Since they started using the Miller® PipeWorx 400 welding system, Team Industries has reduced rework—saving time and money—because of the system’s ease of use and consistent arc quality. “We have seen a decrease in X-ray failure. The consistency of the arc definitely plays a role in that,” said Jim VanZeeland, shop superintendent. “It’s just been a great machine for us.”
The PipeWorx system offers conventional stick, TIG, MIG, and flux-cored welding processes optimized for pipe welding, in addition to advanced wire processes including pulsed MIG and Regulated Metal Deposition (RMD®) from Miller. The versatile, multiprocess machine has a simplified, single-system design.
“The quicker we can get people to pass X-ray the better it is for us, and the PipeWorx system really helps us do that.”
—Mike Schmidt, Vice President of Manufacturing, Team Industries
Team Industries relies on the PipeWorx welding system to stay on the cutting edge of welding technology and exceed customer expectations. The pipe fabrication company, with three locations in Wisconsin and Texas, has established a one-stop shop process to set themselves apart and to meet customer demands. Team Industries has a reputation for delivering high-quality pipe and tank fabrication on time and within budget, with the capacity at its three shops to produce up to 6,500 spools per month combining large and small bore.
Team has standardized its welding booths with the PipeWorx 400 welding system, which fits the company’s varied welding requirements. The single- system design with one machine footprint helps maximize weld cell space.
Equipment that is easy to use plays an important role in training and retaining skilled welding operators for Team. The PipeWorx system offers easy setup, an intuitive front panel, and push-button process changeover—making it easier and faster for Team to get welders trained and on the job.
Users can simply push a button to indicate the type of welding needed, and the machine automatically selects the welding process along with the correct polarity, cable outputs, and welding parameters. The system also changes the shielding gas required. Eliminating the need to manually switch polarity or cables and hoses between processes helps new welders hit the ground running.
“They have enough things to learn already, like techniques and torch angle,” said Mike Schmidt, vice president of manufacturing. “Having a super machine is one less thing they have to worry about. The quicker we can get people to pass X-ray the better it is for us, and the PipeWorx system really helps us do that.”
That simplicity also provides productivity and efficiency benefits for Team. After a TIG root pass, fabricators can switch to flux-cored for the remaining passes with the push of a button—no need to change cables or gas lines.
“Everything about this machine is just easier,” said Dwayne Tremaine, a Team fabricator who also helps with training. “Simplicity is the key word.”
For more information, visit www.millerwelds.com.
