Welding Rotator

Welding Rotator
Welding Rotator

Welding rotator is often also called turning rolls or tank rotators. Welding rotators are used predominately in the petrol chemical industry, onshore and offshore oil and gas industries, conventional power and nuclear industries, and many other fabrication industries where pipes or vessels are required to be rotated for semi or automatic welding processes.

They come in two distinctive types – self-aligning and adjustable rotators. Both welding rotator types can be equipped with integral bogies or mounted on bogies to enable the rotator sections to be driven along a trackway. Welding rotators nominally come in sets or pairs consisting of a powered rotator and an idle rotator.

A welding rotator, also known as a welding positioner or a welding turning roll, is a specialized piece of equipment used to rotate and position workpieces during the welding process. It provides a stable and controlled platform for welders to access all sides of the workpiece, ensuring consistent weld quality and efficient welding operations.

Key Features of Welding Rotators:

  1. Rotating Mechanism: Welding rotators utilize a combination of rollers, gears, or chains to rotate the workpiece.
  2. Secure Clamping: They provide secure clamping mechanisms to hold the workpiece firmly in place during rotation.
  3. Variable Rotation Speed: They offer adjustable rotation speeds to suit different welding processes and workpiece materials.
  4. Versatile Applications: They can be used to weld a wide range of workpiece shapes, including cylindrical, conical, and irregularly shaped components.

Types of Welding Rotators:

  1. Conventional Welding Rotators: These rotators are the most common type and are used for a wide range of welding applications.
  2. Self-Aligning Welding Rotators: These rotators feature self-aligning mechanisms to compensate for irregularities in the workpiece shape.
  3. Turntable Welding Positioners: These rotators feature a turntable that rotates the workpiece. They are suitable for welding flat or irregularly shaped components.
  4. Automated Welding Rotators: These rotators are integrated into automated welding systems, enabling high-volume production.

Applications of Welding Rotators:

  1. Pipe and Tube Manufacturing: Welding rotators are commonly used in pipe and tube manufacturing for welding cylindrical components.
  2. Pressure Vessel Fabrication: Welding rotators are essential for welding pressure vessels, ensuring the integrity and safety of these critical components.
  3. Automotive Manufacturing: Welding rotators are utilized in automotive manufacturing for welding various components, such as exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and air intake ducts.
  4. Aircraft and Aerospace Industries: Welding rotators are used in aerospace and defense applications for welding aircraft fuselages, rocket motor casings, and other critical components.
  5. Food and Beverage Industry: Welding rotators are employed in the food and beverage industry for manufacturing containers and equipment, such as cans, bottles, and tanks.
  6. Medical Device Industry: Welding rotators are used in the medical device industry for producing implantable devices, such as surgical stents, catheters, and prosthetic components.
  7. Construction Industry: Welding rotators are used in the construction industry for welding steel reinforcement bars, structural beams, and piping systems.
  8. Appliance Manufacturing: Welding rotators are employed in appliance manufacturing for welding cookware, water heaters, and other cylindrical components.
  9. General Manufacturing: Welding rotators are used in various general manufacturing industries to weld cylindrical and curved components in a range of products, such as bicycles, sports equipment, and industrial machinery.

Advantages of Welding Rotators:

  1. Improved Welding Quality: Welding rotators provide consistent access to the entire workpiece, enabling welders to achieve uniform and high-quality welds.
  2. Reduced Welding Time: Welding rotators eliminate the need for manual repositioning, reducing welding time and increasing production rates.
  3. Improved Safety: Welding rotators provide a stable platform for welders, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  4. Ergonomics: Welding rotators enhance ergonomics by reducing strain on welders’ wrists and backs.
  5. Versatility: Welding rotators can handle a wide range of workpiece sizes, shapes, and materials.

Safety Considerations When Using Welding Rotators:

  1. Proper Clamping: Ensure the workpiece is securely clamped to the rotator to prevent movement during welding.
  2. Correct Rotation Speed: Adjust the rotator’s speed to the appropriate level for the welding process and workpiece material.
  3. Welding Shielding: Use appropriate welding shielding gas to protect the welder from fumes, sparks, and splatter.
  4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and a welding helmet, to protect yourself from hazards.
  5. Emergency Stop Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the emergency stop procedure and be prepared to act quickly in case of any unexpected situations.

By adhering to these safety guidelines, you can effectively utilize welding rotators while minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring a safe and productive welding environment.

Welding Rotator Characteristics

Welding rotators, also known as welding positioners or turning rolls, are specialized pieces of equipment used to rotate and position workpieces during the welding process. They provide a stable and controlled platform for welders to access all sides of the workpiece, ensuring consistent weld quality and efficient welding operations.

Here are some of the key characteristics of welding rotators:

  1. Load Capacity: Welding rotators are designed to handle workpieces of varying sizes and weights. The load capacity of a rotator is determined by its size, construction, and motor power.
  2. Rotation Speed: The rotation speed of a welding rotator can be adjusted to suit the specific welding process and workpiece material. Welding parameters, such as current and voltage, can also be adjusted to ensure optimal weld quality.
  3. Clamping Mechanism: Welding rotators incorporate secure clamping mechanisms to hold the workpiece firmly in place during rotation. This prevents movement and ensures consistent weld placement.
  4. Workpiece Alignment: Some welding rotators feature self-aligning mechanisms to compensate for irregularities in the workpiece shape. This ensures that the weld seam is aligned correctly even on non-uniform surfaces.
  5. Versatility: Welding rotators can be used to weld a wide range of workpiece shapes, including cylindrical, conical, and irregularly shaped components. They can also be adapted to various welding processes, such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), and submerged arc welding (SAW).
  6. Automation Integration: Welding rotators can be integrated into automated welding systems, enabling high-volume production and reducing labor costs. Automated rotators can follow pre-programmed weld paths and adjust welding parameters precisely.
  7. Safety Features: Welding rotators incorporate safety features to protect operators from hazards, such as sparks, flying debris, and accidental torch movement. These features may include interlocks, guarding, and emergency stop buttons.
  8. Data Logging: Some advanced welding rotators can record welding parameters and weld quality data. This information can be used for process control, quality assurance, and traceability purposes.
  9. Portability: Some welding rotators are designed to be portable, allowing them to be moved easily from one work area to another. This is particularly useful for welding large or irregularly shaped workpieces that cannot be easily moved.
  10. Durability: Welding rotators are built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments, making them a reliable and long-lasting investment for welding operations.

In summary, welding rotators play a crucial role in various industries, providing efficient, precise, and reliable methods for joining cylindrical and curved components. Their versatility, adaptability, and safety features make them indispensable tools for manufacturing pipes, tubes, pressure vessels, and other critical components.

  • It includes one powered rotator and one idle rotator, each with four rollers. The powered rotator is driven by double motors to make sure the higher torque available, smooth rotating, and reliable operation
  • Both powered and idle rotator bases are welded by Section steel with stiffener. It has excellent solidarity and anti-twisting.
  • Both powered and idle are treated by annealing and further machining to make sure the job is stable during a long time of working.
  • Roller rotating smoothly.
  • There are rubber and steel rollers in powered and idle rotators, and the body frame is processed by heat treatment.
  • The automatic angle adjusting according to the diameter of the workpiece (for self-aligning rotator).
  • AC Stepless frequency conversion timing, imported transducer, high low-speed torque, excellent quality, a wide range of speed regulating, and over-current, over-voltage, over-loading multi-protection functions.
  • High-quality cycloidal reducer, planetary gearbox, transmission rolling contact method. It has the lowest loss, and mechanical efficiency is high than 95%.
  • The Control system includes an electrical cabinet and manual operator.
  • With a linkage interface, it can be jointly controlled with the manipulator, SAW to form an automatic welding center.

