Fronius welding technology ensures the highest standards in the construction of superyachts

The Dutch shipyard, SLOB, a subsidiary of Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw (KDVS), is one of the world’s most renowned builders of steel hulls for megasized, superclass motor yachts. The company’s stringent internal quality tests far exceed those demanded by the international classification society Germanischer Lloyd. These high quality standards are valued by a highly exclusive customer base around the world, which relies on SLOB hulls.

WELDING CHALLENGE

The superyachts, which are custom made by SLOB’s parent company Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw and incorporate the customer’s every desire, demand top quality in every phase of production, including the welding of the hull. As SLOB is increasingly receiving orders for yachts with aluminium hulls and this area of business is expected to continue growing in the future, the welding systems must be replaced and upgraded. The harsh operating environment of shipbuilding poses a major challenge here.

“The new TPS/i generation of power sources is one of the best systems available right now. In fact, there are many reasons to suggest that it’s the best system of all – especially for aluminium.” Jan Forman, head of the welding department at SLOB

SOLUTION

The SLOB shipyard has been counting on the technology leader Fronius for years and is now replacing all its existing power sources with Fronius devices. The TPS/i MIG/MAG power source platform has particularly impressed the company with its extremely stable arc, exceptionally clean weld seams, and significant time and cost advantages. In order to achieve optimum welding results even on inaccessible areas, SLOB also uses the rugged TransSteel 5000 combined with the portable VR5000 Case wirefeeder. This was specially developed by Fronius for the requirements of the shipbuilding, offshore and rail vehicle construction industries. Thanks to the robust, compact design of the VR5000 Case and a 20 metre hosepack between the wirefeeder and the power source, there is considerable freedom of movement for the welder to work on difficult-to-reach areas easily and precisely.