Crownpoint, NM – Navajo Technical University has focused on staying with current trends in all areas of technology, and recently introduced the newly designed TIG TIP welding machine to students in NTU’s Welding certificate program. The state-of-the-art machine was developed to increase productivity for welders in the industry, and is one of only a handful that is in use here in the southwest. NTU Welding instructor, Chris Storer, is pleased with the new equipment and its potential to keep students current with developments in the welding industry.

“This machine is amazing and it has the capability to increase the amount of work while saving time on a project,” said Storer, who came to NTU in spring 2017. “It’s important for us to continue to progress with new techniques, machines, and employment opportunities. Our students rely on us for this and at NTU that is what we do for them.”

The new equipment boasts the highest quality of production through a single process compared to the multiple processes typically used in welding fabrications. It also allows welders to perform jobs efficiently from positions and angles that are normally difficult to cut.

The traditional welding process utilizing Gas, Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW and "TIG" welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, shield gas and filler rod that is fed by hand. In comparison to the TIP TIG welding machine, the filler rod is automatically fed. Justin Forni, Welding instructor at TIP TIG USA, was on campus to demonstrate how to properly use the welding machine. “The TIP TIG is an advanced piece of equipment that saves time and money, it bridges the gap of training someone to be a quality welder in a short period of time,” he explained.

The TIP TIG machine normally requires a 20 hour course designed for UA Welding Instructors with the focus on learning the manual TIP TIG process. The goal is to provide a detailed understanding on the GTAW hot wire (HW)Feed TIP TIG welding process. Students will begin to learn about the new welding machine with the intent to teach others on how to operate it.

“The limitation of traditional GTAW has always been low productivity and TIP TIG has solved this limitation by joining HW GTAW with their unique technology,” said Forni. “A course for the TIP TIG Machine covers the safety, operation, technology and equipment set-up associated with this type of advanced welding systems.”

To learn more about the TIP TIG welding Machine and the welding program at NTU contact Chris Storer at cstorer@navajotech.edu.