iQS – the new, smart way of welding

SPC and RCS: New high-end technologies increase performance

The innovative Smart Process Control Engine (SPC), for which a patent application has been filed already, forms the core and the perfect highlight of the new machine platform. The high-end technology developed by Lorch allows even faster welding process development and transfer to the system, saving time and money for everyone investing in an IQS, while significantly accelerating return on investment. The newly developed RCS (Rapid Current Shutdown) technology adds another important hardware component that ensures a particularly clean short-circuit resolution with little spatter and even better weld seam quality. The weld pool can also be controlled more precisely, enabling better welding of thin sheets that are not even three millimetres thick. A new generation of inverters makes the individual processes run even more stably and quietly. Of course, all MASTERS.OF.SPEED processes known to date will be available for the IQS as well.

Encapsulated air duct to protect the inverter and control unit

Sophisticated design increases unit robustness and user-friendliness. The inverter is protected from dust and dirt in the best manner possible by an encapsulated air duct that ensures that neither the power nor the control unit will come into contact with the air flow required for cooling. Vibration-optimised mounting of the control boards generally contributes to longer system service lives. All aspects have been considered in unit design as well, as the iQS’ new visual design language speaks of robustness and innovation. A modular and service-oriented water cooling concept simplifies repair and replacement of the cooling and the new Lorch central connection with plug-in and push-button technology, optimally matched to the iQS, renders swapping of torches easier than ever.

Welding 4.0 with digital networking

Further expansion of networking is another highlight of the new device platform. The new platform makes the welding unit a high-end terminal for Industry 4.0. The customer is able to upload new welding processes or test versions of characteristic curves quickly and easily – even during the active production process – via Ethernet or Wi-Fi, keeping the system up to date at all times. Welding data such as duty cycle, welding time, and welding parameters can also be read out and evaluated right away. This will also facilitate servicing of the machines in future. The complete connection to Lorch Connect removes all obstacles from digitalisation and transparency in production.

Intuitive and safe operation

The iQS offers a new level of operation: not only does it let the welder choose freely between high-quality touch and rotary pushbutton control but both systems can be controlled easily even with welding gloves. The rotary pushbuttons are placed for easy reach even with the protective flap of the display folded down. The operating concept of the Lorch systems, which has already received high praise from users, has been improved once again, significantly reducing training times at the machine. The menu can be customised to welding situation, user qualification, or personal preferences. The number of submenus has been kept low and the symbols of already familiar icons have been adopted for easy recognition. Explanatory texts can be displayed for a wide range of settings, facilitating the welding task for the welder. A high-quality, 7-inch TFT display ensures good legibility and will always provide an overview of all important parameters, even at a distance. Operation is additionally simplified by a torch with a dedicated display to permit adjustment of all preferred settings right on the torch and turning the Smart Cockpit and the LMS-IQ torch into a dream team for intuitive and quick operation.

Power versions and robot connection

The iQS can be ordered in the 320 and 400 A power versions, optionally also with an easy-to-mount, innovative wire feeder. A 500 A option is to be put on the market in the course of the coming year. Its high performance range makes the iQS not only ideal for industrial manual welding, but also provides a perfect basis for robot welding. Type-independent robot connection is already in preparation and will offer companies the opportunity to further optimise costs and welding results soon.

“Lorch is establishing the starting point for an entirely new generation of devices with its iQS and the SPC Engine technology. We can provide our customers with high-tech welding processes tailored precisely to their needs more quickly and better customised than ever, enabling them to optimally meet constantly changing market requirements. Developed together with our customers, the systems are characterised by a new level of operating and user-friendliness. The iQS inverter platform offers unprecedented capacities, impressively showing what the future of industrial welding is going to look like,” says Jonas Kappel, Head of Product Management and Marketing at Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH.