Welding technology, correct welding processes, higher welding speed combined with less rework are the factors that can help us in shifting towards sustainable welding. Welding is one of the major technologies and processes used extensively in the manufacturing industries. The welding processes generate fumes, toxic emissions, by using essential resources like electricity and other materials. With growing concern about the impact of such industries on the environment, we will tell you 5 ways to adopt sustainable welding to move towards a greener and environment-friendly welding processes.
5 ways to adopt sustainable welding
- Virtual training: Whether to train a student or an employee or a trainee, instead of using and wasting raw materials, electricity, and releasing fumes into the air, the training can be done using virtual reality, simulators, and other virtual tools. By training the new welders in environment-friendly ways of their trade helps them make sustainable choices throughout their career.
- Using sustainable tools: When we say sustainable tools, it is tools that are of good quality, which do not wear out easily, etc. Low-cost products usually consist of low-quality materials that quickly wear out, are not repairable, and then essentially become disposable items. Instead of these one should opt for high-quality tools like that of Fronius, which maintain heat balance, with an increased service life of the product, reduces raw material consumption, etc.
- Different welding techniques: There are many new and sustainable welding techniques that can not only reduce the operational or manufacturing costs but also the environmental costs. Some of these welding techniques are Friction Stir Welding (FSW), Magnetic Pulse Welding (MPW), Vacuum Soldering, Diffusive welding, etc.
- Recycling scrap: Irrespective of any sector, recycling is undoubtedly one of the most popular and easiest ways to shift to environment-friendly options and reducing environmental costs. To shift to sustainable welding, the first step is to recycle scrap materials and reduce production waste. For example, metal shavings can be returned to the raw material manufacturer for recycling. Prior to return, the chips are separated from the lubricant required for the production process by means of a centrifuge, with the lubricant then being returned to the production hall. The lubricant can therefore be used several times.
- Proper disposal of waste: As discussed in the above point, one of the proper disposals of waste is recycling it. In case the waste could not be recycled the waste must be disposed off efficiently. One must find out if the material could be reused in any other industrial department. Fume management systems should be used to reduce and dispose of the fumes properly.
Related Article: Industry 4.0 and welding technologies – Read More: https://nationalskillsnetwork.in/industry-4-0-and-welding-technologies/
The world is moving towards a green economy, an economy that focusses on reducing environmental risks and ecological scarcities and the one that aims for sustainable development without degrading the environment. Therefore, sustainability is the key to achieve this larger goal. Since welding as an industry plays a crucial role in economic progress, infrastructure development, and in other manufacturing sectors, it becomes important to adapt to sustainable welding to move towards a green economy.
