Drawn arc stud welding advantages seen

The brief was to help Cammell Laird in the construction of the five modules of the project known as Centre Block 02. These massive modules, weighing between 583 tonnes and 927 tonnes each, had a combined weight of 3,500 tonnes. IPS also worked with Cammell Laird on Centre Blocks 04C and 04D, carrying out drawn arc stud welding to create super-strong bonds on all the modules.

This particular welding discipline is an IPS speciality and it was used extensively on the two and a half year contract. IPS also installed ventilation systems on board in order to supply fresh air below deck where the crew will be working and living.

IPS director Paul Smith said the project allowed the company to demonstrate the benefit of drawn arc stud welding to vessels of all sizes.

“The job asked a lot of the company, he said. “There were thousands of welds required over the course of the contract, but our experience meant we were able to complete our work without any difficulties. We were able to bring our expertise in drawn arc stud welding to a massive project and maintain our high standards throughout.”

Drawn arc stud welding creates a full cross-sectional weld which as well as being extremely strong, also delivers an aesthetically pleasing finish. It differs from capacitor discharge welding as the process contains the initial heat within the weld area to concentrate the process. This focuses the heat and creates the strongest possible bond.

When in service HMS Queen Elizabeth will weigh 65,000 tonnes and will be the centrepiece of the Britain’s military capability.

“Working on such large modules proves that drawn arc stud welding can be applied to any vessel, said Mr Smith. “In this case it was a necessary process. The vessel is vast, and must have the strongest, most reliable bonds as it is going into military service.

“But it is a technique which lends itself equally to smaller vessels. They can enjoy the same benefits the bond provides a military grade vessel.”