A New Level of Welding Process Control

CMT Cycle Step from Fronius

The new Cycle Step process variant for the CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) welding process allows users to set both the number of individual droplets and the pause time between cycles. The result is a heat-reduced bead with clear ripples and a high degree of reproducibility. It has a wide range of applications – from visible weld seams and additive applications to fixation points.

During MIG/MAG welding, a droplet melts at the end of the wire electrode and is transferred to the weld pool during the short circuit phase of the CMT process. Following this characteristic short circuit, the arc ignites again and a new welding cycle begins. With CMT Cycle Step, Fronius can control these individual cycles so precisely that the user can define the exact number of droplets per welding spot, thus representing a whole new level of control and reproducibility. The extent of the resulting material removal in a sequence can also be set.

Minimal heat input and a flawless weld seam appearance

Fronius PW Cycle
Lap joint: 3 mm aluminum, filler wire: AlSi5 1.2 mm, number of CMT cycles: 18, pause time: 0.16 s, welding speed: 50 cm/min, wire speed in the CMT process phase: 7.7 m/min, average wire speed: 6.1 m/min. Note: The average value is lower than the set value.

With Cycle Step, the heat input into the workpiece is minimal and can be effectively controlled, which is particularly useful during position welding with gap tolerances. Another advantage is the clear rippling of the weld seam, making Cycle Step ideal for high-quality visible seams. CMT Cycle Step also enables the smallest fixation points to be welded and is therefore an alternative to spot welding guns. Furthermore, CMT Cycle Step can be used to weld galvanized sheets or to produce hold points for supporting bonded joints. Overlay welding and applications in additive manufacturing are also possible with Cycle Step.

The Cycle Step option is available as an upgrade from TPS/i firmware version 1.9.0. Following the upgrade, the function is available on TPS/i systems for all CMT characteristics.

Business Unit Perfect Welding

Fronius Perfect Welding is an innovation leader for arc and resistance spot welding and a global market leader for robot-assisted welding. As a systems provider, the Fronius Welding Automation division also implements customized automated complete welding solutions, for the construction of containers or offshore cladding for example. The range is rounded off by power sources for manual applications, welding accessories, and a broad spectrum of services. With more than 1000 sales partners worldwide, Fronius Perfect Welding has great customer proximity.

For more information, visit www.fronius.com/en/welding-technology

About Fronius International GmbH

Fronius International GmbH is an Austrian company with headquarters in Pettenbach and other sites in Wels, Thalheim, Steinhaus and Sattledt. With 4,550 employees worldwide, the company is active in the fields of welding technology, photovoltaics and battery charging technology. 91% of its products are exported through 30 international Fronius subsidiaries and sales partners/representatives in over 60 countries. With its innovative products and services and 1,241 granted patents, Fronius is the global innovation leader.

Fore more information, visit www.fronius.com