Hoffmann Welding Services
One reason Hoffmann can build custom steel projects is that we hire welders and train them to become fabricators. Our welders are employed based on a passing score from a general math, blueprint and weld symbol test. Level I welders practice weld technique with oversight from one of our AWS qualified fabricators. Once their welds are approved, each Level I welder performs FCAW-G, 3G and 4G welding certifications. These certifications qualifies a welder to weld unlimited thickness flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions.
Welding Capabilities
Hoffmann specializes in carbon steel, COR-TEN steel, stainless steel, and aluminum heavy fabrication. Our fabricators are certified in (American Welding Society) AWS D1.1 for all positions, AWS D1.6 for stainless and other certificates are available upon request.
Certified Weld Inspector
Hoffmann has a full-time AWS certified weld inspector on staff. Our inspector provides training and certifies each welder using a guided bend test. Our CWI also monitors our product quality control and is responsible for dimensional and quality inspections during fabrication and a final inspection at project completion.
Types of Welding
For most Hoffmann weld projects, we use Gas Shielded Flux Cored Arc welding- (FCAW-G). A gas shielded flux cored arc welding technique is a variation in which additional shielding is obtained from an externally supplied gas or gas mixture. Flux core uses a continuous hollow wire electrode with a flux compound that protects the weld pool by forming a gas. The FCAW-G welding technique is used for Hoffmann fabrication projects because the flux core wire can penetrate thick weld joints. The flux core welding technique can be used on cast iron, stainless steel, carbon steel, high nickel alloys and low-alloy steels.
Hoffmann fabricators also hold certifications in GMAW (gas metal arc welding) and SMAW (shielded metal arc welding). GMAW, is also referred to as MIG (metal inert gas) welding. MIG is a technique that enables welders to perform a weld on traditionally non-ferrous materials. This method is called gas metal arc welding due to how the weld forms: a continuous wire electrode is fed through the welding gun to the location of the weld, while a separate tank of inert gas provides a shield around the weld. The gas prevents external influences from weakening the integrity of the weld during and after the welding process.
SMAW, which is referred to as stick welding is an arc welding process that creates an arc between a covered electrode and the weld pool. The process is used with shielding from the decomposition of an electrode covering, without the application of pressure, and with filler metal from the electrode.
Like MIG welding, SMAW involves the formation of an arc between a continuously fed bare wire electrode and the material to be welded. The process uses a flux to generate protective gases and to add alloying elements to the weld pool. Since a shielding gas is not required a thin layer of flux powder is placed on the metal surface prior to welding. The arc moves along the joint and as it travels excess flux is recycled via a hopper. Remaining fused slag layers can be easily removed after welding. As the arc is completely covered by the flux layer, heat loss is extremely low.
When semi-automated welding is beneficial to your project, Hoffmann uses a SUB-ARC Pandjiris Manipulator with a handheld tractor. Our Lincoln Idealarc with DC -1000 power supply has camera and laser remotely controlled seam tracking. It operates with one pass per side, welds up to 3/8” plate, and provides complete penetration with limited to no beveling.
Hoffmann, Inc… taking your ideas, whether big or small, and fabricating them to work for you.
Call or contact us today to learn how we can help.