Joint tracking and positioning systems from Lincoln Electric deliver precise joint tracking and positioning for submerged arc or GMAW arc welding processes. Products include Seam Tracker Systems for precise automated weld joint tracking and Motorized Slide control systems for manual joint positioning. Each system requires a Cross Slide assembly for precise vertical and horizontal arc positioning. All products are ideal for wind tower section fabrication, as well as tanks, pipe, pressure vessels, beams and stiffeners, rims/wheels and pipe.

Tactile seam tracking systems deliver precise automated joint positioning, using a tactile sensor, control and cross slide assembly.  These systems are ideal for repetitive welding applications and are recommended over manual and semi-automatic welding to improve quality and consistency while reducing operating costs. Features include:

  • Easy set-up – Often units are installed and operating in one day.
  • Easy operation – Most operators with welding experience quickly learn to program and operate.
  • Simple system selection – Select desired level of automation, choose a cross-slide assembly based on needed load capacity, determine necessary travel stroke length of each axis and select the application-specific seam sensor tip.  Pre-configured systems also are available.
  • Advanced Programming Control – Program an entire sequence of the weld cycle with position-based or time-based configuration, storing up to 19 weld programs.

Used exclusively with Lincoln Electric Seam Tracker systems, rugged Seam Sensor Components and Tips offer precise automated joint tracking. The seam sensor tracks the weld joint by responding to the probe tip’s movements in both x and y axes, sending feedback signals to the APC (Advanced Programming Control) or standard control unit.

  • Accurate tracking – Sensor feedback loop enables system to maintain a ±0.005 in. accuracy to align the welding torch over the weld joint.

Motorized Slide Control Systems provide horizontal and vertical axis positioning for submerged arc or GMAW arc welding processes. Operators manually control movement using an intuitive joystick pendant in simple, repetitive welding applications to improve weld consistency and quality, while reducing operational costs in comparison to manual welding operations. Features include:

  • Responsive arc positioning control – Less operator fatigue and error compared to hand crank-operated manual slides.
  • Easy to install and set up – Minimal fixturing is required, delivering the lowest cost entry to hard automation.
  • Simple system selection – Choose a cross slide assembly based on necessary load capacity and determine the needed travel stroke length of each axis.  Pre-configured systems also are available.
  • Flexible integration – Incorporate with almost any welding power source, feeder and controller group.

Cross Slide Assemblies can be used to mount submerged arc or GMAW single or tandem welding arc equipment.  These compact, lightweight systems are capable of manipulating the arc in both the horizontal and vertical axes with fast travel speeds.  Features include:

  • Three standard models:
    o CS40—40 lbs. @ 6 in. from adapter plate with a 24 ipm travel speed. Ideal for MIG applications where loads are small or size constraints exist.
    o CS250 – 250 lbs. @ 12 in. from adapter plate with a 32 ipm travel speed. Works with most single arc welding. A reverse motor allows two systems to weld in close proximity.
    o CS450 – 450 lbs. @ 24 in. from adapter plate with a 17 ipm travel speed. Features heavy-duty assembly for single or twin arc applications. A reverse motor facilitates simultaneous welding from two systems in close proximity.
  • Rugged construction – Ball-bearing Dual-Vee wheels ride on hardened steel rails mounted on an aluminum base structure, while totally enclosed DC gear motors drive the covered re-circulating ball screws.

Speak to your local Lincoln Electric Technical Sales Representative to find out if our seam tracking systems are right for your application.