Welding is one of the most requested services in the metallurgical sector. Pressure welding and orbital welding are the most widely used techniques by various industries due to their unique advantages and applications. It should be noted that, although both are welding techniques used to join metal parts, they have certain differences in their processes and applications. Below, we will learn about the main differences between pressure welding and orbital welding.

Procedures

As far as procedures are concerned, pressure welding and orbital welding differ in the following ways:

Pressure welding

During the pressure welding process, mechanical pressure and, in other cases, heat are applied to join metals. The pressure applied allows the metals to fuse thanks to their deformation.

Orbital welding

During orbital welding, an automated process is used that is characterized by having a welding head that rotates around the piece to be welded (generally round cross-section tubes). This piece must be “fixed” in order to obtain a consistent and precise weld.

Types of welding

As far as types of welding are concerned, pressure welding and orbital welding differ in the following ways:

Pressure welding

Resistance welding is generally used during the pressure welding process, which can be performed by spot welding or seam welding using friction welding.

Orbital welding

During the orbital welding process, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) or tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) is generally used.

Welding quality level

In terms of quality level, pressure welding, and orbital welding differ in the following ways:

Pressure welding

Through pressure welding, the quality level of the weld depends on the equipment used and the skill of the operator, therefore, the quality level of the weld may vary from one piece to another.

Orbital welding

Through orbital welding, welds with a high level of quality, consistent and repeatable, can be obtained, since it is an automated process. Which makes it ideal for critical applications, especially where weld integrity is paramount.

Differences between pressure welding and orbital welding

Technology

In terms of technology, pressure welding, and orbital welding have the following differences:

Pressure welding

Pressure welding is a process that is characterized by being manual, semi-automated, and automated, however, the technology applied is generally not as advanced as it requires less sophisticated equipment (especially compared to orbital welding).

Orbital welding

Orbital welding is characterized by being a completely automated process, in which advanced high-tech machines with computer-controlled systems are used.

Applications

Both pressure welding and orbital welding are indispensable techniques in their respective fields. However, their application has the following differences:

Pressure welding

Pressure welding is generally used in applications where fast and strong joints are required, such as automotive manufacturing, electronics, and metal fabrication.

Orbital welding

Orbital welding is generally used in applications where clean, high-purity, and precision joints are required, such as in the pharmaceutical industry, semiconductor manufacturing, and the aerospace industry.

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