Bug-O Systems Powerful Automation Solutions For Welding And Cutting
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Thank You for a...
Together We Will Make 2019 Even Better! Prosperity comes from great partnerships. As we look forward to 2019, we aim to make our contribution to a stronger...
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Bug-O Systems...
During this Thanksgiving Holiday season, Bug-O Systems is most thankful to you, our valued customers who have supported our products and company through the...
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Will you join us...
FABTECH 2018 - Booth: C11638 Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta - November 6-8 • Increase operator factor • Improve quality and save time •...
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Bug-O Featured on...
Have a listen to Bug-O's Scott Thayer, Director of Sales, on the Welding Tips and Tricks Podcast: ...
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Labor Day Holiday...
Please be advised that Bug-O Systems will be closed for the Labor Day Holiday starting at: 4:30 p.m. EST Friday 31, August '18 and we will re-open for business on...
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July 4th Holiday...
Please be advised that in observance of our great Country's Independence Holiday on the 4th of July, Bug-O Systems will be closing at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday 3, July...
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Bug-O Memorial Day...
Please be advised that Bug-O Systems will be closed in honor of Memorial Day starting at: 4:30 p.m. EST Friday, 25, May '18 and we will re-open for business at...
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Director, Sales...
I am excited to announce that Scott Thayer has joined us as our Director of Sales and Marketing on February 26, 2018. Scott brings with him nearly 30 years...
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Gently Used...
Are you looking to buy gently used Bug-O machines? Look no further. Bug-O Systems currently has listings on E-bay for light wear & tear equipment that...
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Bug-O Holiday...
Thank You for a Successful 2017. Together We Will Make 2018 Even Better! Prosperity comes from great partnerships. As we look forward to 2018, we aim to make...
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Thanksgiving...
During this Thanksgiving Holiday season, Bug-O Systems is most thankful to you, our valued customers who have supported our products and company through the...
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Fabtech 2017
McCormick Place, Chicago – November 6-9 You have the job... We have the How To! Bug-O offers the most solutions in the...
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Manufacturing Day...
Celebrating Manufacturing Day 2017 - Union Made in America since 1948 - Our Bug-O family builds products to serve American industries and 83 other countries around...
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Schweissen &...
Once every four years, the welding industry looks forward to the Schweissen & Schneiden International Trade Fair. It is one of the most highly...
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A Word from Our CEO
I've spent the course of the year visiting customers, asking a variety of questions: What do you like about our products? How can they be...
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Plasma Cutting...
Automatic Height Control (AHC) for welding has been a very popular feature available on several Bug-O Systems, from the popular Modular Drive System (MDS)...
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Manufacturing...
BUG-O Systems was recently featured on Manufacturing Marvels® on the Fox Business Network®. (Watch the video by clicking here). BUG-O Systems, a...
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The Only Thing...
It is with mixed emotions that we announce that Larry Johnson, Director of Manufacturing and Engineering, elected to retire from Weld Tooling on June 30th....
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GAWDA Pittsburgh...
This year's Annual Pittsburgh Area Regional Meeting was held June 12th through June 14th at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The event was again put together...
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NexAir – “NexTech...
On June 14th Bug-O was honored to be a part of the Nexair NexTech Technology Conference held in Savannah, GA. This has become an annual event for NexAir...
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GAWDA Spring...
The GAWDA Annual Spring Management Conference was grander than ever, as this year’s back-drop was the old historic setting of the Boca Raton Resort and...
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Bug-O Systems...
Please be advised that Bug-O Systems' e-mails have changed. All contacts that you have from Bug-O @weld.com are now @bugo.com This includes all persons and...
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Ohio Valley...
The Ohio Valley Regional Oil & Gas Expo was held on April 25 and 26, 2017. A Network Reception was held on Tuesday evening followed Wednesday by...
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Steamfitters Local...
The Steamfitters Local 449 (Pittsburgh, PA) Technology Training Center opened its doors with a grand Open House celebration Friday and Saturday 2-3 June...
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Bug-O...
In case you missed it, here is the Bug-O Manufacturing Marvels® spotlight that aired last week on the Fox Business...
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Bug-O Systems to...
Bug-O Systems will be showcased in a production of Manufacturing Marvels® on May 5th in the 8:30-8:45 p.m. time period CST on the Fox Business...
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Bug-O Tech Sales...
A team from the Technical Sales and Special Systems Group at Bug-O Systems visited Miller Electric at their Appleton, Wisconsin...
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Bug-O Systems...
BUG-O Systems was pleased to present several pipe welding mechanization products at a recent open house put on by the Plumbers and...
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Bug-O Systems...
During the 2016 FABTECH Show in Las Vegas, a customer walked into the Bug-O Booth and shared their need to become more efficient with their...
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Bug-O Easter...
