In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Alexander Purvis, Senior Welding & Automation Engineer at Novarc Technologies, about pairing TipTIG with a spool welding robot (SWR) to boost pipe-shop speed, consistency, and operator safety.
Key Topics Covered:
Learning curve & training: 1–1.5 hours to get comfortable for hands-on folks; standard onboarding is one week for three operators (3:1 trainer ratio).
Fit-up tolerance: Built to handle real-shop conditions (nominal 3/32" root opening; workable from ~1/16" to heavy 1/8") without demanding “perfect” hi-lo.
Low-maintenance mechanics: Air-powered manipulator (no hydraulics; sealed bearings) to cut downtime.
Assist vs autonomy: AI reads variable root opening/hi-lo in real time and switches among seven root-save levels to keep the root on track.
Process flexibility: Dual-torch MIG option (short-circuit root → flux-core fill/cap) and a TipTIG hot-wire TIG package for stainless/critical work.
Where it fits: Prefab spools for mechanical contractors, expanding into oil & gas and nuclear work.
Safety & ergonomics: Operate 4–5 ft from the arc, reduce fume exposure (especially on stainless/hex-chrome), and ditch the “bent-over all day” posture.
Operator buy-in: Find a shop “champion,” then let them own the cell and rack up reps.
Throughput story: One SWR operator reportedly laid ~158 in/day, edging five manual welders combined (~148–150 in).
See it yourself: Demo-on-demand videos and an in-person Customer Experience Center (Houston).
Memorable Quotes:
“We don’t expect a perfect fit up… the system accommodates that variance.”
“Set it on a tack, press start, and the operator can walk away.”
“He out-welded five manual operators,158 inches in a day.”
Learn more about the SWR from Novarc Technologies
Website - https://www.novarctech.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/novarctech/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/novarctech
LinkedIn - https://ca.linkedin.com/company/novarc-technologies-inc-
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChc6v5nXWaUU5g9eakabdNw
Connect with Beau Wigington
Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding
E-Mail : beauw@weld.com
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