Between Strain and Productivity

Welding in shipbuilding presents special challenges on both specialists and tools. Unlike workshops, work sites are often difficult to access with confined workspaces and typically large components. Welders in shipyards face intense physical and mental demands. At the same time, welding torches are required to have a long service life and deliver reliable results despite heavy use.

Challenge 1: Time

If a welding torch requires replacement or a different geometry is needed, welders must visit the tool distribution, wasting valuable time. Direct access to compatible components on site would be a significant advantage.

The solution:

Abicor Binzel developed the Abimig Shipyard & Offshore torch series to meet these requirements, especially in shipbuilding. Every welding torch in this series is lightwight, making it especially comfortable to hold and reducing muscle strain compared to traditional manual welding torches. These benefits have been confirmed in independent studies [1].

Abimig Shipyard & Offshore welding torches feature rotatable and bendable torch necks that make changing applications easy. They can be replaced directly at the point of use, eliminating the need to visit the material distribution. The same applies to the wear parts, including gas nozzles with extended insulation and a special coating to prevent spatter adhesion, which are designed for rough use. Robust variants such as the HDS (Heavy Duty Silver Tip) contact tips are available for cored wire applications. In addition, different handles and the integrated probe extensions ensure adaptability in any position.

Challenge 2: Long distances

In addition to the tool itself, long distances from the welding power source to the work site pose challenges in shipyards. Long interconnection cables bridge these distances, but their length contributes to the overall weight, making handling more difficult. This is especially challenging when everything has to be moved over scaffolding or into hard-to-reach areas, significantly increasing the risk of damage.

The solution:

Abicor Binzel offers a way out of this weight problem with the Bikox intermediate cable. It weighs up to 40 % less than conventional cables of this type and can be easily moved by one person even at a length of 50 m. The built-in strain relief safeguards the system against malfunctions caused by sudden pulling. Should damage occur, a special repair kit allows the cable to be repaired without shortening it.

Even in particularly demanding working conditions, such as shipyards, productivity must not come at the expense of health. With thoughtful planning and the right tools, difficult tasks become more manageable and efficient. Intuitive, reliable technical equipment that relieves physical strain can make a significant difference – not just in shipyards.

[1] Long-term study at the Institute of Sports Science at Justus Liebig University Giessen entitled “Influence of different welding torches on the work geometry during welding with a focus on muscular stress, subjective stress and stress on the hand”, Department of Performance Physiology, Prof. Dr. Karsten Krüger & Dr. Christopher Weyh, August 2022.

Find out more about Abicor Binzel's welding torches

Details on the intermediate cable

(Source: Abicor Binzel Schweisstechnik GmbH & Co. KG)