--- title: Column and Boom Welding Manipulator With Automated Dual-Head MIG + SAW Function description: A pipe fab shop in Mexico required a multi-process welding manipulator to perform MIG welds on the pipe in-seam & subarc welds for high dep rates on the OD. image: https://www.ljwelding.com/hubfs/MN6x16-MIG-SAW-welding-manipulator.jpg --- - [Catalogue](https://www.ljwelding.com/catalogue) - [About](https://www.ljwelding.com/about-us/) - [Case Studies](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.ljwelding.com/contact-us-today) - [+1 (780) 466-6658 ](tel:+1(780)466-6658) [![ljwelding](https://www.ljwelding.com/hubfs/logo-1-min.png)](https://www.ljwelding.com/) ** [![](https://www.ljwelding.com/hubfs/youtube.png "Follow us on YouTube")](https://www.youtube.com/c/ljweldingautomation?sub_confirmation=1) [![Share on Facebook](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/facebook-24x24.png)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ljwelding.com%2Fblog%2Fstitch-welding-with-mig-and-external-pipe-subarc-welding-manipulator%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dfacebook) [![Share on Twitter](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/twitter-24x24.png)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ljwelding.com%2Fblog%2Fstitch-welding-with-mig-and-external-pipe-subarc-welding-manipulator%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ljwelding.com%2Fblog%2Fstitch-welding-with-mig-and-external-pipe-subarc-welding-manipulator%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dtwitter&source=tweetbutton&text=Column%20and%20Boom%20Welding%20Manipulator%20With%20Automated%20Dual-Head%20MIG%20%2B%20SAW%20Function) [![](https://static.hubspot.com/final/img/common/icons/social/email-24x24.png "Share with Friends")](mailto:?subject=Column%20and%20Boom%20Welding%20Manipulator%20With%20Automated%20Dual-Head%20MIG%20+%20SAW%20Function%20&body=%20Here's%20a%20web%20page%20I%20thought%20you'd%20be%20interested%20in%20https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/stitch-welding-with-mig-and-external-pipe-subarc-welding-manipulator.) 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Search this site on Google search - [Catalogue](https://www.ljwelding.com/catalogue/) - [About](https://www.ljwelding.com/about-us/) - [Case Studies](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog) - [Contact](https://www.ljwelding.com/contact-us-today/) [![ljwelding](https://www.ljwelding.com/hubfs/mobile-logo.png)](https://www.ljwelding.com/) ** Search this site on Google Search Google # Column and Boom Welding Manipulator With Automated Dual-Head MIG + SAW Function ### Posted by [Ryan Holt, P.Eng](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/author/ryan-holt-p-eng) on Jul 18, 2016 11:41:17 AM # LJ Welding Automation - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ## Situation A [pipe fabrication](https://www.ljwelding.com/industrial-welding-and-positioning-applications/pipe-and-spooling-solutions/) shop in Mexico was awarded a contract that required multi-process welding.  First, they needed to stitch weld baffle plates, using a [MIG process](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/column-and-boom-welding-manipulator-demonstrations/welding-type/metal-inert-gas-mig-gmaw), along the inside long seam of an 18" diameter pipe up to 16 feet long.  Inside diameter (ID) welding the baffle manually, with a worker in a confined space proved to be laborious, uncomfortable, and unsafe for the worker.  The customer also required a s[ubmerged arc (sub-arc) process](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/column-boom-welding-manipulator-demonstrations/welding-type/submerged-arc-saw) for external circumferential welds.  Finally, they had limited floor space and a strict budget to meet, so they turned to LJ to design and build a [MIG + SAW welding manipulator](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/mig-and-saw-column-boom-welding-manipulator-system-demonstration-with-welding-positioner-and-pipe-stands) with both functions built into one machine.   ## Old Process The original process involved manual welding in a confined space. Once the inside work was complete, they planned to move the vessel to another station, where they would then complete the external welding work with a submerged arc, [column and boom welding manipulator system](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/column-boom-manipulator-welding-cell-video-demonstrations).  The overall process was unsafe, inefficient, required excess handling, and more floor space than the customer could afford.     ## The LJ Solution LJ was able to complete the following on the customer's schedule: - Specification identification. - Custom design and engineering, including a specially designed narrow head MIG system with a weld camera. - Custom automation controls for the integration of the SAW, MIG, [column and boom manipulator](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/welding-manipulators/) and camera system. The outcome was a singular control panel that integrated all functions required. - Equipment fabrication. - Delivery of equipment. - Training.   [![column and boom welding manipulator for MIG and SAW](https://www.ljwelding.com/hs-fs/hubfs/mig_and_saw_column_and_boom_welding_manipulator_16x16.jpg?width=1200&height=675&name=mig_and_saw_column_and_boom_welding_manipulator_16x16.jpg "column and boom welding manipulator for MIG and SAW")](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/mig-and-saw-column-boom-welding-manipulator-system-demonstration-with-welding-positioner-and-pipe-stands)   ## Below are the equipment specifications for this custom job: 1. Specialized [column and boom that has a 6' mast (column) with 16' reach (boom)](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/mig-and-saw-column-boom-welding-manipulator-system-demonstration-with-welding-positioner-and-pipe-stands). 2. One end of the [welding manipulator](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/manipulators/16-x-16-welding-manipulators-mn16-100) boom is equiped with a sub-arc system, complete with [flux delivery & recovery](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/flux-feed-delivery-recovery-systems). 3. Opposite end of [CaB manipulator](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/manipulators/9-x-9-submerged-arc-column-boom-welding-manipulators-mn9-300/) set up with specially designed narrow head MIG welding system with open arc welding camera. 4. MIG preprogrammed for the stitch weld that's required.   [![MIG welding manipulator weld head](https://www.ljwelding.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MN6x16-MIG-welding-head.jpg?width=1200&height=675&name=MN6x16-MIG-welding-head.jpg "MIG welding manipulator weld head")](https://www.ljwelding.com/videos/mig-and-saw-column-boom-welding-manipulator-system-demonstration-with-welding-positioner-and-pipe-stands) ## Outcome 1. Customer does not require two separate stations for welding. 2. With specialized narrow head MIG system, no longer required to send a welder into a confined space & all welding can be done on the workpiece's exterior. Pre-programmed automated stitch welds. 3. Circular external welds completed by a sub-arc system which has a higher deposition and more consistent weld than manual MIG or TIG welds. **Interested in learning more about LJ's Subarc capabilities**? Request a free consultation with one of our specialists today: [REQUEST YOUR FREE CONSULTATION](https://www.ljwelding.com/contact-us-today)   Topics: [Case Studies](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/case-studies), [Boom and Column Welding Manipulators](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/boom-and-column-welding-manipulators), [Productivity](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/productivity), [Submerged Arc Welding](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/submerged-arc-welding), [New Products & Innovations](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/products-innovations), [Research & Development](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/research-development) If you liked this blog, please share! --- ![](https://www.ljwelding.com/hubfs/Ryan_Holt_P.Eng.jpg) Posted by [Ryan Holt, P.Eng](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/author/ryan-holt-p-eng) Ryan is a Partner and the Chief Operations Officer for LJ Welding Automation. Find me on: [LinkedIn](https://ca.linkedin.com/pub/ryan-holt-p-eng/1b/42a/634) If you liked this blog, please share! 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[Column Boom Welding Manipulator Systems](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/welding-manipulators/) - [Pipe Turning Rolls, Tank Turning Rolls & Vessel Rotators](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/turning-rolls/) - [Pipe Stands](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/welding-pipe-stands/) - [Pipe Welding Positioner Options](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/welding-positioners/) - [Welding Turntables (Floor Turntables)](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/welding-turntables/) - [Pipeline Welding Equipment](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/pipeline-equipment/) - [Cable Reel Rollers (Cable Payout Rollers)](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/cable-reel-rollers) - [Refurbished & Clearance Options*](https://www.ljwelding.com/products/type/clearance-products/) ### Recent Posts [VIEW ALL](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog) ### Posts by Topic - [Productivity (19)](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/productivity) - [Case Studies (17)](https://www.ljwelding.com/blog/topic/case-studies) - 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