Profile Welding System
Laser welding of pipes and profiles

The Profile Welding System (PWS) is a complete beam guidance system with integrated process sensors for gap recognition and tracking for welding pipes and profiles.

The system consists of a laser-dependent beam guidance system and a sensor system with PC-controlled linear axes, which is needed to make the laser welding reliable. All the functions required to operate the laser system can be controlled using an integrated PLC controller. These include the introduction of process gases, the monitoring of the optical security circuit and the complete system monitoring of the laser, including the associated cooling system.

Established laser technology – benefits across the line
The Profile Welding System is primarily operated using the extremely low-maintenance, easy to service and economical CO₂ Slab Laser from ROFIN. These lasers have an excellent beam quality of K = 0.9. Laser welding allows very narrow seams with fine-grain structures and narrow heat impact zones. This means the heat treatment needed for further processing is often not required. In contrast to conventional TIG welding, no-contact laser welding can achieve significantly higher process speeds. Further benefits include the very low burn-off and the minimal separation of alloy elements. For applications which need larger welded seam widths, the CO₂ Slab Laser in the DC range is also available with an optional DONUT mode. This mode allows a focus diameter which is enlarged by a factor of 2 while keeping the focusing width the same, which means a larger seam width to compensate for component tolerances, among other things.

Utmost reliability and maximum flexibility
The tried and tested beam guidance systems allow safe operation under industrial conditions. The system is modular, allowing adaptations to customer-specific requirements and local circumstances. This means, for example, the beam points or beam splitter in the beam guidance system can be adapted to enable simultaneous operation on various systems or at various welding points. Depending on the requirements, the PWS is fitted with optimised jet geometries in order to achieve the best possible application results. The weld head, which swivels about 30º, allows drag welding, for example, which optimises the process for high weld speeds. Other features, such as documentation of process data for quality monitoring purposes, can also be integrated on an optional basis.

The welding systems supplied by ROFIN are also available as individual components for plant manufacturers or can be configured as complete systems for the end customers.