Fronius is advancing sustainability in welding by conducting a certified life cycle assessment (LCA) for its welding applications. This initiative evaluates the environmental impact of welding from device manufacturing through to end-of-life, identifying key areas to reduce carbon emissions. As industry pioneers, Fronius aims to address these areas in collaboration with its customers.
The company’s approach involves a detailed analysis of welding processes, from steel and aluminum applications, certified by the Fraunhofer Institute. The assessment, carried out with partner to4to (Together for Tomorrow), considers variables such as materials, energy use, gases, and emissions, offering a clear picture of the environmental impact of welding machines like the TPS/i 320 and TPS/i 400.
Fronius translates the carbon footprint into measurable impacts, such as CO2 emissions per meter of weld. This method provides a straightforward way to identify areas for improvement, based on real customer examples, including automotive suppliers and vehicle manufacturers.
The assessment reveals that the production, repair, and disposal of Fronius welding machines account for only about 0.5% of the total CO2 emissions. The majority of emissions come from filler metals, shielding gases, and energy consumption. This underscores the importance of resource efficiency.
Fronius has long focused on minimizing material and energy use, leveraging nearly 75 years of expertise to develop innovative technologies like inverter welding machines, digitally controlled TPS systems, and the CMT (Cold Metal Transfer) process. Digital tools like WeldCube Premium have also helped customers optimize production and reduce waste.
Economic and environmental benefits are closely linked. High-quality welding minimizes resource wastage and rework, leading to cost and environmental savings. Fronius also offers easy-to-implement solutions, such as the OPT/i Gas digital gas controller, which can reduce shielding gas use by up to 40%.
Fronius is committed to sustainability and invites collaboration with customers to identify and implement carbon reduction strategies. The company plans to share further insights and tips on enhancing sustainability in welding processes.
For more targeted support, Fronius provides tools like the OPT/i Gas digital gas controller and WeldCube Premium, designed to help customers optimize their welding operations and reduce their carbon footprint.
