HUNTER EL is a versatile automatic rotary welding machine for circumferential welding, with additional capabilities for selected longitudinal welding and screw weld cladding. Its complete working assembly can tilt from 0–90°, and the machine supports one or two welding heads, automatic torch tracking, controlled preheating up to 600°C, and advanced RCS 06 automation.
Machine design and manufacturing decisions are reviewed against the intended industrial application.
Mechanical movement, controls and operator access are considered together in the machine concept.
The welding method and workpiece requirements inform the available equipment and configuration.
HST can review the workpiece, process and production sequence before confirming a machine scope.
Product description
HUNTER EL is a versatile automatic rotary welding machine with a maximum turning diameter of 650 mm, a maximum static load of 270 kg, and a distance of 1450 mm between the spindle flanges. It is designed primarily for circumferential welding, with additional capabilities for selected longitudinal welding applications and screw weld cladding.
A rigid sandwich steel supporting structure forms the stationary base of the machine and carries the complete tilting assembly. This assembly consists of the longitudinal central beam with the integrated main spindle block and 108 mm hollow spindle, together with main beam with linear guideways carrying the movable tailstock and welding-head assembly. The complete working assembly, including the main spindle, tailstock, and welding arm, can be tilted from 0 - 90° to optimize the welding position. Tilting can be adjusted manually by a handwheel through a worm gearbox or, optionally, by a dedicated drive as a numerically controlled T axis.
The tailstock can be equipped with its own drive synchronized with the main spindle; both spindle drives are backlash-free. The drive system uses a stepper motor, precision planetary gearbox, and belt and gear transmission. The main spindle and tailstock use standardized flanges adapted to their respective chucks: a 315 mm universal chuck with a 108 mm through-hole on the main spindle and a 125 mm universal chuck with a 28 mm through-hole on the tailstock. HST CREATIVE can also design custom clamping fixtures for specific products, either manually operated or pneumatically actuated and controlled directly by the machine.
Tailstock pressing uses linear motion and a 63 mm pneumatic cylinder with a standard 50 mm stroke, extendable on request.
The machine can be equipped with one or two welding heads with shared servo-driven, numerically controlled X-axis longitudinal movement along the workpiece. This drive can also provide controlled torch oscillation (weaving) during welding. Each head is configured for one welding technology. A two-head version can operate the same welding technology simultaneously on both heads. Combinations of different welding technologies or welding sources are available after technical consultation. The welding heads can be installed on a common support rod, allowing the distance between the heads to be adjusted, with the second head locked in position by a pneumatic-mechanical brake.
The welding arm can use a simple pneumatic stroke with three degrees of mechanical adjustment or a numerically controlled Z axis with a +/- 150 mm stroke and the same mechanical adjustment capability. A backlash-free torch support provides +/- 15 mm two-axis adjustment and 90° rotation with position locking. MIG, TIG, and PLASMA WELD torch holders are available, with other versions on request.
The welding arm can include automatic torch tracking with an electro-mechanical sensor. A tactile probe with an internal Hall sensor detects height and lateral weld-path position, allowing automatic torch-position correction through the Z and X axes during welding.
The machine can also be equipped with controlled preheating up to 600°C, integrating preheating directly into the automated welding cycle. A heating torch, thermometer, and infrared temperature sensor are installed on the first welding head and managed by dedicated software. Once the preset temperature is reached, the system automatically transitions to welding mode, reducing manual intervention and maintaining consistent process conditions.
The HST CREATIVE CW 03 cold wire feeder can be fully controlled by the RCS 06 system, with adjustable feeding parameters and reverse wire feeding. The digital Remote Control Mighty Controller is available for increased operating flexibility.
The RCS 06 control system is developed for advanced welding automation and supports rotary acceleration and deceleration, welding source control with separate programming, welding power regulation, program storage, and program sequences.
HUNTER EL is designed for a wide range of industrial production tasks, from small components to larger weldments. The hollow spindle supports welding of fittings and other pipe or rod products, while the machine configuration also enables circumferential welding, selected longitudinal welding applications, and spiral weld cladding of horizontally clamped cylindrical workpieces. Longitudinal welding on a copper backing bar is handled by the dedicated FINGER line. RCS 06 enables advanced automation across this wide range of welding applications.
HST service continuity
Selected HST machines can be supplied with extended service support in addition to the statutory warranty. The exact scope is always confirmed in the offer or contract.
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