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Ergonomic, Flexible, Clear and Custom Made Specials!
The Argweld® range of Flexible Welding Enclosures® has been designed for applications where a rigid chamber may not be economically viable or where space may be at a premium, they are low cost, suitable for welding titanium, zirconium, other reactive metals and for WAAM Additive Manufacturing.
Standard models and Custom Made Specials are designed and manufactured to suit all applications.
Typical applications include the occasional and production welding of titanium and nickel alloy components for the aerospace, medical and racing car industries and for the welding of stainless steel components to eliminate the expensive cleaning of discolouration.
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Read MoreCustom Made Argweld Flexible Welding Enclosures
Highly successful Custom Made Special Flexible Welding Enclosures® are manufactured to suit all applications. As you can see, there is no job too small....!
We design and manufacture any shape and any size of Enclosure for your requirements.
Special Custom Made Enclosures are typically produced for the following industries:
- Petrochemical
- Nuclear
- Sports Vehicle
- Aerospace
- Pipeline
- Medical
- Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
- Electronics
- Chemical Industry
Our Special Enclosures have helped the building of critical components with the Additive Manufacturing process (WAAM), where complete robot systems have been placed inside.
We have manufactured a Custom Made 60” Enclosure for the suspension, bulkheads and subframe of the Ti22 Racecar to be welded inside.
A large production Enclosure has previously been made for manufacturing sports vehicle chassis with many joints welded in the same purging cycle.
As example, we have designed and manufactured Custom Made Special Enclosures for:
- British Airways,
- Cranfield University
- Rolls Royce..... to name just a few.
Additional options include:
- Extra pairs of glove ports.
- Special lock for the purging port to maintain argon purge in the Enclosure.
- Different length zips available subject to wish and application.
- Alternative posting ports and antechambers can be added.
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Read MoreUltra Low Cost Welding Chambers
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® provide a very fast purging time down to a few parts per million (ppm) of oxygen.
These ultra low cost welding chambers are ideal for titanium and zirconium welding, other reactive metals and for WAAM Additive Manufacturing.
Ideal for small production quantities of items that need total gas coverage, but where the cost of a rigid chamber box or similar would be financially impractical.
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are available for all shapes and sizes and standard sizes are available for immediate delivery.
The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® have been designed and manufactured by HFT® for applications where:
• Rigid chamber may not be economically viable.
• Space may be at a premium.
• Ease of welding is a consideration.
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are ideally suitable for the joining of titanium alloy parts and components manufactured from other reactive metals, even for welding titanium parts on bicycles, motor bikes, other sports gear and where small batches of small parts are required.
Wire plus Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
Additive Manufacturing itself is great for Flexible Welding Enclosures® use where parts can be manufactured by just welding thin layers of powder or liquid metal drops to each other to build ready made components, where frequently the components were made out of solid, with lots of machining and loss of material that is wasted machining it away.
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Read MoreRound, Rectangular and Custom Made Specials
The flexibility of the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® make it considerably easier to weld and bring operator comfort and ease of use whereas rigid plastic or metal chambers can be very uncomfortable to work with.
The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® provide high quality at very low cost.
The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® make purging down to a few parts per million very easy and fast, resulting in bright, shiny, oxide-free welds.
The possibility to have the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® off the floor frees up valuable floor space.
Special Note: We do not supply the internal metal base plate, the internal purge line or the external stand to support the chambers.
Standard round (circular) Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are available for immediate delivery.
| Standard Enclosures (mm) | ||||
| Diameter: | 920 | 1200 | 1530 | 1830 |
| Side Height: | 450 | 550 | 550 | 550 |
| Overall Height: | 550 | 800 | 800 | 800 |
| Top Panel | 200 | 450 | 450 | 450 |
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Read MoreTechnical Data and Specification
Each Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® contains an argon entry port and an exhaust valve to vent displaced gas to atmosphere. Two pairs of sleeves and gloves are fitted to each enclosure and the glove ports are fitted with drawstrings to prevent the gloves and sleeves from blowing out and helping to reduce the risk of damage by passing objects or people.
The vertical sides of the enclosure are made from translucent plastic, while the top is constructed from an optically clear plastic to provide total visibility.
The plastic used for Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® is resistant against ultraviolet hardening and damage.
A standard entry zip is provided together with a service panel having feed-throughs for a welding torch, earth cable, electrical wires for manipulators, etc. and water cooling pipes should they be needed.
An additional feed-through is provided for a welding torch on the opposite side of the service panel, so that both left handed and right handed welders can work without having a long weld torch cable doubled up in front of them.
Each enclosure is provided with a repair kit to allow on site repairs in the event of accidental damage.
A standard posting port with purge gas hose entry port and vent is fitted to each model to allow small objects to be transferred into the enclosure without disturbing the quality of the purge environment. The standard port comprises a 600 mm long sleeve of 230 mm width when flat.