Please be advised that Bug-O Systems will shut down for Easter Holiday starting at: 4:30 p.m. EST Thursday, 13, April '17 and we will re-open for business on...
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AWS/Cee Kay Supply...
Cee Kay Supply, founded in 1948, has been one of the strongest, most respected Independent Welding and Gas...
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Special System...
The Technical Sales and Special Systems Group at Bug-O Systems were presented with an application that required multiple arcs on a...
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Maysan Oil & Gas...
Hisham Shalaby, our Middle East Sales Manager, recently attended the Maysan Oil & Gas Exhibition in Maysan City, Iraq from March 27th through the...
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Bug-O Systems...
Another example of Bug-O Systems’ commitment to continuous product improvement was recently presented to the staff of Lincoln...
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Ohio Valley Oil &...
On Thursday March 9th, Bug-O Systems was in attendance as a Participating Sponsor at the OVOGA Spring General Member Meeting at Belmont College...
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National Ship...
Charleston, South Carolina hosted the Annual NSRP meeting which was a four day event. For those of you who are not familiar with the NSRP,...
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WEMCO 2017 Spring...
During the last full week of February, WEMCO (An Association of Welding Manufacturers) of which Bug-O Systems is an active member, held...
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Bug-O Tech Sales...
Lincoln Electric offered an International Welding Pipeline Seminar on February 21, 22, 23, 2017. Bug-O Systems, Inc. was represented by...
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AIRGAS Nor Pac...
The Northern Pacific Region of Airgas, fondly referred to as Nor Pac held their annual sales meeting in Seattle Washington much...
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Welsco Weld Expo
The Weld Expo is an annual event held by Welsco for the past 12 years, at Verizon Arena in North Little Rock, Arkansas, that...
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Red Ball Oxygen...
On February 1 and 2 Red Ball Oxygen, based in Shreveport, LA, held their first annual Vendor Fair. RBO management selected their top...
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2017 Starts Strong...
It was very encouraging to start January 2017 with such a strong demand for training and educating Distributor’s personnel. People in...
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Bug-O Holiday...
Thank You for a Successful 2016 Together We Will Make 2017 Even Better! Prosperity comes from great partnerships. As we look forward to 2017, we aim...
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Koala Welding...
Check out the December 2016 issue of Welding Productivity to read about our New Koala welding system. See here: Olympic Assist article
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Office and Plant...
It is with great regret that we inform you that Herbert Cable passed away on Saturday November 26. Our offices will be closed Thursday December 1 in honor of...
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Bug-O Article in...
Check out your November 2016 issue of the AWS Welding Journal to read Bug-O's article on "Challenges of Welding Short-Run Pipelines".
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Will you join us...
Fabtech 2016 Las Vegas, NV - November 16-18 You have the job... We have...
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Gently Used Bug-O...
Are you looking to buy gently used Bug-O machines? Look no further. Bug-O Systems currently has listings on E-bay for light wear & tear...
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New Product...
Bug-O Systems has always remembered our roots, innovative and inexpensive system of drives, carriages, rails and attachments designed to...
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Build a Bug Feature
It was just a couple of years ago that Bug-O Systems launched its new website (bugo.com) which included and featured the...
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Spinarc® Up-Date
Bryan George Director Business Development Weld Revolution LLC It is seldom in this...
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SpinArc® & Bug-O’s...
Tripp Gorman, Regional Sales Manager for the Southeast, reports a great deal of excitement and attention being drawn to the new...
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Napotnik Welding...
The Napotnik family has been welding in Pennsylvania for decades. After spending time working in the Johnstown, Pennsylvania steel mills,...
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2016 Beijing Essen...
The 21st Beijing Essen Welding and Cutting Fair was held in Beijing, China June 14-17 2016. The show hosted...
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GAWDA Pittsburgh...
The GAWDA Annual Regional Pittsburgh, PA Meeting was held at the Seven Springs Mountain Resort during 20-22 June. Abydee...
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Summer Sales Host...
Summer Sales, which consists of Mike Mackintosh (owner) and Steven Scott, were selected to host the North-Western U.S. Bug-O Systems /...
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Bug-O is now on...
As one of the best photo sharing apps available, Instagram has quite a following of users. By sharing photos and connecting with people...
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Bug-O Systems...
SPECIAL NOTICE: Everyone knows Bug-O is the Power Tool for Welders! Everyone knows that our Tools make welders more efficient by increasing...
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New Economical...
The PCC-1 Pipe Coupon Cutting Machine from Bug-O Systems is an ideal solution for welding schools and training facilities. The budget friendly...
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Ohio Valley Oil &...
The Annual Ohio Valley Regional Oil & Gas Expo was held on April 26 and 27, 2016. A Network Reception was held...
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Bryan George and...
In an effort to help support and drive sales of the Weld Revolution product line, BUG-O Systems has been given the opportunity to work...
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The New Capital of...
