Kemppi unveils welding quality management system

New Zealand welding is in a state of growth with more certificated operators in this country than Australia and so the launch of Kemppi’s Arc System 3 welding quality management system at the Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA) in Auckland early last month was well-received.

Arc System 3 is a modular suite of softwarebased solutions which has been specifically developed by Kemppi to improve welding quality management, operational productivity, and reduce cost and risk. The System offers a choice of Arc modules that work seamlessly together to capture ‘big data’ welding information. This information allows users to more effectively monitor, control and manage the quality and efficiency of their welding operations.

Users can implement the various modules according to their needs. Plus, the System can be applied to single and multi-machine, and multi-site operations both within a country and across borders, and managed from a single central welding co-ordination point. Kemppi is currently implementing its first, multi-site commissioning of the System across international borders. Peikko Group, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of concrete connections and structures, together with Kemppi, will deploy the Arc 3 at Peikko’s production units in Finland, Lithuania and Slovakia.

The System traces every weld, records welder qualifications, welding procedure specifications ( WPS), all materials and operational welding parameters. Once welding parameters are set, any deviations by the welder are identified in real time and can be altered to eliminate the need for rework.

Kemppi Australia’s Managing Director, David Green said Arc System 3 automatically collects and analyses big data information for you so that you know at a glance how the welding operation is proceeding and if any adjustments need to be made, saving time and money. Plus, it can collate welding documentation automatically to significantly reduce the time and cost associated with post-welding administration.

In essence, Arc System 3 is an invaluable toolbox of solutions that support welding operations to become significantly more efficient and productive, save time and money, and minimise risk.”

The modular nature of the System means it can be tailored to each organisation’s specific requirements. The System’s flexibility ensures features such as NDT, welder maintenance and power source calibration/validation scheduling can be built in as required.

It also fully supports the operation of a formal welding quality management system, stated as a requirement under local welding standard AS/NZS1554.1: 2014, and specifically the quality management requirements set out in AS/NZS ISO 3834-2, as recommended particularly for structural fabricators requiring third party approval under the AS/NZS1554.1 standard.

“Up to now, welding processes i n critical operations have relied upon the i ntegrity of the welder plus retrospective welding i nspection to guarantee welding quality. The Arc System 3 revolutionises all this. It factually confirms that all welds are as they should be, and delivers complete peace of mind,” said Green. “Given the rebuilding and structural welding activity that is currently being undertaken i n New Zealand, the Arc System 3 would prove i nvaluable i n providing capability, documentation and reassurance,” he concluded.

The New Zealand market is currently looked after by Emil Dela Cruz sales manager for NSW and New Zealand but Green said t hat a rep on t he ground on t his side of t he Tasman is becoming i ncreasingly necessary for Kemppi.