Rolled & Welded Cylinder Fabrication

Seam welding is the process of joining two similar or different materials together, at the seam, through the use of electronic currents and pressure.

How it works:

The gap creates an electrical resistance between the materials, which causes them to heat up at the seam. This process is most common with metals, because they conduct electricity easily, and are able to sustain high pressures. Seam Welding has a great reputation for building a clear weld every time, without needing filler.

A technical definition would be: as the current passes between the metals, heat is generated at the gap. The electrodes maintain and control the flow of electricity

As a welder, understanding the way the process works is extremely important. The amount of heat generated at the seams depends on the magnitude of the current flowing through it - too much electricity can cause deterioration. Another key factor is taking into account the type and hardness of the materials. Harder materials will need more welding force, than softer materials.

Seam welding is an automated welding process that produces airtight Welds quickly and efficiently. There is no filler required, helping lower costs and production time. Seam welding has a great reputation for providing a clear weld, and is one of the only welding processes that does not emit fumes or cause any gas formation, as with other processes.

It is also possible to combine seam welding and spot welding to create gas-tight and liquid-tight joints.

Seam welding is utilized for the cylinder forming process, ensuring a strong weld every time. A tab is welded onto the cylinder for a complete weld from start to finish, for weld integrity. After the tabs are cut off, a continual, dependable weld is left, all the way through the cylinder's edges. Our automated welding systems and skilled welders provide a consistent and even weld, which is highly rated in our industry. Because of our technology, a consistent and repeatable weld is provided for every part, every single time.

After achieving the seam weld, we planish the weld to ensure that it is smooth all the way down the cylinder. The planishing process means that the molecules are realigned in the weld, which makes the weld much stronger and more reliable. It is possible to combine seam welding and spot welding to create gas-tight and liquid-tight joints, which is necessary for certain cylindrical components. All of our custom cylinders are made with a dependable seam weld to be utilized for any application.

Once the seam welding is complete, the cylinder is taken over to the planishing machine to flatten the weld to near flush with the cylinder.

Planishing is a highly effective technique used to reduce weld build-up and enhance the cylinder or tank's surface finish of the welded areas. The planisher seamlessly blends the weld into the surrounding base metal, increasing its strength and durability. This also allows for a finish to be added rather easily, if needed, while eliminating the need for grinding. 

After the planishing process is complete, the cylinder goes to the cutoff machine to remove the tabs. Voilà! The cylinder has nice and even ends, with a seamless and durable weld that extends through the entirety of the part. 

The machine capacity will have a bearing on what the final dimensions of the rolled and welded cylinder will have. This is determined based on the material type, thickness, length, and diameter of the part to be formed.  The different material types that can be used on the small and large longitudinal weld cells include cold rolled steel, hot rolled steel, various stainless steels, and aluminum. We can also roll Copper, brass, and Inconel. 

There are four common types of electric resistance welding:

1. Resistance Spot Welding 
2. Projection Welding
3. Butt Welding
4. Seam Welding