Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® offer rapid purging times, reaching oxygen levels as low as a few parts per million (ppm). These affordable welding chambers are particularly well-suited for welding titanium, zirconium, and other reactive metals, as well as for WAAM Additive Manufacturing. They are ideal for small production quantities requiring complete gas coverage, providing a cost-effective alternative to rigid chamber boxes. The enclosures are available in various sizes, including standard sizes for immediate delivery.
Designed and manufactured by HFT®, Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are a practical choice when a rigid chamber is not economically viable, space is limited, or ease of welding is a priority. They are suitable for joining titanium alloy parts, reactive metal components, and even for welding titanium parts on bicycles, motorbikes, sports gear, and small batches of small parts. Additionally, the enclosures are compatible with Wire plus Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM), enabling the production of ready-made components by welding thin layers of powder or liquid metal drops together, eliminating the need for extensive machining and material waste.
Benefits
- Rapid purging time down to a few parts per million (ppm) of oxygen
- Ultra low cost compared to rigid chamber boxes
- Ideal for welding titanium, zirconium, and other reactive metals
- Suitable for Wire plus Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
- Available in various sizes, including standard sizes for immediate delivery
- Economically viable alternative when a rigid chamber is not practical
- Space-saving solution for applications where space is limited
- Easy to use for welding purposes
- Suitable for joining titanium alloy parts, reactive metal components, and small batches of small parts
- Eliminates the need for extensive machining and material waste in WAAM
Videos
Introduction
Flexible Welding Enclosure Inflating
Ordering
| Circular Flexible Welding Enclosures | ||
|---|---|---|
| Zip Length | Diameter | Part No. |
| 1430mm | 914mm (36″) | AFE0900 |
| 1900mm | 1219mm (48″) | AFE1200 |
| 1970mm | 1524mm (60″) | AFE1200 |
| 2300mm | 1778mm (70″) | AFE1800 |
| Rectangular Flexible Welding Enclosures* | ||
| 1400mm | 914 x 914 x 762mm | AFER900 |
| 1970mm | 1219 x 914 x 762mm | AFER120 |
| 1970mm | 1524 x 914 x 762mm | AFER150 |
| 1970mm | 1828 x 914 x 762mm | AFER180 |
*Please contact us for a quote
Additional Options:
- Extra pairs of glove ports
- Special lock for the purging port to maintain purge argon in the chamber
- Other sizes and shapes are available as non-standard items on special request
FAQs
1. Do these plastic Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® really work and are they good enough for welding titanium?
Yes, there are hundreds in successful use all over the world. A customer list is available.
One of the big users is Rolls-Royce who have been using them for many years. They and some other customers have purchased multiples.
2. What about all the sparks, don’t they melt the plastic?
It is not usual for TIG welding to produce sparks.
3. Won’t the hot metal melt the plastic?
Yes, it would if the hot metal touches the plastic. One of the reasons for putting the weldment in an enclosure is to prevent the oxygen contacting the weld when hot, so the part must not be removed from the enclosure until it is cold.
When a hot part has to be moved to weld another component, there will be a metal skirt be placed around the periphery of the baseplate inside the enclosure.
4. Can Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® supply the internal baseplate and purge lines?
Our concept is to ship the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® internationally for the user to manufacture their own metalwork to suit. Most people welding titanium or other reactive metals have their own manufacturing capabilities and it is more appropriate for them to fabricate the components according to the comprehensive instructions provided.
5. Is it possible to have a demonstration of an Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?
Certainly. Please contact us to book a demo.
As mentioned, we have many users who can confirm their satisfaction with their enclosure and its concept.
6. Is it possible to use a vacuum pump to evacuate the enclosure quickly to purge it faster?
Because Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® can be collapsed around the parts to be welded, purge volume is so small that the purging time is minimised.
7. What is the largest component I can put into the Enclosures?
The standard zip lengths are:
900 mm diameter Round Enclosure 1430 mm long
1200 mm diameter Round Enclosure 1900 mm long
1500 mm diameter Round Enclosure 2390 mm long
1800 mm diameter Round Enclosure 2900 mm long
This means only parts which can go through these openings can be put into the standard Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosure.
There are however longer zips available and different designs. Please contact us if you require a bespoke enclosure.
8. Why does the enclosure deflate when I turn the gas off?
All purging applications require a continual flow of inert gas until the welding and requirement for purging is complete.
The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are recommended to be purged with a flow rate between 2 to 5 litres per minute. Continuous purging will remove traces of oxygen and hydrogen generated during welding.
9. Should gas be escaping from the valve?
The black exhaust valve on top of the enclosure is designed to vent gases from inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®. Gas will escape through the valve as the enclosure inflates and when operators put arms inside sleeves.
The valve can exhaust flow rates of 1 to 10 LPM.
There are two membranes inside the valve. One can be removed by the operator if desired. Our intention is that the valve will only exhaust low flow rates, to minimise gas consumption and eliminate turbulence.
10. Why does the enclosure bulges when I inflate it?
This is a symptom of over-inflation and too high a flow rate. It is recommended to purge at between 2 to 5 litres per minute. When higher purge rates are desired, although this is not encouraged, we suggest the removal of one of the membranes from inside the valve.
11. How can I sample the level of oxygen inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?
One of our Argweld® Weld Purge Monitors® will be required, depending on the oxygen level to be measured. Most users use one of the Family Range of PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitors® inside the enclosure with the sensor exposed to show the oxygen level reducing.
A gas sampling port at the top of the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®, next to the valve is available to connect an external Weld Purge Monitor®, such as the Argweld ® PurgEye® 500.
12. How do I get cables inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?
Cables can be passed through the glands provided in the service panel. This panel has a series of tubular glands with a membrane which seals around the cables and hoses.
Two separate glands which appear like ‘pockets’ are intended for the welding torch cable. One is situated for the left-handed welder and the other for a right-handed welder. These pockets are 50 mm in diameter.
To seal the weld torch hoses inside these pockets, we provide accessory kits.
13. How can I get small parts inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® once it is inflated?
An entry/exit sleeve is fitted as standard to all Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®. This allows parts to be passed into an enclosure without opening the zip. The sleeve is sealed on despatch and can be cut if required and used as a purge lock with a two-way clamp, to avoid contaminating the inside of the enclosure.
Once the seal is cut, the operator will need a tool to clamp the sleeve opening. The two way clamp allows the sleeve to be purged independently. There is a gland and a gas relief valve in the sleeve for this purpose. The component is passed from the sleeve to the main enclosure once the gas environment inside the sleeve is adequately purged.
14. How can I repair a small puncture or tear?
A repair kit containing PVC material and some adhesive is included with the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.
15. Before I weld, the Argweld® Weld Purge Monitor® shows a low value but upon welding, the weld looks oxidised?
Our range of Argweld® PurgeEye® instruments will detect traces of oxygen when purging with an inert gas. However, if dirt, moisture or unsuitable materials are placed in the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®, outgassing of oxygen and water vapour may occur as the temperature rises.
By striking an arc on a piece of scrap titanium when the purge level is ready, prior to welding, the scrap piece will absorb or getter residual traces of oxygen and hydrogen. All parts must be cleaned, degreased, washed and dried prior to placing in the enclosure.
