African Fusion August 2018

Welding and cutting

Afrox launches 360° application solutions

T he challenging SouthAfrican energy, transport, mining and fabrication industries require innovative solutions to stay abreast of global technology and competition. Whether the application is a locomo- tive, a pressure vessel, tanker, wind tow- er, a petro-chemical plant shut-down or any other application, companies are looking for a quality solution, delivered on-time, at the lowest possible cost in a highly safe environment. Committed toongoingdevelopment of customer-orientated services, Afrox has launched its 360° Integrated Cus- tomer Application Solutions and Safety Solutions programmes that offer just that – a comprehensive solution from start to finish. Johann Pieterse, business manager for manufacturing industries at Afrox, says the Integrated Customer Applica- tion Solutions process always starts with a complex customer application challenge. Afrox proposes partnerships to develop a joint solution with the cus- tomers and to agree a way forward that will maximise value for customers and their end users. Pieterse continues that the proposal range of welding electrodes, SuperArc. Over the years Promax has positioned itself in the market with a clear focus on offering products aimed at the profes- sional and industrial consumer of welding products in South Africa. The Promax SuperArcweldingelectrodes are versatile, deep penetrating steel electrodes that of- fer smooth and stable arc characteristics. They can be used for the welding of mild steels, galvanised and some low alloy steels. The coating produces a forceful, spray-type arc, resulting in deep penetration welds with thin and easily removable slag. SuperArc products are manufactured using a 93% rutile coating for ease of striking. After months of research and devel- opment to meet the specified Promax standard suitable for the needs in the South African market – based on strict Promax quality specifications in partner-

ship with an overseas Promax certified manufacturer – the electrodes are now beingmade available across the country. With the new SuperArc, Promax can now offer a cost-effective, high quality, robust and user-friendly welding elec- trode that is fit for consumers with needs stretching from light to medium trade related welding needs to the DIY welding enthusiast. Typical applications include: vehicleand shipbuildingand repair, sheet metal welding, build-up over machined and/or worn areas of mild steel surfaces, as well as general light fabrication. business and their inherent challenges in terms of quality, productivity, costs and safety. “Once we understand the challeng- es, the next step is to create an effective solution,” says Pieterse. Firstly, the different welding pro- cesses are carefully considered and the best fit for the application is established. The selection of high quality Afrox gases, welding consumables and equipment are packaged to support the selected process. Afrox value-added services ensure that an optimised welding procedure is developed for each application and that staff are trained and qualified for successful implementation. This is done using the EN ISO 3834 welding quality management system as a guideline. After customer sign-off, the solution is implemented on-site step by step. QualifiedAfrox technical representatives oversee the execution as well as ensure supply of the correct welding consum- ables to support the process. Accurate implementation of the solution guarantees one or more of the following for customers: increased productivity, lower production cost, and improved quality, all hinging on a safe working environment. Afrox also undertakes any necessary upskilling or training of staff to optimise

Afrox value-added services ensure that an optimised welding procedure is developed for each application. the new solution if required. The train- ing and optimisation is underpinned by a range of safety and welding training courses, designed and developed to meet complex industry requirements. Once fully operational, Afrox pro- vides ongoing support andmaintenance to the project as well as offering equip- ment, gases and related consumable packages to ensure the proposed saving and increased productivity and quality promises are met. “As sub-Saharan Africa’s leading supplier of gas, welding equipment and consumables, Afrox is the only company extending this 360° capability to cus- tomers across South Africa, identifying opportunities to assist customers by implementing complete solutions and providing full back-up and support,” concludes Pieterse. www.afrox .co.za

is followed by an extensive survey of the customer’s application, including current processes and practices. It is imperative tounderstand thecustomer’s SuperArc electrodes have arrived O n the 20 th May 2018, Promax intro- duced its first semi-professional

These are all-position welding elec- trodes that conform to ANSI/AWS A5.1 and ASME SFA 5.1 E6013 standards. Key specifications include: • Tensile Strength: up to 59 700 psi (410 MPa) • Yield Strength: 67 700 psi (466 MPa) • Elongation, 2-inch (50 mm): 25.60% Promax has ensured that there is suf- ficient stock in the market to provide for the market demand. SuperArc will be distributed and available at all Promax authorised distributors, hardware stock- ists and all reliable industrial and DIY outlets across South Africa andwithin the sub-Saharan African region. www.promax.co.za

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August 2018

AFRICAN FUSION