Standard size range as follows:
- 900 mm (36") Circular diameter Enclosures
- 1200 mm (48") Circular diameter Enclosures
- 1500 mm (60") Circular diameter Enclosures
- 1800 mm (72") Circular diameter Enclosures
Standard zip lengths are as follows:
- Zip 1430 mm long on the 900 mm diameter Enclosures
- Zip 1900 mm long on the 1200 mm diameter Enclosures
- Zip 2390 mm long on the 1500 mm diameter Enclosures
- Zip 2900 mm long on the 1800 mm diameter Enclosures
Only parts which can go through these openings can be put into the standard Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.
Rectangular Enclosures:
- Large Posting Ports (ante chambers)
- Lengths of 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800 mm
- 3 sets of glove ports with sleeves and gloves
These and other specials available on request.
Additional Options:
- Extra pairs of glove ports
- Special lock for the purging port to maintain purge argon in the chamber
- Other sizes and shapes are available as non-standard items on special request
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Read MoreArgweld® Flexible Weld Purging Enclosures®
See what our Users have to say....
"We use our Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosure® along with the PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitor® every day for our titanium welding. They are built to last!"
Mark Cooper Fabrication Manager Shapes Aerospace International
"We bought a welding enclosure from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®: An excellent product - made to high standard easy to use. They were custom made for our R&D purposes. HFT®'s advice and support for the enclosures have been exceptional all throughout the specification, purchase and installation process. Very few of our suppliers are as helpful and competent as Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®." Thank you guys."
Tamas Nagy Research Assistant Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre Cranfield University
"I have used the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures™ to weld Titanium in France and I have to say it is great! "
Ricardo Jose Almeida Lourenco Machado Welding Supervisor na Tuvmetalica Portugal
Please contact us by email for actual user names and user lists which can be obtained separately.
Click here to send us a message
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.0 Do these plastic Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® really work and are they good enough for welding titanium?
Yes, there are hundreds in successful use all over the world. A customer list is available.
One of the big users is Rolls-Royce who have been using them for many years.
They and some other customers have purchased multiples.
2.0 What about all the sparks, don't they melt the plastic?
It is not usual for TIG welding to produce sparks.
3.0 Won't the hot metal melt the plastic?
Yes, it would if the hot metal touches the plastic. One of the reasons for putting the weldment in an enclosure is to prevent the oxygen contacting the weld when hot, so the part must not be removed from the enclosure until it is cold.
When a hot part has to be moved to weld another component, there will be a metal skirt be placed around the periphery of the baseplate inside the enclosure.
4.0 Can Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® supply the internal baseplate and purge lines?
Our concept is to ship the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® internationally for the user to manufacture their own metalwork to suit. Most people welding titanium or other reactive metals have their own manufacturing capabilities and it is more appropriate for them to fabricate the components according to the comprehensive instructions provided.
5.0 Is it possible to have a demonstration of an Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?
Certainly. Customers may visit our facility, an enclosure can be seen and inspected and checked for results.
As mentioned, we have many users who can confirm their satisfaction with their enclosure and its concept.
6.0 Is it possible to use a vacuum pump to evacuate the enclosure quickly to purge it faster?
Because Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® can be collapsed around the parts to be welded, purge volume is so small that the purging time is minimised.
7.0 What is the largest component I can put into the Enclosures?
The standard zip lengths are:
900 mm diameter Round Enclosure 1430 mm long
1200 mm diameter Round Enclosure 1900 mm long
1500 mm diameter Round Enclosure 2390 mm long
1800 mm diameter Round Enclosure 2900 mm long
Which means only parts which can go through these openings can be put into the standard Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosure.
There are however longer zips available and different designs, all of which come under the heading of 'Specials'.
8.0 The Enclosure deflates when I turn the gas off.
All purging applications require a continual flow of inert gas until the welding and requirement for purging is complete.
The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are recommended to be purged with a flow rate between 2 to 5 litres per minute. Continuous purging will remove traces of oxygen and hydrogen generated during welding.
9.0 Should gas be escaping from the valve?
The black exhaust valve on top of the enclosure is designed to vent gases from inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®. Gas will escape through the valve as the enclosure inflates and when operators put arms inside sleeves.
The valve can exhaust flow rates of 1 to 10 LPM.
There are two membranes inside the valve. One can be removed by the operator if desired. Our intention is that the valve will only exhaust low flow rates, to minimise gas consumption and eliminate turbulence.
10.0 The enclosure bulges when I inflate it?
This is a symptom of over-inflation and too high a flow rate. It is recommended to purge at between 2 to 5 litres per minute. When higher purge rates are desired, although this is not encouraged, we suggest the removal of one of the membranes from inside the valve.
