heat input. Orbital welding is particularly suitable for thin-walled stainless steel pipes where the highest requirements for purity, tightness, and traceability exist.

Orbital welding is used wherever consistent weld quality, a minimal defect rate, and documented process parameters are required. Typical industries include pharmaceuticals, food processing, semiconductors, chemical and petrochemical plants, energy and power plant construction, and high-purity applications. The process offers significant advantages, particularly for stainless steel pipes in material groups 304L and 316L with wall thicknesses under 0.118 in (3 mm). In sensitive areas such as high-purity gas lines or purified water systems, orbital welding is now state of the art.

Orbital welding offers significantly higher process reliability and reproducibility compared to manual TIG welding. Welding parameters such as current intensity, pulse frequency, gas flow, and rotation speed are digitally programmable and can be stored. This significantly reduces the error rate and enables consistent weld quality across large production runs. Further advantages include improved traceability, lower rejection rates, controlled heat input, and the possibility of integration into autom