Precision, efficiency and control: digital welding technology takes the entire welding process to a whole new level. The combination of sensor technology, intelligent regulation and precise current control makes welding processes both more stable and reproducible. Digital welding systems now record and control every phase of the welding process in real time - a clear advantage in terms of quality and energy utilization. Find out here how digitally controlled welding systems work, what they are made of and what you should consider before buying one.
What are digitally controlled welding systems?
Digitally controlled welding technology means that all relevant process variables, from welding current to voltage, wire feed speed and travel speed, are recorded by sensors, shown on the digital display and regulated in real time by a microcontroller. The result is reproducible welding results that score highly in terms of accuracy and safety.
IGBT technology - The heart of digital welding machines
At the heart of modern welding power sources are inverters based on IGBT transistor technology. Compared to MOSFET or transformer devices, they are lighter, more compact and have a high duty cycle with a stable arc. For you, this means less weight, a more mobile welding machine, precise control and significantly better energy efficiency.
Our values
Familiar
As a company, we are a strong and reliable team that treats each other respectfully and constructively.
We value honesty, commitment and appreciation for our partners. Our commitment extends beyond our own concerns and includes a strong social awareness.
Dynamic
In our mechanical engineering company, we are open, dynamic and future-oriented.
We take a proactive approach, are courageous and find unconventional solutions. Rapid adaptation to the market and customer needs is a matter of course for us. Digitalization is a central concern.
Focused
Our main focus is on welding technology, to which we dedicate ourselves intensively and with great motivation. We continuously invest in our further training and remain eager to learn and hungry for new things.
Our aim is to continuously perfect our machines, and to achieve this we work in a focused, efficient, persistent and targeted manner.
Power electronics in comparison
Our history
1980
Foundation of Schnelldorfer Stahl- und Metallbau GmbH by Georg Fohrer.
The company begins manufacturing and selling industrial equipment in steel and metal construction. An important product is transport racks for the automotive industry.
1987
Expansion of the product range to include simple welding automation solutions. Purchase of the company by Klaus Schülein after the unexpected death of Georg Fohrer.
1989
The first LNA longitudinal seam welding machine is built and is a widely sold product on the German market in the years following reunification.
The first special solutions for the automation of welding tasks are realized.
1992
The company's first trade fair appearance at the Euroblech 92 in Hanover.
The enhanced longitudinal seam welding machine, now equipped with a programmable logic controller (PLC), is given the brand name ELENA® and is presented in the new standard color RAL 4006.
1994
Change of name to Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau GmbH. At the same time, the company focuses on the high-quality automation of complex welding tasks. Dr. Wolf joins the company as Managing Director.
1998
The CORNERWELD clamping and machine concept for welding corners is developed. In the following years, standardization takes place through the implementation of many customer projects.
2000
Design and construction of an automatic welding line for the production of airbag cold gas generators with four interlinked welding stations.
2002
Inauguration of a new assembly hall and a further office building with space for the expanded construction departments and reception area.
2006
Use of the first welding robots at Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau to solve special welding tasks. Development of a complex fixture system for welding stainless steel containers in the white goods sector.
2008
The machine type ELENA® VI for automatic clamping and longitudinal seam welding of pipes is developed. Patent protection is applied for the new clamping concept.
2010
Increasingly complex clamping devices with their own PLC control for robot welding with arc and laser processes are designed, built and integrated into the production processes in partnership with the customer.
2011
Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau GmbH achieves a new record turnover in the course of the good economic situation. The continuously developed ELENA® longitudinal seam welding machine continues to make a fundamental contribution to the company's success. After 17 years as Managing Director, Dr. Wolf retires. Dr. Daus takes over the management of the company.
2012
Introduction of ERP/CRM system fully completed
The introduction was preceded by well over a year of selection and preparation. A high level of commitment and the desire for continuous improvement among all employees ensured the success of the system implementation. Our customers benefit first and foremost from an integrated ERP system, as the highest level of process reliability is now achieved.
2013
Opening of the Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau UK Ltd. sales office in Great Britain
In order to meet increasing international inquiries, Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau's sales department was strengthened with an office in Great Britain.
