Flash Butt Welding Equipment - A flash welding machine consists of
(i) A main frame,
(ii) A stationary platen,
(iii) A movable platen,
(iv) Watercooled clamps,
(v) Transformer, as used on other resistance welding machines,
(vi) Tap switch,
(vii) Electrical controls,
(viii) A flashing and upsetting mechanism.
Most of the flash welding equipment manufactured today is either semiautomatic or fully automatic. It does operations such as clamping the work, applying welding voltage/current, upsetting, cutting off welding current, unclamping the work and return of the movable platen.
Small capacity machines are provided with platen motion by means of a variable speed cam driven by an electric motor through a speed reducer.
Large capacity machines are hydraulically operated. Flash welding machines generally operate in horizontal position.
