Orbital Welding Machines For Sale

Orbital welding is an automated welding process in which the welding arc rotates 360° around a tube or pipe joint to produce precise and consistent welds.

It is most commonly used for high-quality welding of stainless steel tubing in industries where accuracy and repeatability are critical, such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and aerospace. Other suitable materials include titanium, nickel, carbon steel, aluminium, and copper.

For a more in-depth look, see our comprehensive guide to orbital welding.

Orbital welding works by clamping a welding head around a pipe or tube and automatically rotating the electrode around the joint to complete a full weld cycle.

The process is typically controlled by a programmable power source, ensuring consistent weld parameters such as current, speed, and shielding gas throughout the weld.

Orbital welding is named after the circular “orbital” motion of the welding head as it travels around the pipe or tube joint.

This automated rotation allows for even heat distribution and uniform weld quality across the entire circumference.

Orbital welding is used for precision welding of tubes and pipes, particularly in applications where weld quality, cleanliness, and repeatability are essential.

Popular applications include:

• Pharmaceutical and hygienic pipework
• Food and beverage processing systems
• Aerospace and high-spec fabrication
• Semiconductor and high-purity installations

Learn more in our orbital welding applications guide.

Orbital welding is widely used in high-purity industries because it produces clean, consistent welds with minimal contamination risk.

The automated process reduces human error and ensures precise control over heat input, making it ideal for industries such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, and semiconductor manufacturing,  where weld quality is critical.

Yes, orbital welding is commonly used for stainless steel tubing, particularly in applications requiring high-quality, contamination-free welds.

It is especially effective for thin-wall stainless steel tubes used in hygienic and high-spec environments, where consistent weld penetration and finish are essential.

Orbital welding offers high precision, repeatability, and consistent weld quality, but requires a higher initial investment and setup compared to manual welding.

Advantages:

• Consistent, repeatable welds
• Reduced operator error
• Ideal for high-purity applications
• Clean, high-quality finish

Disadvantages:

• Higher upfront cost
• Requires specialised equipment
• Setup can be more complex

Orbital welding requires a power source, an orbital welding head, and a suitable clamping system for the pipe or tube being welded.

A typical setup includes:

• Orbital welding power supply
• Orbital weld head (closed or open head)
• Tube or pipe clamping system
• Shielding gas supply

Additional equipment, such as cooling units or wire feed systems, may be required depending on the application.

Orbital welding machines can handle a wide range of tube and pipe sizes, typically from small-diameter tubing (around 3mm) up to several hundred millimetres, depending on the system used.

Closed-head systems are generally used for smaller tubes, while open-head orbital welders are designed for larger diameter pipes and thicker wall materials.

Closed-head orbital welding systems fully enclose the weld, making them ideal for small-diameter, high-purity tube welding. While open-head systems are designed for larger pipes and thicker materials.

Closed-head systems are commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing, where cleanliness and consistency are critical. Open-head systems offer greater flexibility and are better suited to heavier industrial applications, like aerospace, defence, and power generation.

Yes, most orbital welding machines are fully automated, using programmable controls to manage the entire welding cycle.

Depending on the system, they can be set up for semi-automatic or fully automatic operation, making them ideal for repeatable production welding.

To choose the right orbital welding machine, you’ll need to consider tube size, material type, wall thickness, and the level of automation required.

For example:

• Closed-head systems are ideal for small-diameter, high-purity tube welding
• Open-head systems are better suited for larger pipes or heavier wall thicknesses
• Higher-spec power sources allow greater control over welding parameters

The right setup will depend on your application and production requirements. We stock a range of the above from trusted brands including AMI, Swagelok, Axxair and Orbitalum, among others.

Orbital welding machines typically range from around £5,000 for basic power sources to complete automated setups, starting around £25,000.

The cost depends on:

• Machine specification and control features
• Type of weld head (open or closed)
• Level of automation and accessories

Used and refurbished orbital welding equipment can significantly reduce upfront costs while still delivering high performance.

Orbital welding is an automated form of TIG welding, whereas standard TIG welding is usually performed manually.

Key differences include:

• Orbital welding is automated for consistent results
• Manual TIG welding relies on the operator's skill
• Orbital systems are ideal for repetitive, high-spec applications
• TIG welding is more flexible for varied or one-off jobs

There are two types of orbital welding machines. Closed-head systems for small tubes, and open-head systems for larger pipes and thicker materials.

Closed-head systems are typically used in high-purity environments. While open-head systems offer more flexibility for industrial applications like power generation and aerospace.

Common orbital welding issues include contamination, incorrect parameter settings, and poor fit-up of the tube or pipe.

These can usually be avoided with proper setup (browse our range of preparation equipment), clean materials, and correctly programmed welding parameters.

Got an issue with your equipment? Complete our online form with details, and one of our team will be in touch to help troubleshoot or suggest repairs.