Shipbuilding
Product Applications – Shipbuilding
In this new era of shipbuilding it is refreshing to see that new methods and technology are being used and embraced. The use of welding automation to improve the overall process and increase arc on time is something shipyards have used to stay competitive by dramatically reducing the cost of welding and rework.
The modern shipbuilding process is a complex undertaking, requiring accuracy and precision to generate parts or joints that are durable and oil- and watertight. To accomplish this, welding is a critically important technique to achieve these goals in ship construction and repairs. At Gullco International, our innovations in automated welding can make this vital shipyard process safer, efficient, and more consistent. Learn more about the types of welding applicable to the shipbuilding industry, and how welding automation can improve your operations and help you remain competitive.
Our Team is Ready to Discuss Your Shipbuilding Application.
Types of Welding
Welding has taken over as the primary fabrication process in shipbuilding for its capability to produce strong smooth surfaces on a ship’s hull and decrease resistance and weight. Among the welding methods available for shipbuilding, there are three that are the most common.
Arc Welding
The arc welding family of techniques is named for the arc of electrical current passed between a metal electrode or wire and a base metal. The arc acts as the heat source to melt the metals, fusing components together and forming a strong, lasting, and fully sealed bond as the welds cool. Arc welding processes generate a closed circuit between the power supply and the electrode. Each variation of the process uses a different method to shield or otherwise keep the arc stable and produce quality welded joints. Some categories of arc welding include:
- Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
- Submerged arc welding
- Metal inert gas (MIG) welding
- Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding
- Stud welding
Of the three main welding categories, arc welding is particularly useful in shipbuilding. It can successfully and efficiently bond or repair decking, metal plates, panels, membrane tanks, and aluminum deckhouses, as well as affix studs, insulation, wood flooring, and more.
Resistance Welding
Typically used for spot welds and seams in shipbuilding, resistance welding passes electrical current through metal parts held together under pressure, fusing them where they join. It is the metals’ electrical resistance that creates the heat needed to achieve a weld. Unlike arc methods, resistance welding requires no metal filler, which makes it a highly affordable technique. Examples of resistance welding processes include:
- Seam welding
- Spot welding
- Flash welding
- Projection welding
- Upset welding
Gas Welding
Concentrated fuel gas flames react with acetylene or oxygen to heat metal in a particular weld area in gas welding processes, fusing parts together with a welding rod or other filler—though filler is not always necessary. As surrounding material is at a higher risk of distortion, gas welding is less commonly used in ship welding as compared to arc welding. The different gas welding processes include:
- Oxy-gasoline gas welding
- Oxy-acetylene gas welding
- Hydrogen gas welding
- Propane or butane welding
- Methylacetylene-propadiene propane (MAPP) gas welding
Improving the Process
Welding is an inherently dangerous process, and the environment in which welders work directly affects both the quality of the weld and their safety. Wind, rain, humidity, extreme temperatures, and other environmental conditions can compromise the strength and integrity of weldments, exposing workers to heat-related illnesses and electrocution risks in the process. Welding in shipyards, unfortunately, is susceptible to all of these risks, creating challenges for efficient, quality production while ensuring worker safety.
At Gullco International, we offer automated welding equipment to address these issues and improve speed, quality, and safety in the shipbuilding industry. Our solutions can provide:
- Improved worker safety with reduced exposure to heat and other hazards
- Enhanced reliability with minimized human error
- More consistent, accurate, quality welding
- Increased arc time through welding automation
- Expanded capacity with enhanced productivity
- Fast weld repositioning
- Reduced costs
- Minimized waste and rework
Relevant Resources
How to Properly Implement Welding Automation to Improve Return on Investment
Learn more about the value of automated welding systems, how to calculate your automation ROI, and how to get started.
Learn More
How to Utilize Ceramic Weld Backing to Maximize Quality and Minimize Rework
Traditional backside welding comes with several challenges, such as reduced product quality and the need for rework. Learn how to maximize quality and minimize rework.
Learn MorePartner with Gullco International
With over seven decades of experience and a worldwide reach, we synthesize the skills, knowledge, and experience to offer reliable, innovative solutions to automate welding and associated processes. We are committed to continual improvement, developing new welding automation systems and equipment to address the ever-changing needs of the shipbuilding industry.
Frequently asked questions
Find quick answers to your questions here, ask our AI assistant, or contact us for any additional inquiries.
Gullco’s automation solutions can be tailored to fit most applications. Our products are designed for flexibility and customization. To determine the best approach for your needs, please provide some details about your project. We’re happy to discuss how we can help you achieve optimal results.
Thanks for your interest in Gullco products! For accurate pricing and to discuss your specific needs, we recommend you Request a Quote and your local distributor will promptly respond.
Gullco International has presence worldwide. To locate the distributor in your area, visit our distributor locator and choose your region and location.
Absolutely! We’d be happy to schedule a product demonstration for you. Please let us know which product(s) you’re interested in and your preferred date and time, and we’ll get that arranged. We look forward to showing you how Gullco can improve your operations.
You can locate your product manual in our Resource library.
That’s a great question! We’re really proud of the ruggedness of our Gullco products. A big part of it comes from our commitment to North American manufacturing. We’ve invested over $12 million in state-of-the-art CNC equipment to ensure precision and durability. Plus, we do most of the manufacturing in-house, which gives us tight control over quality.
Ready to get started?
With over seven decades of experience and a worldwide reach, we synthesize the skills, knowledge, and experience to offer reliable, innovative solutions to automate welding and associated processes. We are committed to continual improvement, developing new welding automation systems and equipment to address the ever-changing needs of the industry.
