Guide to MBC Welding Positioners for Quality Welds | Welding Tips

Key Advantages of MBC Welding Positioners

MBC welding positioners stand out with a range of advantages:

Precise Control for All Positions

The positioners from MBC provide extremely precise rotational control. You can lock them at any angle to optimize the welding position. This fine control makes it easier to get flawless welds for horizontal, vertical, overhead, or even more complex joint configurations.

Powerful Gripping Strength

These positioners utilize industrial-grade hydraulic grips with hardened steel jaws and durable seals. The grippers have a very high clamping force to hold even heavy-duty parts firmly in place without slippage during welding.

Ergonomic Design

MBC employs thoughtful ergonomic design tailored to welding work. The rotation handles are set at an optimal height and angle to prevent excessive bending. Quick clamps and locks allow rapid resetting without repetitive actions. This ergonomics helps reduce fatigue and injury risk.

Tips for Using an MBC Welding Positioner

Properly leveraging an MBC positioner lets you achieve flawless full penetration welds much more easily. Here are some tips for use:

Select the Right Positioner Capacity

MBC offers positioners with gripping capacities from 100 to 3000 lbs. Select sufficient capacity to securely hold the parts you are welding based on dimensions and weight.

Plan Welding Sequence Strategically

Think through the full welding sequence needed beforehand. Determine optimal angles and rotations. Then set up and lock the positioner appropriately before each weld segment to avoid readjustments.

Use Backing Strips for Full Penetration Welds

Adding copper or ceramic backing pieces behind joints in some positions directs heat optimally for full weld penetration. This prevents cold laps or root concavity defects.

Clean and Lubricate Gripping Surfaces

Always remove rust, paint, oil and dirt from part surfaces the positioner jaws will grip to maximize holding friction. Optionally apply anti-slip coatings if needed for slippery materials like stainless steel.

Achieving High-Quality Welds with an MBC Positioner

With the right techniques, an MBC positioner helps achieve beautiful precision welds in all positions. Here are some tips for getting the best results:

Fit Up Parts Carefully Before Welding

Do test fittings to ensure proper fit-up and uniform gaps before attaching parts in the positioner. Poor fit-up causes defects and positioner slippage.

Utilize Multiple Weld Passes

It is very difficult to achieve full penetration single-pass welds. Multi-pass welding is needed for strength. An MBC positioner makes passes easy to execute.

Perform Proper Weld Maintenance

Follow manufacturer specifications for positioner maintenance like cleaning, greasing and tightening components. This keeps precision and avoids premature wear issues during operation.

Common Materials and Joints for MBC Positioner Welding

MBC welding positioners can securely grip parts for welding many materials and joints including:

Stainless Steel

From tubing to vessels and piping, stainless steel is a versatile material to weld with a positioner for corrosion resistance and high strength.

Aluminum

Lightweight aluminum welding with a positioner enables structures combining strength and low weight for transportation and other applications.

Square Butt Joints

For high-strength welded fabrications like frames, rails and beams, a positioner allows easily rotating parts for groove welds with full penetration.

Fillet Lap Joints

Positioners excel at fillet welds on overlap joints. They allow welding each side while maintaining the optimal torch angle for smooth strong welds.

FAQs

What sizes and capacities of MBC positioners are available?

MBC offers over 50 models with gripping capacities from 100 lbs to 3000 lbs, able to handle parts from a few inches to over six feet long.

Can MBC positioners handle vertical or overhead welding?

Yes, MBC positioners allow you to lock parts at any angle, facilitating welding in all positions including vertical and overhead.

What safety measures should be used with welding positioners?

Always secure parts properly with sufficient clamping force. Ensure no other personnel are behind or below the loaded positioner. Use a face shield when welding over vertical or overhead workpieces.

Do MBC positioners work for robotic welding applications?

Definitely - MBC offers positioner models designed specifically to integrate with robotic welding cells and automation.