What Is Orbital Welding?
Orbital welding refers to an advanced welding technique where the welding arc is mechanically rotated in a precise, circular motion around a stationary workpiece, such as a pipe or tube, to create a seamless, high-quality weld. This process was originally developed to minimize human error and enhance precision in critical applications requiring tight tolerances and consistent results.
This automated method incorporates computer-controlled systems that manage the entire welding cycle, ensuring uniformity and repeatability. It is especially suited for applications demanding high standards of cleanliness, leak-proof joints, and structural integrity. Typically, orbital welding is employed to join tube-to-tube or pipe-to-pipe components, as well as tube-to-sheet connections, across various industries.
The origin of this technology dates back to the aerospace industry in the 1960s, where Roderick Rohrberg of North American Aviation pioneered it to prevent leakage issues in aircraft fuel and hydraulic systems. By the 1980s, with advancements in control electronics and portable power sources, orbital welding machinery became more accessible on construction sites and manufacturing floors worldwide.