Orbital welding is a welding procedure used in all situations where special welding seams of high quality are necessary. Orbital welding is a kind of electric arc welding; the specialty is that the electric arc is led around a round subject, mostly a tube. The name “orbital” is taken from the Latin word “orbis” (circle). Fields of application for orbital welding are pharmacy, chemistry, food industry, biotechnology, aerospace industry, pipeline construction, construction of water installations and automotive industry. Especially high requirements are put into the form and resistance of the welding seam. The penetration of the welding seam is even, flat and only slightly coarse.

No special definition for orbital welding is available. But the possibility to control the welding seam is an important aspect of orbital welding. Orbital welding is similar to TIG welding. For this reason, the instructions for orbital welding are similar to the TIG welding instructions. If the piece to be welded is at least once surrounded by an electric arc, orbital welding is used. The electric arc and the welding seam are protected from the surrounding air by means of inert protective gas. The ignition of the electric arc is done by means of a high-frequency igniter or by causing a short-circuit. By doing so, the energy necessary for welding is provided.

The welding seam occurs by the leading of a non-fusing tungsten electrode. In addition, and external welding additive can be applied. An inert gas (e.g. helium, argon or nitrogen) which is used as a protective gas escapes from a nozzle surrounding the electrode. The above mentioned inert gases do not compound with the material. Before orbital welding, the welding ability of the material is to be checked, the welding point is to be checked and the protective gas is to be chosen.