Successful use of potential

For Fronius Perfect Welding, 2022 was characterized by strong growth and a series of trend-setting innovations. Both of these put us in a good starting position to face the new year with confidence and trust in our own innovative strength. “In our research and development work, we proactively respond to the constantly changing market requirements. We put ourselves in our customers' shoes and try to offer the best possible solutions for their challenges,” explains Harald Scherleitner, Global Director of Sales and Marketing, Business Unit Perfect Welding, Fronius International GmbH. “We develop highly user-friendly, top-quality devices that can be used flexibly and expanded as required. The idea of sustainability plays an important role in every step of product development. We pay attention to the longevity, repairability, and recyclability of our welding systems.” 

Technical Highlights of 2022

Determined to achieve these objectives, Fronius introduced several pioneering innovations to the market last year. An undisputed industry highlight was the market launch of the new iWave Multiprocess PRO. Whether for TIG, MIG/MAG or manual metal arc welding, this 3-in-1 system saves companies from having to buy several different pieces of equipment, which saves money and natural resources. Regarding the increasing shortage of skilled workers, another world first followed in the form of Fronius’ “TIG DynamicWire” welding package and the appropriate cold wire components for the iWave. All of this makes it easy—even for beginners without years of training—to achieve high-quality TIG seams with a wire feeder. 

Since 2022, Fronius’ aims have been: to reduce the workload of skilled workers, to deploy these workers optimally, and to protect them. With the Fronius CWC-S Cobot welding cell, the step towards automation proves profitable from batch size 1, and therefore also for small and medium-sized companies. While the CWC-S works around the clock to weld components with consistent quality, welders are able to devote more time to more demanding tasks, and are optimally protected by Fronius equipment such as the Fronius Vizor Air/3X respiratory protection system and the Vizor Air/3X Connect fresh air helmet. The brand-new mobile Exento extraction systems and Exento fume extraction welding torch offer excellent protection from welding fumes for welders and everyone working in their vicinity.

Cleanliness is essential when it comes to high welding quality. That is why Fronius has developed environmentally-friendly cleaning processes. The fully automatic Acerios cleaning system sets new standards in the industrial manufacturing process. Based on hot-active plasma technology, it impresses with its low energy consumption and high level of efficiency, and does not contain any environmentally harmful cleaning additives. For the manual cleaning of stainless steel surfaces and TIG weld seams, Fronius has unveiled the latest generation of the MagicCleaner. This advanced series cleans quickly, effectively, and in an environmentally-friendly manner. 

As a joining technology specialist, Fronius is passionate about arc-related innovations. That's why customers can look forward to many more innovations in 2023. 

Welding Trends for 2023: Sustainability Is Still at the Center of Attention

In 2023, hot topics for the welding industry will primarily be the shortage of skilled workers, sustainability, and fully exploiting the potential offered by digitalization and automation.

Fronius has a comprehensive understanding of sustainability and its ecological, social, and economic aspects, and has established a strategic management system in the field of corporate social responsibility, pursuant to ISO 26000 (ONR 192500 certified). The interest shown by customers also reflects how sustainability awareness is on the rise in trade and industry. That is why the company regularly undergoes evidence-based sustainability assessments, which are carried out by objective third parties such as EcoVadis or the NQC Supplier Assurance Platform. In 2022, Fronius was awarded EcoVadis Silver status for the first time, which means that it can now proudly count itself among the top 25 percent in the industry. 

2023: Investments and Innovations

In 2022, Fronius invested €187 million in the expansion and conversion of manufacturing sites. In 2023, its total investments will increase to more than €233 million. The usable area of the Sattledt site was expanded from 41,000 m² to 69,000 m² and is already gradually being put into operation. “Among other things, we are creating space for additional workstations and production lines for systems equipment and ensuring a stable manufacturing situation. We are hoping to take on around 1,300 new employees internationally by the end of 2023. A lot will also happen at the Pettenbach site in 2023—for example, additional capacities for welding torch manufacturing will be created there,” reports Harald Scherleitner. High added value in Europe is the top priority for Fronius, in order to guarantee high quality and safety standards. In addition, self-supply with energy from renewable sources is being continuously expanded.

The welding portfolio is being expanded to include several technical solutions to help counteract the shortage of skilled workers. Fronius is relying here on the comprehensive digitalization of all processes and on intuitive, user-friendly systems and applications. These will help employees to get up and running more quickly and to carry out demanding, high-quality welding processes. Overall, Fronius sees digital solutions as the key to increasing the efficiency and quality of welding processes.