The main function of the Self-Aligned Welding Rotator is to roll workpieces of different sizes without changing the wheel center. The machine is driven by a DC or AC motor to ensure constant speed with outer balance loads of 15% and is electronically controlled by a remote control panel which is attached to a standard 10-meter length cable.

The roller wheel consists of specialized heavy-duty tires of 65° dural hardness. The Self-Aligned Welding Rotator can also be used as:

• A hi-tech anti-creep device providing ±5° creep control
• Hi-stress rubber cushion mounts to absorb shock loads and avoid gearbox damage
• An overload disc to avoid any possible tyre damage

General Information about the Welding Rotator

Welding rotators, also known as turning rolls or welding positioners, are specialized pieces of equipment used to rotate and position workpieces during the welding process. They provide a stable and controlled platform for welders to access all sides of the workpiece, ensuring consistent weld quality and efficient welding operations.

Welding rotators are widely used in various industries, including:

  • Pipe and tube manufacturing: Welding rotators are commonly used to weld cylindrical components, such as pipes, tubes, and pressure vessels.
  • Pressure vessel fabrication: Welding rotators are essential for welding pressure vessels, ensuring the integrity and safety of these critical structures.
  • Automotive manufacturing: Welding rotators are utilized in automotive manufacturing for welding various components, such as exhaust systems, fuel tanks, and air intake ducts.
  • Aircraft and aerospace industries: Welding rotators are used in aerospace and defense applications for welding aircraft fuselages, rocket motor casings, and other critical components.
  • Food and beverage industry: Welding rotators are employed in the food and beverage industry for manufacturing containers and equipment, such as cans, bottles, and tanks.
  • Medical device industry: Welding rotators are used in the medical device industry for producing implantable devices, such as surgical stents, catheters, and prosthetic components.
  • Construction industry: Welding rotators are used in the construction industry for welding steel reinforcement bars, structural beams, and piping systems.
  • Appliance manufacturing: Welding rotators are employed in appliance manufacturing for welding cookware, water heaters, and other cylindrical components.
  • General manufacturing: Welding rotators are used in various general manufacturing industries to weld cylindrical and curved components in a range of products, such as bicycles, sports equipment, and industrial machinery.

The key benefits of using welding rotators include:

  • Improved weld quality: Welding rotators provide consistent access to the entire workpiece, allowing welders to achieve uniform and high-quality welds.
  • Reduced welding time: Welding rotators eliminate the need for manual repositioning of the workpiece, reducing welding time and increasing production rates.
  • Improved safety: Welding rotators provide a stable platform for welders, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
  • Ergonomics: Welding rotators enhance ergonomics by reducing strain on welders’ wrists and backs.
  • Versatility: Welding rotators can handle a wide range of workpiece sizes, shapes, and materials.

When selecting a welding rotator, consider the following factors:

  • Load capacity: The rotator should be able to handle the weight of the workpiece to be welded.
  • Rotation speed: The rotator should have a range of rotation speeds to suit different welding processes and workpiece materials.
  • Clamping mechanism: The clamping mechanism should be secure and able to hold the workpiece firmly in place during rotation.
  • Workpiece alignment: The rotator should have a self-aligning mechanism if the workpiece is not perfectly cylindrical.
  • Versatility: The rotator should be able to weld a variety of workpiece shapes and materials.
  • Automation integration: If you plan to automate your welding operation, the rotator should be compatible with your robotic arm or other automation equipment.
  • Safety features: The rotator should have safety features such as interlocks, guarding, and emergency stop buttons.
  • Data logging: Some advanced welding rotators can record welding parameters and weld quality data.
  • Portability: If you need to move the rotator between different work areas, consider a portable model.
  • Durability: Welding rotators are used in demanding industrial environments, so it is important to choose a durable model from a reputable manufacturer.

By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right welding rotator for your specific needs and ensure efficient, precise, and safe welding operations.