Egypt is in the process of building a new Capital which is just east of their old Capital, Cairo. The new Capital will be home to all...
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Meyer Werft Shipyard
The Meyer Werft (Shipyard) in Papenburg Germany is a true marvel of engineering. They build some of the biggest cruise liners in the...
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GAWDA Spring...
The 71st Annual Spring Conference in Savannah, GA was held at the Westin Savannah Harbor Resort. It started Sunday evening with the...
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ICOM SRL – Bolivia
ICOM SRL is a distributor for Bug-O Systems International in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. They have represented Bug-O since 2009 and have built a...
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WEMCO Spring Meeting
During the last week of February, WEMCO (An Association of Welding Manufacturers) of which Bug-O Systems is an active member, held...
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StocExpo 2016
StocExpo Europe 2016, the world’s leading international event for the tank terminal industry, returned to Antwerp, Belgium on...
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New Repair...
Please join us in welcoming Bug-o’s new Repair Technician, Joseph Barna. Joe started working with us in the manufacturing group in...
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Sierra College –...
Sierra College is a junior college located in Rocklin, California at the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, approximately 20...
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Lonnie Nations...
The welding and cutting industry mourns the loss of a true professional when Lonnie Nations passed away at the age of 78 on 20,...
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Welding Tooling...
Welding Tooling Corp. (Bug-O Systems) would like to make the following announcements. Herbert Cable Sr. has elected to retire as of 1, January 2016....
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Bug-O Systems...
Bug-O Systems is pleased to announce an exclusive OEM and Distribution relationship for SpinArcTM welding torches covering USA and Mexico. Weld Revolution has...
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Long Lasting...
The Cable Family has always strived to create and maintain long lasting and successful relationships with their industry colleagues. This...
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“Training on The...
Bug-O Systems launched a new initiative, “Training on the Road” with an article that appeared in the 2015 January issue of the GAWDA...
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Boy Scouts of...
In Ventura County California near Los Angeles, Jack Compton heads up a welding and training program for the local Boy Scouts to learn...
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Technical Sales...
The Technical Sales and Special Systems Group at Bug-O Systems consists of Bill Barker, Applications and R & D Technician; Brad Mutschler,...
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Bug-O Distributor...
Mike Shaffer and the Bug-O Systems training initiative finished the year with a tour of California. In December when many companies are starting...
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2015 Trip...
Big changes have occurred for Bug-O Systems in the Asian Market. After 24 years with Bug-O, our...
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New Products
During 2015, Bug-O Systems launched five new products. For any company that is quite a large accomplishment, however in preparation Bug-O...
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Fabtech Show Recap
The 2015 FABTECH Show in Chicago’s McCormick Center turned out to be one of the strongest shows in recent years. AWS reported...
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Bug-O Systems...
During this Thanksgiving Holiday season, Bug-O Systems is most thankful to you, our valued customers who have supported our products and company through the...
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GO-FER IV, One...
For more than 30 years, industries around the world have come to love the GO-FER. Over that time, the GO-FER...
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Welding Week 2015...
Bug-O Systems International was a recent participant in Welding Week 2015 in Antwerp, Belgium which took place from October 20th through...
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BRAZIL WELDING...
Bug-O Systems International, a manufacturer of automated welding and cutting equipment based in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, USA,...
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Fabtech 2015
Fabtech, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating and welding event will be held this year at the McCormick...
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GAWDA 2015 Annual...
As the Gases and Welding Distributors Association (GAWDA) celebrates 70 years of service, the active members descended on...
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West Virginia Oil...
Even with the recent downturn in Shale Gas exploration, the Marcellus and Utica Shale regions continue to be healthy. On...
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2015 North Coast...
Bug-O Systems would like to thank the O.E. Meyer Company for inviting us to participate in this event which each time brings more and more...
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NSRP Weld Tech...
With another Welding Technology Panel Meeting in the books for the NSRP Program, the introduction of new technologies is likely to benefit...
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AWS Pipeline...
The fourth annual American Welding Society Pipeline Conference was held on September 1-3, 2015 at the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, LA....
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Nor-Pac Airgas –...
On September 1st Dan Sheets (Director- Advanced Fabrication Technologies Nor Pac) and Mike Shaffer (Bug-0 “U” Education...
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Allan Kahui – Tank...
In September 2015, Bug-O Systems International welcomed Allan Kahui to the team. Allan is from New Zealand but has been living and working...
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Tube water wall...
The inside walls in the boiler of a coal fired electric generating plant face tremendous thermal and physical loads during operation....
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Industry Hints &...
Bug-O Systems products are well known in serving many industries such as shipbuilding, fabrication and transportation. What you may not be...
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On the Road...
In January 2015, Bug-O Systems announced that it would take their “Bug-O U” training that was typically done at the Bug-O school...
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GAWDA – Pittsburgh...
