New welding technique supplies crucial advantage for customers

During Main Days in Potsdam in Germany, Stork Technical Services (STS) received the prestigious Special Innovation Award 2011 for its unique mobile laser welding technology. This innovative technique makes it possible to repair critical components simultaneously without complicated and expensive transport activities. The technology is the result of a joint project carried out by the Rotating Equipment and Integrity Solutions & Services Business Lines.

What makes the new technology so special is that a laser beam pulverises fresh welding material into powder and then smelts it together with the surface of the component being worked on. Old and new material bond metallurgically together as if the component was made from a single piece.

Huge advantages for customers
The laser technology enables STS technicians to carry out repairs on site within a few hours, for example, in the port of Rotterdam where loading cranes are subjected to enormous amounts of pressure and have to be regularly maintained and repaired. With the new technique, STS keeps the ships on schedule. Fred Mast, Product Line Director Gears: "The saying 'time is money' applies especially to the global logistics sector and the laser welding technology offers huge advantages for customers in this respect. The new technique augments our existing key competences, the quality and reliability of our products and services, with mobility and speed. It gives our customers in various markets a distinct competitive advantage."

Cooperation between science and industry
STS is proud of the so-called ‘Oscar for the maintenance industry’. Sytze Voulon, Vice President Rotating Equipment of STS: "This prize not only rewards our company's innovative achievement, but also especially the successful cooperation between science and industry". Martien Kennis, Vice President Integrity Solutions & Services: "We would also like to draw attention to the insight and enterprising spirit of our colleagues from the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology in Aachen; our combined expertise was vitally important in marketing this unique technology."