A Conventional Welding Rotator consists of two (2) parts:

  • A motorized drive (power) unit; and
  • An idler supporting unit.

The power unit is driven by a heavy-duty geared DC or AC motor which is designed according to internationally proven specifications to ensure
constant speed with an outer balance load of 15%.

The heavy-duty tires are designed to have 65° durable hardness with high-stress rubber cushion mounts to absorb shock loads and prevent gear box damage. The DC electronic function or inverter comes with a remote control panel with interlocking reversing systems operating at temperatures in excess of 60° C

Other features
• Oil sight level gauges
• Skid frame protection to prevent any damage to the control box when lifting center loads
• Anti-creep device feature offering ± 5° vessel creep control
• Overload the disc to avoid any possible tire damage

Options
• Digital read LED present speed indicator
• Synchronising control accessory for multiple connections of power frames
• Synchronising, plug-in lead to customer length
• Bogie-mounted frames
• Mechanised electric power bogie-mounted frames
• Synchronising roll rotation and arc start control system

Technical Specifications of Welding Rotators

The rotator set will usually consist of one drive unit and 1, 2 or 3 idler units. The idler unit basically consists of a base frame with two-wheel brackets bolted onto the top of it.

There are holes drilled through the top of the base frame so that the wheel brackets can be positioned at different distances apart, to suit the vessel diameter. The drive unit again has two wheel brackets and similar to the idler unit these can be positioned to suit the vessel diameter. Either one or more usually both wheel brackets will be motorized (depending on the model).

The wheel is turned by an electric motor through a reduction gearbox. The motor is connected back to the panel on the drive unit. Inside the control panel is an inverter that controls the motors. There is also a hand pendant on a flexible cable connected to the panel.

Welding rotators carrying a cylindrical body

Welding rotators, also known as turning rolls or welding positioners, are specialized pieces of equipment used to rotate and position workpieces during the welding process. They provide a stable and controlled platform for welders to access all sides of the workpiece, ensuring consistent weld quality and efficient welding operations.

Technical Specifications of Welding Rotators:

  • Load capacity: The maximum weight that the rotator can support. This is typically measured in kilograms or tons.
  • Workpiece diameter range: The range of workpiece diameters that the rotator can accommodate. This is typically measured in millimeters or inches.
  • Rotation speed range: The range of rotation speeds that the rotator can achieve. This is typically measured in revolutions per minute (RPM).
  • Motor power: The power of the motor that drives the rotation of the workpiece. This is typically measured in kilowatts (kW) or horsepower (hp).
  • Clamping mechanism: The type of clamping mechanism used to secure the workpiece to the rotator. This can be a manual clamp, a hydraulic clamp, or an air-powered clamp.
  • Workpiece alignment: The ability of the rotator to automatically align the workpiece. This is typically achieved through the use of self-aligning rollers or a self-aligning turntable.
  • Control panel: The type of control panel used to operate the rotator. This can be a manual control panel, a digital control panel, or a computer-controlled panel.
  • Safety features: The type of safety features incorporated into the rotator. This can include emergency stop buttons, interlocks, and guarding.
  • Dimensions: The physical dimensions of the rotator. This is typically measured in millimeters or inches.
  • Weight: The weight of the rotator. This is typically measured in kilograms or pounds.

In addition to these technical specifications, welding rotators may also have additional features, such as:

  • Variable rotation speed: The ability to adjust the rotation speed of the workpiece during the welding process.
  • Oscillation: The ability to oscillate the welding torch to improve weld penetration and prevent undercut or overlap defects.
  • Welding seam tracking: The ability to track the weld seam and ensure precise torch positioning, even for complex weld geometries.
  • Data logging: The ability to record welding parameters and weld quality data.
  • Remote control: The ability to operate the rotator from a distance.

The specific technical specifications and features of a welding rotator will depend on the specific needs of the application. For example, a rotator used for welding large-diameter pipes will have a higher load capacity and a larger rotation speed range than a rotator used for welding small-diameter pipes.

By carefully considering the technical specifications and features of different welding rotators, you can select the right rotator for your specific needs and ensure efficient, precise, and safe welding operations.

Operating the Rotators

Operating a welding rotator involves several steps to ensure safe and efficient welding operations. Here’s a general guide on how to operate a welding rotator:

  1. Preparation: a. Site Setup: Ensure the rotator is placed on a stable and level surface to prevent vibrations during welding. b. Workpiece Preparation: Clean the workpiece surface to remove dirt, grease, or contaminants. c. Welding Parameter Setup: Configure the welding machine’s parameters based on the workpiece material, thickness, and desired weld quality.
  2. Positioning the Rotator: a. Workpiece Loading: Securely clamp the workpiece onto the rotator’s turntable or rotating chuck to ensure proper alignment and prevent movement during welding. b. Welding Torch Positioning: Adjust the welding torch to the appropriate height and angle relative to the workpiece for optimal weld placement.
  3. Initiating the Welding Cycle: a. Activation: Activate the welding cycle, causing the welding torch to rotate around the workpiece while applying the welding current. b. Monitoring: Observe the welding process closely to ensure the weld is forming properly and there are no anomalies or defects. c. Parameter Adjustment: If necessary, adjust the welding parameters during the welding cycle to maintain optimal weld quality and compensate for any variations in the workpiece material or conditions.
  4. Completion and Post-Weld Inspection: a. Cycle Completion: Once the welding cycle is complete, allow the workpiece to cool down before removing it from the rotator. b. Visual Inspection: Visually inspect the weld for any defects, such as cracks, porosity, or incomplete fusion. c. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Depending on the application and criticality of the weld, perform NDT methods, such as ultrasonic testing or radiography, to detect internal defects and ensure the weld’s integrity. d. Finishing and Cleaning: Remove any slag or spatter from the weld and surrounding area to ensure a clean and aesthetically pleasing finish.

Here are some additional safety precautions to consider when operating a welding rotator:

  1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, to protect yourself from sparks, flying debris, and noise.
  2. Regular Maintenance: Regularly maintain the welding rotator to ensure proper operation and prevent malfunctions.
  3. Clear Work Area: Maintain a clear work area to prevent accidents and ensure easy access to the welding machine and workpieces.
  4. Authorized Personnel: Only authorized personnel should operate the welding rotator to ensure proper training and safety protocols are followed.
  5. Emergency Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the emergency stop procedure and be prepared to act quickly in case of any unexpected situations.

By adhering to these safety guidelines and operating the welding rotator responsibly, you can effectively produce high-quality welds and maintain a safe and controlled work environment. Welding rotators have become indispensable tools in various industries, enabling efficient, precise, and reliable methods for joining cylindrical and curved components.

Once the operator is happy the rotators are correctly aligned and the wheel brackets are in the correct position, they may then load the vessel on the rotators. This must be done steadily, so as not to shock load the rotators. If the rotators are shock-loaded then this will cause damage to the drive chain. Ensure that no protuberances on the vessel can strike objects around the rotators, or the floor during rotation.

The operator should then set the speed potentiometer knob (see figure 2) to the desired speed. Then press the desired travel direction (GREEN or YELLOW button) the rotators will then start to turn the vessel.

Common Mistakes in the Operation

Common mistakes in the operation of welding rotators can lead to safety hazards, weld quality issues, and equipment damage. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

  1. Improper Workpiece Clamping: Failing to securely clamp the workpiece onto the rotator’s turntable or rotating chuck can cause the workpiece to move during welding, resulting in misaligned welds or even damage to the rotator or workpiece.
  2. Incorrect Welding Parameter Selection: Choosing inappropriate welding parameters, such as welding current, voltage, or travel speed, can lead to weld defects such as underfill, undercut, or excessive heat input.
  3. Lack of Safety Awareness: Neglecting to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, gloves, and hearing protection, can expose operators to hazards such as sparks, flying debris, and noise.
  4. Incomplete Workpiece Preparation: Failing to thoroughly clean the workpiece surface before welding can trap contaminants in the weld, leading to porosity or other defects that compromise weld integrity.
  5. Improper Torch Positioning: Positioning the welding torch at an incorrect height or angle relative to the workpiece can result in uneven weld penetration, inconsistent weld quality, or even arc wander.
  6. Neglecting Maintenance: Failing to regularly maintain the welding rotator can lead to mechanical malfunctions, electrical hazards, and reduced performance.
  7. Unauthorized Operation: Allowing unauthorized personnel to operate the welding rotator increases the risk of accidents and improper use, potentially damaging the equipment or causing safety incidents.
  8. Unfamiliarity with Emergency Procedures: Not being familiar with the emergency stop procedure and how to respond to unexpected situations can delay response time and increase the risk of injuries or equipment damage.
  9. Ignoring Safety Features: Bypassing or disabling safety interlocks or guards can expose operators to hazards and increase the likelihood of accidents or malfunctions.
  10. Operating in Hazardous Conditions: Using the welding rotator in unsafe environments, such as areas with excessive heat, flammable materials, or poor ventilation, can pose additional hazards to operators and the equipment.

By avoiding these common mistakes and adhering to safe operating procedures, you can minimize the risk of accidents, ensure weld quality, and extend the lifespan of your welding rotator.

  1. Placing multiple drives under one vessel. This is only possible if special Master and Slave synchronized control panels have been supplied with the rotators. In this case, the master panel controls the slave drive.
  2. Parts of the vessel come into contact with the rotators, floor or objects in the vicinity during rotation. This can cause damage to the rotators and cause the wheels to slip or overload the units.
  3. No proper earthing during welding. This can cause the electrics on the rotators to short out.
  4. The emergency Stop button is depressed. If a switch is pressed in, the operator must find out who pressed it in and for what reason, before restarting the machine. There may be a hazard that someone else has seen and stopped the machine for.
  5. The distance between the wheel brackets is too large, thus causing more load to be put through each wheel. This in turn can cause the rotators to be overloaded.

Installation of the welding rotator

Installing a welding rotator involves several steps to ensure proper setup and safe operation. Here’s a general guide on how to install a welding rotator:

Preparation:

  1. Site Selection: Choose a stable and level surface for placing the rotator to prevent vibrations during welding.
  2. Foundation Preparation: If necessary, prepare a concrete foundation to support the weight of the rotator and the workpiece.
  3. Equipment Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the rotator and its components for any damage or defects before installation.

Installation Procedure:

  1. Positioning the Rotator: Carefully place the rotator on the prepared surface or foundation using appropriate lifting equipment.
  2. Leveling and Alignment: Use a level to ensure the rotator is perfectly level and aligned with the welding workstation.
  3. Securing the Rotator: Securely anchor the rotator to the ground or foundation using bolts, anchors, or other appropriate fasteners.
  4. Power Connection: Connect the rotator’s power cord to an appropriate power source, ensuring the voltage and amperage ratings match the rotator’s specifications.
  5. Control Panel Connection: Connect the rotator’s control panel to the power source and to the welding machine if applicable.
  6. Grounding: Properly ground the rotator to the electrical system to prevent electrical hazards.
  7. Testing and Calibration: Conduct a test run of the rotator to ensure smooth operation and correct rotation speed. Calibrate any adjustable parameters if necessary.

Additional Considerations:

  1. Workpiece Loading and Clamping: Ensure the workpiece loading and clamping mechanisms are functioning properly before welding.
  2. Safety Features: Verify that all safety interlocks, guards, and emergency stop buttons are operational.
  3. Maintenance Schedule: Establish a regular maintenance schedule to inspect, clean, and lubricate the rotator as recommended by the manufacturer.
  4. Training and Safety Protocols: Provide adequate training to operators on the proper use and safety procedures for operating the welding rotator.
  5. Work Area Safety: Maintain a clean and organized work area around the rotator to prevent tripping hazards and ensure easy access to controls and safety equipment.

By following these installation guidelines and adhering to safety protocols, you can ensure a safe and effective setup of your welding rotator, enabling efficient and high-quality welding operations.

Before first use, or after maintenance or repair work, or after a period of the rotators being in storage, they will need to go through this installation procedure. Before the rotators were despatched from the factory, they will have been fully tested on correct functioning and therefore they can be directly put into operation without the need for any further test time.

We would though recommend that the operations of all controls are tested before the equipment is put into the production process. Before starting up, check the following;

  • All moving parts can freely move (wheels)
  • Check the oil level in the gearbox (see appendix D for Lubrication of the gearboxes)
  • Check the integrity of all cables, mains, and hand control pendants, make sure there are no cuts, etc.
  • Check the hand pendant controls all operate correctly.
  • Check the Emergency Stop on the Pendant works, and locks all other controls so the machine cannot restart then reset on the panel.
  • Check the Emergency Stop on the Panel works, and locks all other controls so the machine cannot restart then reset on the panel.
  • Check the steel framework to ensure it is straight and free from damage.

Repair and Maintenance

These rotators are designed and constructed to the highest standards, using high-quality components. As such this equipment should expect to have many years of operational life with only a minimal amount of
regular maintenance. To continue the longevity of the equipment, all efforts should be made to keep the rotators clean and free from dirt or waste from the welding process.

In addition, the gearbox oil levels should be checked regularly and kept at the correct levels, for more information on gearbox maintenance. At least once per year the whole installation should be inspected with particular attention paid to the following;

  • Poor electrical contacts
  • Switches and controls
  • Loose mechanical parts, ensure all fixings are correctly tightened
  • Condition of tires on wheels (if fitted)
  • Condition of solid steel wheels (if fitted)
  • Check wheels rotate truly (i.e. no eccentric rotation around the axles).
  • Metal corrosion
  • Fame damage
  • Check for signs of damage to the wheel bearings.
  • Follow the maintenance procedure for the gearboxes in Appendix D
  • Check all cables for damage (mains, pendant, and also any visible cable running from the panel to the motors).
  • Check the emergency stops and also the correct functioning of the panel door isolator.
  • Remove guards and check the condition of the spur gear and pinion on the drive wheels.
  • If there is any excessive damage then the parts should be removed and replaced with new ones.

Inspection and Maintenance

To ensure these rotators have a long service life you should regularly check and change the oil in the gearboxes. Also, the following maintenance checks should be regularly carried out.

  1. Except for the first oil change, the oil in the gearbox should be changed every 2500 hours or 6 months.
  2. Check if the seal is leaking or irregular.
  3. Check if there are any unusual noises during the operation. If yes, the bearing may be broken.
  4. Check the breathing hole of the gearbox is obstruction free.
  5. To aid in cooling the gearbox it is recommended that the external housing is kept clean.
  6. Check the bolts, and re-tighten any that are loose.
     LUBRICATION
    The gearboxes on the rotators were filled with the proper quantity of lubricant before leaving the factory. Please see the following table of recommended oils to use in the gearboxes. Note do not mix oils of
    different brands. Instead, drain the oil from the gearbox before refilling with a different brand.

Positioner and Turntable for Welding

Our Positioner / Turntable is a compact machine ideally suited for jobs requiring rotary fixturing & positioning welding. We have various models which cater to workpiece loading capacities, ranging from 400 kg to 15000 kg.

The table top can be tilted at different angles to achieve better welding positions and precision finishing. Table top tilting angles differ from model to model. All machines have a remote control panel with mounted switches to adjust variable speed control, “Forward-Off-Reverse” and tilting angle.