Maximum Efficiency with High Performance Processes

Haiger/Zweibrücken – Since August, Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH welding machines have been in use at Terex Cranes Germany GmbH in Zweibrücken. The crane building specialists are anticipating huge increases in productivity from the Rapid Weld and Speed Weld processes.

Terex Cranes Germany GmbH develops, manufactures and distributes cranes throughout the world. The leading innovator in the crane field produces, amongst other things, one of the largest cranes in the world which can travel under load: The CC 8800-1 TWIN can take on loads of up to 3,200 tonnes. With more than 1,700 staff at the three production sites around Zweibrücken, the company is one of most important employers in the region.

Welding technology as core competence

The production time for modular-built cranes varies considerably, from four weeks to six months. Welding technology plays a key role in their manufacture. So welding the CC 8800-1 TWIN, for example, requires 27 tonnes of raw weld metal and 300 to 600 hours of work. “Safety and quality are our top priority” explains Harald Riedinger, Director Technology & Innovation at Terex Cranes. “Because the weld seams must provide what they promise” Riedinger continues. On top of that come the customers’ visual demands, with the result that the weld seams must not only be safe but look good as well.

By using innovative technologies Riedinger wants to revolutionise welding technology at Terex, in order to expand its market leadership. “We want to produce cranes much more efficiently and, above all, at lower prices whilst at the same time increase quality even further”, emphasises Riedinger.

High Performance Processes for Rapidity and Quality

Since August, staff at the Bierbach works have therefore been able to use six new Qineo Pulse 600 welding machine from Cloos. In January four new machines were added and there are more to come. The welding machines can be used for welding push-beams for crawler cranes and large centre parts for the ground crane. The combination of the modified Rapid Weld spray arc and the tension-controlled Speed Weld pulse process in the Qineo Pulse guarantees optimum welding results.

The special control of the Rapid Weld process generates a very stable arc with a very high arc pressure. With the help of special electrical parameters, both a wide arc and a narrow, focussed arc can be set.