Local welding and cutting machine distributor Gos- cor Arc has delivered and installed two Esab cutting systems, as part of a R20-million contract, for construction company Murray & Roberts’ steel fabrication company, Genrec Engineering.
The machines will be used specifically in the process of constructing boxed-steel columns for power stations. Genrec works executive Graham Hartley says that, given the fact that the machines will be working under inordinate pressure, the best quality machinery is required.
He adds the machines were bought specifically for the plasma cutting of 40-mm to 60-mm plates up to 30 m long, and the oxy- fuel cutting of 60-mm to 150-mm plates with single-pass and double-bevel cutting.
The cutting systems are 6 m wide and 35 m in length. Goscor Arc MD Rob Pirie says that the cutting systems have the latest cutting-table technology, including an advanced air extraction system. The gantries are fitted with Esab’s latest plasma bevelling head and triple-head oxyfuel cutting system.
He adds that both machines are fitted with two Esab 400 plasma power supplies, Esab M3 PT36 cutting technology and Esab’s latest Vision 55 computer numeric controllers. The machines are also equipped with a full suite of Esab’s Columbus software, which enables two plasma torches to cut one plate simultaneously.
Pierie says that the combination of the precision cutting heads and the ability to perform straight cutting and bevel cutting, at the same time, contributes to making the cutting machines extremely cost effective. He adds that the advanced air extraction system enhances the safety and comfort of the working environment, which also contributes to productivity.
Members of the Goscor Arc team went to Germany to help set up Genrec’s specification. Goscor Arc locally manufactured some of the components to ensure that the machines were fit-for-purpose. All training, on both the software and the machine operation, was completed by Goscor Arc.
Meanwhile, Goscor Arc, pre- viously known as Arc Engi-neering, has also delivered four Esab twin-wire subarc A6 welding tractors and eight Esab Miggy-track 3 000 automated tractors to Genrec. These tractors will be used for joining 40-mm to 50-mm plates and welding stiffener bars respectively.
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