The 2015 GAWDA Pittsburgh Area Regional Meeting was held on Monday 15, June and Tuesday 16, June at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in...
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Non-Traditional...
Distributors and customers alike recognize that BUG-O’s Cypress Circle Welders and Burners are used on pressure vessels and domed heads....
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Upcoming Events
AUGUST August 3-7: Training at Huber Supply and S. J. Smith Co, additional day open to AWS chapter...
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Process Innovation...
Today is an exciting time to be part of the mechanized welding and cutting industry because the current challenges have never been...
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FEIMAFE 2015 – Sao...
Bug-O Systems International was recently represented by their distributor, BFC Productos E Servicos Para Solda LTD., in the...
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Sales Meeting –...
The Northern Pacific Regional of Airgas, fondly referred to as Nor Pac, led by Regional VP Bill Sanborn, held their annual sales meeting...
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Air Liquide Open...
As the weather breaks and spring starts to move in for residents living in Fairbanks and Anchorage Alaska, this presents the perfect time...
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Success in...
2015 marks the seventh year for Fabtech Mexico. It is now the largest manufacturing show in Latin America, a perfect fit to support...
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J. C. Dawes Store...
Bug-O Equipment Distributor, J. C. Dawes celebrated the opening of their new location in Cadiz, Ohio with an Open House on 8-9, May 2015. This...
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GAWDA Spring...
The 70th Anniversary of GAWDA was celebrated at the Annual Spring Conference which was held in New Orleans starting with the President...
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Fourth Annual Oil...
The Fourth Annual Oil & Gas Expo took place 29, April at the James E. Carnes Center in St. Clairsville, Ohio. As part of eastern Ohio,...
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India – Territory...
Bug-O Systems International is pleased to announce the appointment of Neeraj Lohia as the Independent Territory Manager for the country of India....
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CeeKay Supply &...
CeeKay Supply has been one of the strongest, most respected Independent Welding and Gas Distributors in the mid-west which was founded in...
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WEMCO Spring Meeting
During the last week of February, WEMCO (An Association of Welding Manufacturers) of which Bug-O Systems is an active member, held their...
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Matheson Open...
The Bug-O Systems Technical Sales Group supplied equipment and personnel in support of the Fourth Annual Pipeliner Forum held April 7th, 2015 at...
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Travelling...
Education and training is in high demand within the welding industry. Bug-O Systems recognizes this need and has taken their training...
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StocExpo 2015...
Bug-O Systems Exhibited at the 11th edition of the StocExpo at the Ahoy in Rotterdam, Netherlands. The StocExpo is the leading event for...
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Chris Bell-Booth...
After dedicating 25 years of professionally representing Bug-O Systems, Chris Bell-Booth has retired. During his many years of service, Chris...
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Matheson East Zone...
In late January the Bug-O Systems Technical Sales Group along with North American Sales Director, Norm Sted, had the opportunity to be...
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Inventor, Teacher,...
It is with deep sorrow we convey the passing of Anil on January 12th 2015, he was 73. Born in Bombay India, Anil...
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Technical Sales...
The Technical Sales and Special Systems Group at Bug-O Systems has expanded over the last year. Our staff now consists of Tim Laurine, Electrical...
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Is the Economic...
We are often asked by our clients and distributors alike, what do you think we can expect during the New Year in the way of business...
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The Launch of...
In 2015 Bug-O University is giving everyone an exciting opportunity for education as it goes on the road with both half and full day...
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A Look Forward -...
With a New Year come many opportunities to configure welding and cutting solutions. As BUG-O Systems looks ahead into 2015 we will strive...
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Efficiency in...
Where will the economy be in the Midwest 2015 and beyond? What role will technology and automation play in our economic future? It...
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2015 Outlook for...
Bug-O System’s Henry Dills is looking forward to a strong 2015 representing Bug-O in the Inter-Mountain West. The ability of Bug-O...
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Southern States...
Trying to predict what 2015 will bring is difficult, but based on experience and trends in various industries that utilize welding, the...
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Praxair – January...
Bug-o Systems was pleased to host a team of Praxair participants, for Bug-O full product training on January 12th &...
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Bug-O Systems...
Thank You for a Successful 2014 Together We Will Make 2015 Even Better! Prosperity comes from great partnerships. As we...
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AWS District 7...
Bug-O Systems would like to congratulate Preston Anderson of Ohio State University, who is this year's recipient of the Ed Cable - Bug-O; AWS District 7...
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Fabtech Show...
BUG-O Systems as a Sustaining Member of AWS exhibited at the Fabtech Show in Atlanta in November of 2014 with 10 employees manning the...
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Tank Storage Show...
During 2014, the tank storage industry has grown all over the world. This is evident by news headlines from U.S.A. to Brazil, China,...
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Bug-O Systems...
