Humans have been using welding to join metals and other materials for thousands of years. The processes and technologies used have changed rapidly since then – as have the requirements. For a long time, the only important criterion was the durability of the join. Nowadays, however, appearance, speed and efficiency have become just as decisive – and all while the variety of materials and applications has exploded in number. Welding is a high-tech process. In an age of digitisation and networking, intelligent technologies are required, with which users can work flexibly and cost-effectively to achieve optimal results. To meet these high demands, Fronius has developed the TPS/i. This new platform of MIG/MAG devices boasts almost universal versatility, extensive operating and communication functions – and impressive performance.

The TPS/i is a welding system with a modular structure that consists of networked and perfectly harmonised components. It has a high-performance processor and a high-speed bus, meaning that greater amounts data can be transferred even more quickly and control loops are faster than ever before. This results in increased welding speeds, more precision and outstanding welding results.

FUNCTION PACKAGE SINCREASE VERSATILITY

A further advantage of the TPS/i are the various dip transfer and pulsed arc processes – such as the Fronius-developed LSC (Low Spatter Control) and PMC (Pulse Multi Control) – that can be used with the aid of function packages. These allow the welder to use the same system for different applications, saving time, money and effort. Even the “cold” CMT welding process (Cold Metal Transfer) has recently been added to the TPS/i’s stable of functions. The process itself ensures high quality and reproducible weld seams when joining different materials – such as steel and aluminium – as well as rapid welding speeds. CMT is different from conventional MIG/MAG welding due to its extremely low heat input and the fact that the energy input can be continuously adapted to suit the component to be welded. This results in an extremely stable arc and significantly less spatter.

THE WELDING TORCH: THE HEART OF THE POWER SOURCE

The TPS/i is equipped with highly modern welding torches for both automated and manual welding. The newly developed Robacta Drive CMT TPS/i push-pull robotic welding torch impresses with its compact dimensions for excellent component accessibility and low weight for use on robots with high traversing speeds. Not only is the improved PullMig welding torch for manual welding lighter and more robust than its predecessors, it has a better cooling system to reduce wear. Fronius has also optimised the wirefeeding properties with a dynamic and precise servo motor. This brings the welding torch into perfect harmony with the TPS/i’s rapid arc control.

COMMUNICATION AIDS WORK

The TPS/i communicates with the user in a variety of ways, making the welder’s life much easier. An intuitive plain-text display shows all the device parameters, the system automatically recognises all available components and warns of any incompatibilities, helping to avoid application errors. Thanks to the straightforward control panel and a clear menu structure available in various languages, the user can easily retrieve welding data at any time and change it as required. The mini display integrated into the welding torch also allows the power source to be controlled from the welding workplace. Remote maintenance and system analysis via the internet are further options. Recording and evaluating the welding processes occur at an unprecedented speed, meaning users can react flexibly to changing needs and work far more efficiently.

EQUIPPED FOR EVERY TASK

Whether by hand or by robot, the TPS/i covers an extraordinarily large range of applications and processes. It is capable of performing a wide variety of tasks across every sector. For manual welding, its uses include steel and construction work. The TPS/i Robotics is also ideally suited to high-quality and complex automated welding processes, for example in the automotive sector or industrial series production.