Nautic Africa

Skilled innovator in shipbuilding

Arc welding made simple with Kemppi solutions

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An expert in modern shipbuilding, Nautic Africa invested in a comprehensive Kemppi solution that increased the productivity of the shipyard – and impressed the welders with ease of use and ergonomics.

Piracy has become a major concern to countries all around the African continent. In order to increase maritime safety in the region, the South-African Nautic Africa utilizes its expertise in marine engineering and naval architecture for anti-piracy shipbuilding.

Based in Cape Town, Nautic designs and manufactures a wide portfolio of naval, defense and commercial vessels for patrol, transportation and work purposes. The vessels are well suited for the coast guard, port authorities, police services and fisheries, not to mention many other commercial sectors with a need for highly customized quality ships. Welding is an integral part of Nautic's production process extending from hull bottom plates to side shells and deck components.

Website

nauticafrica.com

Industry

Shipbuilding

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

Kemppi's solution

FastMig X
Kempact MIG
SuperSnake
WiseFusion

Base material

Functionality, cost and service were the main reasons why I chose Kemppi welding machines to be used in our shipbuilding production. Easy control and WiseFusion function have made welding very user-friendly.

Gianni Johannes, Production Manager, Nautic Africa

Main challenge

Aluminum is the world-wide material of choice for high speed patrol vessels and other vessels up to 120 meters in length. Although highly suitable for its purpose, the material poses many challenges for welding due to its high thermal conductivity and the presence of the natural aluminum oxide on the surface. The vessels are generally used in demanding applications, which means that their quality needs to be world class. For example, Nautic's 30-meter-long aluminum high speed crew and patrol vessel, OPS 301, can be used for transporting workers to and from oil rigs. Safety is the main priority, as it carries up to 24 seated passengers with accommodation for 5 crew and 12 passengers.

Shipbuilding in progress at Nautic Africa's workshop.

Welding is one of the key elements in Nautic Africa's production process.

Nautic Africa's marine engineering expertise taking shape.

SuperSnake allows welding with an extended reach.

Kemppi's solution

Nautic took Kemppi's Kempact MIG 2530 and FastMig welding equipment into use with the SuperSnake sub-feeder, which enabled welding even at great distances from the welding machine. The Kemppi solution was praised for its user-friendliness in parameter selection. The one-knob operation of the FastMig equipment together with Kemppi's WiseFusion software function was received especially well among the welders. All positions could now be welded with one setting thanks to WiseFusion's ability to ensure optimum arc length. In addition, SuperSnake's extended reach quickly transformed into increased productivity, safety and ergonomics at the shipyard.

Overall, the versatility and multifunctional flexibility of Kemppi machines compared to their cost assured Nautic that it made a great choice for its production. What could be a better combination than Kemppi welding equipment paired with the skilled welders at the first factory in Africa to have a 100% weld pass rate?