During this Thanksgiving Holiday season, Bug-O Systems is most thankful to you, our valued customers who have supported our products and company through the...
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India Essen...
Bug-O Systems International was a recent participant in the India Essen Welding & Cutting Trade Show. The trade show took place in October...
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Fabtech 2014
Fabtech, North America’s largest metal forming, fabricating and welding event will be held this year at the Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta,...
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India Essen...
Bug-O Systems International is participating in the India Essen Welding & Cutting Trade Fair. India is one of the most important regions...
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Growth is HOT in...
During the week of October 12th Mike Mackintosh (Bug-O’s Regional Manager) and Norm Sted (Bug-O’s Director of Sales and...
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National...
Today is National Manufacturing Day – Bug-O Systems - Made in USA for over 65 years! We salute our Bug-O Union Team Members that build our Quality...
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West Virginia 4th...
The popularity of various shale gas explorations in this region continues to be extremely healthy, which is why on 1, October Bug-O...
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Tank Market Grows...
The world’s thirst for energy continues to grow. In the US it is no different than the rest of the world. The US has been the leader...
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2014 National...
For three days during Mid-September, Bug-O Systems held its National Sales and Marketing Meeting back at the plant and at Bug-O University...
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Welders Services,...
On Thursday 18, September, Welders Services, Inc. hosted an open house at their Ft. Wayne location, Indiana. Bug-O Systems was one of a select...
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Dale Oxygen...
On 11, September from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dale Oxygen hosted a public showcase event at their Johnstown, PA location to celebrate their 75th...
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Tank Fabrication...
For many years Bug-O Systems has enjoyed success in the Tank Fabrication Industry that has embraced our zipper welding system. Most recently we...
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Mark Binder...
Mark Binder, Director of International Sales, started his career at Bug-O Systems on 22, July 1974. At that time he was hired as a...
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Reintroduction of...
The zipper welder has been in the Bug-O repertoire for quite some time. However, we recently have seen a larger demand for it due to...
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GAWDA Pittsburgh...
The 2014 GAWDA Regional conference was held at Seven Springs Mountain Resort in June. It was a very well attended event with a great group...
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New Florence PA...
The Official Grand Opening of Napotnik Welding Supplies’ new facility took place on June 2nd. That day was a grand event that was...
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Bug-O Attends...
Josh Chiprich (Tank Fabrication Market Manager) and Chris Cable (Director of Global Sales & Marketing) recently visited our Girth Welding...
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Purity Cylinder...
On May 8th, Purity Cylinder Gas hosted its annual Spring Open House in Grand Rapids Michigan. The Bug-O Systems Training Manager Mike...
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Airgas Nor Pac...
Airgas Nor Pac, which refers to their Airgas Northern Pacific Regional Office, hosted their annual Sales Management Meeting at Kahneeta...
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Ohio Valley Oil &...
Bug-O Systems took part in the 3rd Annual Ohio Valley Regional Oil & Gas Expo from 30’ April - 1’ May 2014. This two-day event...
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FABTECH Mexico/AWS...
FABTECH Mexico, co-sponsored by the Fabricators and Manufacturers Association, International (FMA) and the Society of Manufacturing...
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Oil & Gas Expo 2014
Bug-O Systems will exhibit at the Ohio Valley Regional Oil & Gas Expo taking place in St Clairsville, OH on 1' May 2014. Stop by and visit us in Booth: 31.
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BUG-O Investing...
My Great-Grandfather founded BUG-O Systems in Pittsburgh, PA in 1948. For more than 65 years BUG-O Systems has been building and selling...
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Bug “U” Road Show...
Bug-O Systems has taken its training on the road across the United States to better serve our customers and distributors. During...
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Josh Chiprich –...
Bug-O Systems International is pleased to announce a new member to our Team, Josh Chiprich who joined us on April 7, 2014 as our new...
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Have Weld; Will...
The 2014 year is off to an exciting start. BUG-O Systems is looking to keep moving forward with its release of the new Robotic Welding...
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29th Annual Elko...
The Elko Mining Expo will be held this year 2-6, June 2014 at the Elko Convention Center in Elko, Nevada. Approximately 8,000 visitors attend...
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Bug-O Announces...
For a limited time only, Bug-O Systems is offering these Special Discount Prices. Every product is brand new, in the box with full warranty! Quantities are...
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Fabtech Mexico 2014
Bug-O Systems International will be exhibited by way of our Distributor, Tecnologia En Soldadura Y Cortes A. DE C.V., at this year’s annual...
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GAWDA 2014 Spring...
The annual GAWDA Spring business meeting was held in the convention center within the Chicago Sheraton Hotel from 30 March through 1...
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Matheson Open...
The Bug-O Systems Technical Sales Group supplied equipment and personnel in support of the Third Annual Pipeliner Forum held on March...
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Engineering...
Joe DeMatteis has recently joined Bug-O Systems as Manager of Engineering. Joe comes to us from Sardello Inc. where he managed Engineering and...
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AWS Pipeline...
The second annual American Welding Society Pipeline Conference was held on March 4th & 5th, 2014 in Houston, Texas. The Pipeline...
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Machinex Arabia
Alruqee Industrial Marketing, a Distributor of Bug-O Systems International in Saudi Arabia, represented Bug-O Systems at MACHINEX ARABIA...
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Regional Sales...
Bug-O Systems would like to take this opportunity to welcome Frank Wilson and Kevin Isler to the Bug-O Family of Regional Sales Manager...
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Shipyard Weld...
The new age of robotic mechanization technology has arrived on the market. Thanks to the help of RTT (Robotic Technologies of Tennessee) and the engineering...
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2014 Trade Shows
Machinex Arabia February 9-12, 2014 Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Fabtech India April 10-12, 2014 New Delhi, India Fabtech...
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Bug-O Systems 2014...
Bug-O Systems is a Family Owned and Managed Business that has been serving our customers since 1943. Since that time, we have become the...
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The Marriage of...
Bug-O Systems has faithfully provided for over 65 years, the industry’s newest, best and most innovative products to enable you to...
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Welcome Amanda and...
Bug-O Systems is proud to welcome aboard two new employees; Amanda Zamiska (Graphic Designer) and Nathan Derringer (Drafter). Amanda...
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Application Group...
Once in a while, everything falls together just as you would like, and then… During the second half of last year, the Applications Group had the...
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Bug-O “U” Trains...
BUG-O “U” is often thought about as a place for conducting Distributor and Customer Seminars and that’s’ true, but...
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Fabtech 2013 &...
FABTECH, considered to be the largest metal forming, fabricating, welding and finishing event in North America stated that the show which was...
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Welcome Emily...
Please join us in welcoming Emily Kovatch to Bug-O Systems. Emily has assumed the newly created position of Human Resources Director....
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Workshop for...
In December 2014 Bug-O Systems learned of an organization that is truly transforming returning VETs lives through education....
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Chris Cable –...
On January 1, 2014, Chris Cable assumed the role of Director of Global Sales & Marketing at Bug-O Systems International. Chris brings...
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Bug-O Systems...
Please be advised that Bug-O Systems will shut down for the Christmas Holiday starting at: 11:00 a.m. EST Tuesday, 24, December '13 and we will re-open for...
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IMTEX, Oman
Bug-O Systems International was represented by their distributor, Technical Trading Co. LLC., at the recent Industrial Machinery, Tools, Hardware & Equipments...
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Bug-O Systems...
During this Thanksgiving Holiday season, Bug-O Systems is most thankful to you, our valued customers who have supported our products and company through the...
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Visit Bug-O...
Booth: N1815 BUG-O-SYSTEMS will be presenting powerful new and time proven solutions for all your cutting and welding mechanization needs at Fabtech...
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SE-2PTD featured...
SE-2PTD Programmable Saddle and Elbow Cutter Bug-O Systems is an expert in motion control and automating cutting and welding. It offers a large product...
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Schweissen &...
Once every four years, the welding industry looks forward to the Schweissen & Schneiden International Trade Fair. With some referring to it as the...
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Mechanized Pipe...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE PUBLISHED ARTICLE IN WORLD PIPELINES Mechanized Pipe Welding 101, an introduction to producing pipe girth welds with a...
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2013 BRAZIL...
Bug-O Systems International was recently represented at the 2013 Brazil Welding Show by one of its distributors, BFC Productos E Servicos...
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Bug-O's Heavy Duty...
A Shipyard First Bug-O System’s Heavy-Duty MDS and Hardcoat Anodized Rail. Click here to read the article in Maritime Reporter.
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We are pleased to...
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Check out your August 2013 issue of the Welding Journal to see Bug-O's article on "Increasing Welding Efficiency in the Railcar Industry".
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Bug-O Systems...
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Bug-O Training...
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Essen Show 2013 –...
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Sale Offers from...
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...
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June Regional Open...
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National...
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Elko Mining Expo...
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Bug-O Featured in...
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Lake Welding...
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Fabtech Mexico/AWS...
This year’s Fabtech Mexico/AWS Weldmex show was a success! The show took place Tues-Thurs 7-9 May at the CINTERMEX Complex in Monterrey, Mexico. Records...
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Confidence in...
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Roberts Oxygen...
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Fabtech Mexico/AWS...
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Matheson Tri-Gas...
On 12 March, from 4-9 p.m. Matheson Tri-Gas hosted an Open House at their Martins Ferry location and was open to customers in the oil and gas...
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KBUG Expansion...
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Bug-O Training...
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BUG-O March...
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Spring Mini...
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Minimum Order...
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Pipe Welding...
Increasing productivity and quality of pipe welding through welding automation. Click here to view video.
