Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has developed the “Keyhole Plasma Pipe Automatic Welding Equipment” (K-PAW) and implemented it at its production site, marking a significant advancement in shipbuilding automation. Announced on June 19, this innovation promises substantial improvements in efficiency and precision.
Traditionally, shipbuilding has relied on manual welding for pipe construction, leading to quality inconsistencies and challenges in securing skilled labor. The surge in orders for LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carriers, which require extensive and precise pipe welding, has intensified the need for reliable welding solutions.
In a recent demonstration observed by Vice Chairman Chung Sung-an of SHI, K-PAW showcased its efficiency by completing the welding of a 24-inch pipe in 20 minutes, compared to the 66 minutes typically required for manual welding. This represents a more than threefold increase in speed.
Choi Doo-jin, head of SHI’s Robotics Business Team, emphasized, “K-PAW is significant as it is the first to achieve automation of the root pass welding, a challenging task in shipbuilding.” The technology uses a plasma arc to create a keyhole effect, allowing for deeper and more precise welds, crucial for LNG carriers.
SHI plans to enhance automation further by developing an AI-driven welding system by the end of the year. This shift to automated welding can improve precision, reduce human error, and increase productivity, although it may lead to job displacement for manual welders.
Samsung Heavy Industries’ commitment to innovation and automation sets new benchmarks for efficiency and precision, positioning it at the forefront of the shipbuilding industry.
