Welding power sources

[ChadInColo]

I have a question about power sources. I am trying to compare 2 different power sources, I would like to hear from anybody who has really dealt with one or the other.

First is the Fronius. Sorry, don't have the model, it is going on an ABB robotic weld cell to do aluminum weldingand some steel welding.

The second is the Lincoln, I believe it is the power wave 450, again for a robotic welder, doing aluminum, with some steel as well.

Any preferences, likes/dislikes, things to look for, ease of use...

From what I have seen, the Fronius produces unbelievable welds, but the Lincoln guy is saying the Lincoln is the best aluminum machine available. Any imput would be appreciated.

 

[CWIC]

Chad:
I have worked with both Fronius and Lincoln power sources, domestically and internationally in automatic and mechanized process control applications.

The parts for Fronius were easier to obtain in Asia than the Lincoln (at least that is what the local welding sales rep. reported while in Asia). BUT, I had a lot of trouble getting any information on the Fronius power sources and had to figure them out myself (a master-slave power supply set-up).

Lincoln on the other hand can provide information (in English) almost anywhere in the world. Of course the Lincoln guy is giving their products rave reviews... Where is the robotic cell being set-up, in the US or someplace else?

If I were you my concern would be the availability of replacement parts and consumables such as torches, contact tips, nozzles, fittings, etc. This includes electronics (connectors, switches, pc boards, etc.) Regardless of the choice of equipment manufacturers, if parts are difficult to obtain in a specific region, the best welding machine on the planet won't help you if you have to need a $3 fitting that prohibits operation of the machine without it.

 

[ChadInColo]

This is in the United States, so I am sure that the Lincoln parts availablity will be much better.

Looking at the Fronius, ABB said that they have been doing pulse on pulse for a while, Lincoln rep raved that they are the only ones doing it robotically. We have demoed the ABB with the Fronius, definitely a sweet set up, unbelievably clean, tig-looking welds, good penetration.

Lincoln/Fanuc looks to have a better pendant, maybe a little bit cleaner programming and robot. Big sway towards ABB because ABB's former US robot integrations plant is in the same town we are. They are becoming Wolf soon, an ABB distributer I believe is how they are calling it, still doing the same robotic integration. Anyway, in town training, help and assistance, our company owner golfs with the ABB higher-ups, there are a number of reasons we are leaning towards ABB, but the Fronius is new to me, that's why I asked the question.

Anybody else have any experience with the Lincoln (its their 455) and/or the Fronius in robotic cells? Thanks again.