Online data management

ESAB Cloud Services, WeldCloud and CutCloud use an open-architecture, enabling users to interlink all production data in a business, across all departments. This also brings transparency to production flows, including order processing, process times and more, so users can see immediately where productivity enhancements are possible.

CutCloud is an extension of ESAB’s DataLeap software modules, which give users an overview of all production flows, an insight into all manufacturing processes and specific indications of untapped potential for optimisation in production.

“There are many worthy offerings in the welding community that provide Industry 4.0 capabilities, but we believe WeldCloud has several key, customer-driven benefits that set it apart from other systems,” says Roul Kierkels, global product manager DDA & WeldCloud, ESAB.

First, WeldCloud data resides in one comprehensive database, located within a user’s firewalls and not in a proprietary or provider-controlled cloud. Users have more peace-of-mind when they control their own data. Second, WeldCloud features an open-architecture design for communication and analytics. Companies can use them as stand-alone software or integrate with other business intelligence systems, such as Power BI, SAP, QlikView and Tableau.

Third, WeldCloud polls at a frequency of 1Hz to provide essentially real-time reporting; competitive reporting systems poll at 60- or 92-second intervals. Coupled with the new ability to calculate and display deposition rate and heat input from automated and mechanised welding applications (as well as volts, amps, watts, wire feed speed and travel speed), WeldCloud offers immediate and greater insight into welding data. Lastly, WeldCloud benefits a range of stakeholders — operations managers, quality managers, engineers, welders, maintenance staff, training supervisors and others — versus only higher-level personnel.

New WeldCloud functions include the ability to remotely adjust welding parameters for systems equipped with ESAB’s U82 controller with built-in web server option, the ability to create a more intuitive and in depth scanning wizard, enabling even better traceability of multiple parameters that directly affect weld quality and productivity, as well as the ability to capture data from multi-head submerged arc applications.

WeldCloud enables data-driven decision making so that fabricators and manufacturers can move the true levers of productivity and quality, as well as make better use of working capital. ESAB offers WeldCloud on its Aristo® Mig 4004i Pulse semi-automatic, Aristo Mig 5000iR robotic and LAF/TAF sub arc welding systems. Users can purchase these systems WeldCloud-ready, and ESAB can retrofit some existing systems with a communication module.