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Nordic Welding...
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Bug-O Pipe Welding...
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Bug-O First Open...
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Bug-O Featured in...
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Extended Customer...
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OPEN HOUSE
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Confidence in Consistency - Bug-O Article in World Pipelines
Apr. 29, 2013
Bug-O Systems' article "Confidence in Consistency" is featured in the April 2013 issue of World Pipelines Magazine. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF
Confidence in Consistency
Jeff Nelson, Bug-O Systems, USA, presents a case study of mechanized welding.
The use of mechanized pipe welding equipment can improve a fabricators weld quality and reduce the cost to manufacture some prefabricated systems. Mechanization of the welding process provides multiple enhancements such as greater productivity through an increase in actual welding time compared to clock hours, upgrades in the quality of the welds produced, reduction in fatigue for the welders and improved weld uniformity. All of these advantages make weld mechanization an intelligent choice for the pipe fabricator.
Mechanised welding for two offshore pipelines
New Industries, Inc. is located in Morgan City, Louisiana and provides large diameter, shop fabricated pressure vessels and tanks for onshore and offshore applications along with fabrication of a wide variety of production hardware used for offshore oil and gas production. In Q4, 2012, it was presented with the opportunity to fabricate hardware in support of two Gulf of Mexico offshore pipelines. The various projects involve fabrication of heavy wall large diameter pipe. The horizontal fixed position welds (5G) required as part of the projects, presented an opportunity to improve production and the weld quality by exploring mechanized welding. With help from their local Lincoln Electric representative they were put in contact with Bug-O Systems, regarding the Piper series of pipe welding systems.
Whenever possible, it is common practice for a fabricator to perform heavy wall girth welds using the automated Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) process. In most cases, the individual sections of pipe are aligned and tacked and a root pass is performed manually. Due to the critical nature of the offshore oil field application, it is typical for this root pass weld to be made using the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) process. The weld cross section of the GTAW root pass is usually quite thin so an additional pass or even two additional passes of GTAW are performed to provide sufficient material thickness to support the heat input during SAW. The double length section of pipe is then placed in a set of motorized turning rollers. A Submerged Arc Welding head is positioned over the weld joint and the weld is made as the pipe rotates beneath the weld head. The weld is made in continuous fashion with the operator adjusting the position of the weld each time a revolution of the pipe is completed. Even using this very efficient method it can take hours to complete a weld on heavy wall pipe. This process is the most efficient but can only be employed where the entire assembly can be rotated on the rolling device. If the work piece cannot be rolled, a different approach must be used.
Consider the case of a girth weld in a horizontal pipe that cannot be rolled. The pipe may be connected to a manifold or valve or some support structure. Or it may be that there is some other structure of the assembly that limits the access to the weld joint in question. The practice in many fabrication shops is for this weld to be made in the standard fashion used for the last 50 or 60 years, that of performing a GTAW root pass as indicated previously and then for the remainder of the weld joint to be filled using the tried and true method of Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Stick. It would not be at all unusual for this method to require days of labor to complete. During stick welding, the operator can only weld a distance which is limited by the length of the welding electrode. The welder would then break the arc, insert a new electrode into the electrode holder, possibly reposition themselves for better access to the weld joint and proceed to weld again. This stopping and starting could also be a source of discontinuities which often causes area for potential defects within the weld. Throughout the performance of this weld, the manual technique of the welder is critical. Welder fatigue can also play a large part in the consistency and quality of the weld produced. A minor incorrect motion may cause the whole weld to be found unsatisfactory. The necessary stopping and starting along with repositioning for each weld results in a very poor arc-on time. It is obvious that a weld is only deposited when the arc is active. Higher arc-on time means greater efficiency and lower cost to produce the weld. Horizontal fixed position welds are time consuming and tedious to perform, particularly on large diameter, heavy wall pipe such as is required for these offshore projects. This time consumption and tedium is compounded when using practices from the 1950’s.
It is possible to increase productivity by replacing the SMAW process with one of the wire fed welding processes such as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) or Flux Cored Arc Welding – Gas Shielded (FCAW-G). The GMAW process has long received a poor reputation in the pipe industries so typically the FCAW-G process is selected. In both of these processes, the requirement for the operator to stop and replace the welding electrode is eliminated via a constantly fed electrode wire, however the welder is still limited in the distance that can be welded without them having to reposition themselves. Here again we have a weld stop and start which can be a location for a weld discontinuity or defect. Switching to the FCAW-G process will certainly reduce the labor hours required to perform the weld but does not eliminate the problem of operator technique and fatigue. The weld produced is still only as consistent as the welder. Using either the SMAW or FCAW-G process, welds made might be perfect at the start of the shift but might suffer as the day progresses and fatigue sets in later in the day. The work done from day to day and welder to welder is not always consistent; in time to perform, appearance or in quality.