11.0 How can I sample the level of oxygen inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?
One of our Argweld® Weld Purge Monitors® will be required, depending on the oxygen level to be measured. Most users use one of the Family Range of PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitors® inside the enclosure with the sensor exposed to show the oxygen level reducing.
A gas sampling port at the top of the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®, next to the valve is available to connect an external Weld Purge Monitor®, such as our Argweld ® PurgEye® 500.
12.0 How do I get cables inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?
Cables can be passed through the glands provided in the service panel. This panel has a series of tubular glands with a membrane which seals around the cables and hoses.
Two separate glands which appear like 'pockets' are intended for the welding torch cable. One is situated for the left-handed welder and the other for a right-handed welder. These pockets are 50 mm in diameter.
To seal the weld torch hoses inside these pockets, we provide accessory kits.
13.0 How can I get small parts inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® once it is inflated?
An entry/exit sleeve is fitted as standard to all Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.
This allows parts to be passed into an enclosure without opening the zip.
The sleeve is sealed on despatch and can be cut if required and used as a purge lock with a two-way clamp, to avoid contaminating the inside of the enclosure.
Once the seal is cut, the operator will need a tool to clamp the sleeve opening.
The two way clamp allows the sleeve to be purged independently. There is a gland and a gas relief valve in the sleeve for this purpose.
The component is passed from the sleeve to the main enclosure once the gas environment inside the sleeve is adequately purged.
14.0 How can I repair a small puncture or tear?
A repair kit containing PVC material and some adhesive is included with the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.
15.0 Before I weld, the Argweld® Weld Purge Monitor® shows a low value but upon welding, the weld looks oxidised?
Our range of Argweld® PurgeEye® instruments will detect traces of oxygen when purging with an inert gas.
However, if dirt, moisture or unsuitable materials are placed in the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®, outgassing of oxygen and water vapour may occur as the temperature rises.
By striking an arc on a piece of scrap titanium when the purge level is ready, prior to welding, the scrap piece will absorb or getter residual traces of oxygen and hydrogen.
All parts must be cleaned, degreased, washed and dried prior to placing in the enclosure.
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Read MoreShipping Information, Weights and Dimensions
Customs Tariff:
European Customs Tariff: 3926 9092
International Customs Tariff: 3926 9092 10
United States Customs Tariff: 8468 90 1000
Canada Customs Tariff: 8468 90 1000
Product Codes and Sizes:
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are available for immediate delivery for standard round (circular) sizes. Large quantities are manufactured in batches and are usually available from stock at all times.
Rectangular sizes are made to order as well as any special size requirements.
Zip lengths are also shown as standard lengths and any special chambers can be made with the zip size of your choice.
Available accessories are also shown below.
Each enclosure is provided with a repair kit to allow on site repairs in the event of accidental damage.
Round Shaped (Circular)
All dimensions are based on the imperial system. Sizes shown in mm are only mathematic conversions of the imperial dimensions and are not intended to represent metric standards.
| PART Nº | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | DIAMETER SIZE | WEIGHT | |
| AFE0900 AFE1200 AFE1500 AFE1800 |
Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1430 mm zip Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1900 mm zip Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1970 mm zip Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 2300 mm zip |
900 mm 1200 mm 1500 mm 1800 mm |
36" 48" 60" 72" |
8 kg 8 kg 10 kg 10 kg |
Rectangular Shaped
| PART Nº | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION | SIZE |
| AFER900 AFER120 AFER150 AFER180 |
Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1400 mm zip Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1970mm zip Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1970 mm zip Flexible Welding Enclosure fitted with 1970 mm zip |
36” x 36” x 30” 48” x 36” x 30” 60” x 36” x 30” 72” x 36” x 30” |
Accessories, Spares and Parts
| PART Nº | PRODUCT DESCRIPTION |
| AFES002 AFES004 AFES005 AFES006 |
Replacement Gauntlet Wrist length only (Per Pair) Repair Kit for Flexible Enclosure Replacement Plastic Cones - Gauntlet to Sleeve Connector (Packet of 4) Replacement “O” Rings for Gauntlet to Cone Connection (Packet of 4) |
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Read MoreItems available as 'Downloads'
Leaflets and general sales material are available to everyone visiting our website.
Restricted access items are shown at the end of this Download section.
Special Note: The items below are restricted and only available in our Secure Login section. This is mainly for the protection of our Exclusive Distributor network.
Should you wish to receive an item mentioned below which is not active as a 'download' link on this page, please contact us or your nearest Distributor.
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® User Instructions Technical Manual
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® User Instructions Technical Manual Diagram Purge Lock
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®User Instructions Technical Manual for Purge Lock
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® User List Customer Reference
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS Certificate
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Technical Notes
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Price List
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Price List Spares
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