Welding Positioners

A welding positioner is a device used in welding operations to manipulate and position the workpiece. This allows the welder to maintain a comfortable and optimal welding position.

A welding positioner is used for gripping a workpiece and manipulating it while welding, allowing the welder to maintain a comforable, consistent position. Most common applications and industries include pipe and tube welding projects, pressure vessel fabrication, shipbuilding, and heavy equipment manufacturing.

Welding positioners improve weld quality in a few ways. They increase efficiency, accessibility, and the quality of welds by enabling the welder to work on the joint from different angles without having to reposition themselves manually.

Take a look at our guide for a more in-depth look.

There are different types of welding positioners on the market for different applications. Benchtop welding positioners are ideal for smaller, precision fabrication work. At the other end of the scale there are large, heavy duty positioners and head and tailstock positioners for big, oversized weldments. A welding turntable offers a basic solution for flat, horizontal rotation, or opt for a unit with variable speed and tilting features for a more complete manipulator. 

As technology has evolved, there are now 3 axis machines available that can even elevate the table top, giving you the option of working at different heights!

Using a welding positioner involves taking several steps to ensure proper usage. To start, make sure the unit is on a stable, flat surface, and that all fixtures, clamps etc. are securely in place. Then place the workpiece on the positioner, fixing it down properly to the clamp/chuck/fixture you're using. Consider the C of G when fixing the workpiece to the positioner. Adjust the settings depending on the application, and ensure earthing procedures have been undertaken. You can now rotate and tilt the workpiece as required to the desired position.

This is a basic guide only, always refer back to the operational manual for specific instructions relating to each machine.

What might be seen as a good welding positioner will depend on what it's being used for. However, important points to consider are build quality, reliability of key components such as gears and control box, as well as machine specification suitability for your job.

A welding positioner with purge features what is known as a thru-hole in the centre of the table top, as well as a hollow shaft. This allows purging of the workpiece as required.

There are many companies manufacturing welding positioners Worldwide. We would recommend Bode, ProArc, Red-D-Arc, Macobe, Pandjiris, Pema, Key Plant, and ESAB.

You can use the filter on the left-hand side to search our products by brand/manufacturer.