New Industries Inc. faced these very issues in the fabrication of In Line Valves (ILVs) and gathering manifolds using large diameter heavy wall pipe. Many of the required welds could be performed using the SAW method with the pipe on turning rolls but there are a significant number of welds that are located in close proximity to valves or other structure that must be made with the pipe stationary resulting in 5G position welds. It was recognized that these welds would become bottle necks during the fabrication of these projects. A single weld joint that may require a day or more to complete could cause considerable delay in the project timetable and, even though the welders that they employ usually perform outstanding welds, any human error could have drastic effect on the success of the project.
Improving arc-on time and more
Being a progressive company that is willing to explore other solutions to their fabrication challenges, New Industries began to do research to find a better way to perform these welds. It was determined that the best options were to mechanize these 5G welds. After considerable discussion of what the challenges were, a system was shipped to their facility in Morgan City, La and a demonstration was performed on the specific pipe for this project. The results were very positively received and the system originally shipped in for the demonstration was then purchased. During the demonstration it became clear that the Piper Plus solution would present the very best return if two systems were used in welding on the joint at the same time so an additional unit was ordered.
The mechanization of these 5G welds overcomes nearly all of the concerns that the manually performed weld presents. Mechanization greatly reduces the required stops and starts since a wire fed process is used. Arc-on time significantly improves for any given welder because the tractor that carries the welding gun does not need to stop as it travels up around the pipe. With all motion of the welding gun controlled be motorized, digitally controlled drives, errors caused by fatigue are eliminated. A uniform weld is created that is consistent from hour to hour, shift to shift and day to day.
The mechanized system uses the FCAW-G process so the starts and stop associated with stick are greatly reduced. Due to the slag formed with the FCAW-G process the process can only be used in the vertical up progression so it is necessary to start at the bottom of the pipe, the 6 o’clock position and weld upward to the 12 o’clock position. With this method there are only starts and stops at the top and bottom of the pipe joint. During training the Welding Operators are taught to stagger these starts and stops in the same fashion as they would if they were performing the weld manually. Once the welding arc is initiated at the bottom of the pipe, the arc stays on for the entire length of the joint up to the top. Arc-on time of 60 to 80% can be attained.
Digitally controlled and pre-programmed for precision
The consistency of the weld deposit is very uniform. Each axis of the tractor is motorized and digitally controlled via closed loop feedback. Forward travel is smooth and unchanging as the hardened guide wheels roll on a laser cut stainless steel band and controlled forward progression is provided by rack and pinion drive. Cross-joint positioning of the welding gun is via a rack and pinion mounted, rigid steel weaver arm. This axis provides perfectly controlled weaving motion with very precise and uniquely controlled side dwells. Further, this axis provides the operator with a method to remotely “steer” the position of the weld, via a hand-held pendant, to allow adaptation for high/low and out-of-round in the fit-up or for positioning during multi-pass layers in the weld. The vertical position of the welding gun with respect to the weld joint is similarly controlled via a rack and pinion mounted, rigid steel sliding axis. This axis is unique in that by adjusting the vertical position of the welding gun, the welding current can be maintained at a preprogrammed value, thus improving the overall weld quality. Wire feed is controlled via the Lincoln 4R220 Automation Wire Feeder designed specifically the demanding requirements of mechanized and automatic applications. Welding power is provided by the Lincoln Power Wave S350 power source with capabilities for many weld modes. Each axis is digitally controlled and preprogrammed via a single integrated control box. The control box can retain hundreds of files each containing multiple welds passes. These files can also be downloaded via USB drive so that they can be loaded into other systems for uniformity throughout your operation. All of this concurrent control results in uniform welds of outstanding quality and appearance that are performed in significantly less time than needed to perform them manually.
As expected, application of these mechanized processes require updated Weld Procedure Specifications along with Procedure Qualification Records for each operator but, once developed, these procedures can be used to produce consistent results for years in multiple systems.
“We’d like to let our people be more productive and we’d like to reduce costs. We believe automation will give us a competitive advantage.”, says Chris Pollock, Welding Engineer with New Industries, Inc. “In busy times we can do more and take on more projects. When things do slow down we can operate at a lower cost than our competitors and still maintain a profit margin.”
Conclusion
Bug-O Systems believes the statements made above by the client New Industries Inc. says it all. In this ever more global and competitive market, to be able to reduce costs and remain competitive is critical. However, when that can be achieved whilst greatly improving weld quality, consistency and with fewer cut outs and repairs is a massive quality advantage. Mechanizing and automation has proven time and time again that with a skilled operator, it does just that and without taking the operators job away from him. Truly New Industries and its employees could not be more pleased with the Piper System and its abilities to serve their customers’ needs whilst exceeding their expectations for timely delivery and quality.
Note
The author wishes to express a large thank you to New Industries for allowing its story to be shared.