2014
Development of the ELENA LASER
It is a further development of the ELENA series for longitudinal weld seams. It took two years of development work before the prototype was launched. The biggest challenge was to sheathe the machine in such a way that it can be used safely with laser technology and remains user-friendly.
2015
Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau inaugurates new office building
The 640 square meters of the shimmering black cube offer the construction employees a modern working environment. The expansion was necessary because the number of employees has doubled in the last five years.
2016
Development of the LINEARWELD
The development of the new LINEARWELD is completed. The special feature here is that the longitudinal seam welding machines can be adapted even better to the customer's needs thanks to a highly modular system.
2017
At over 6 meters, Schnelldorfer builds the longest clamping bench to date
A longitudinal seam welding machine with a maximum welding length of 6200 mm is developed, built and successfully put into operation at the customer's premises. Another important building block in the Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau product portfolio.
2018
Change in the management team
Mr. Martin Feuchter takes over the management from Dr. Friedrich Daus in the summer. Together with Mr. Klaus Schülein, who remains Managing Partner, he will manage Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau GmbH in the future.
2020
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 crisis, we were able to record stable sales. Thanks to our dedicated employees and our flexible business strategy, we got through the year well and successfully overcame the crisis!
2023
In 2023, we recorded record sales, 75% of which were generated from the export business.
Thanks to our many years of experience and our strong focus on outstanding customer service, we have been able to successfully build and maintain stable relationships. This underlines the robustness of our international trading relationships with customers and distributors worldwide.
2025
We are pleased to announce that the Guttroff Group has acquired the shares of Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau GmbH at 100% as of January 1, 2025.
This expansion of the group of companies represents a significant step in our strategy to further expand and strengthen the automation technology division.
Years of experience
made in Germany
Production area
Exclusive trading partners
MIG and MAG welding
In MIG/MAG welding, the welding machine works with a constant welding current, while the wire feeder automatically regulates the amount of welding wire. This combination creates a stable arc that melts the material evenly. Here too, digital technology simplifies this process considerably: digital welding systems have so-called synergic programs that automatically coordinate the type of material, wire thickness and the shielding gas used, such as M21. The device then optimally adjusts the voltage and amperage to each other and sets both - the welder therefore has to make fewer manual corrections.
Advantages of digital MIG/MAG welding
- Automatic programs: Depending on the material, such as steel, stainless steel or aluminum, the appliance selects the appropriate parameters.
- Stable seam quality: A regulated open-circuit voltage creates a uniform seam root and controls the arc length.
- Convenient start and end functions: Adjustable lead times, crater filling, hot start and arc force improve the ignition and ending of the welding process.
- Process control and traceability: Modern devices record all relevant data automatically - perfect for quality assurance and documentation.
When flux-cored wire welding is the best choice
- Outdoors: In windy, draughty or changeable weather, where protective gas bubbles can easily be blown away.
- For contaminated or coated workpieces: For example, galvanized or painted materials, but only with a suitable wire type.
- For fast, deep seams: The process enables a high penetration depth and rapid material application.
Tip for pole connection:
DCEN, a negative pole on the torch, is recommended for most self-protecting FLUX wires. Gas-protected cored wires (FCAW-G), on the other hand, often run with DCEP, a positive terminal on the torch. Before starting, always check the manufacturer's instructions for the connecting mandrel, contact tip and wire feed-through for safe and stable results.
Digital display and control
A modern digital welding machine has more to offer than just the display of current and voltage: The digital display now guides the user clearly through all settings and menus. Parameters such as amperes, voltage or wire feed are shown here in real time and can be adjusted or saved as required.
Typical features of a modern control system include
- overheating protection and intelligent smart cooling for a longer service life,
- several process modes such as 2T/4T, spot, synergy or pulse mode,
- the display of duty cycle, protection class and mains frequency and
- Interfaces such as USB or LAN for data transfer and integration into larger systems.
This allows welders to keep an eye on all relevant welding parameters at all times and document or adjust them as required. A real plus point for consistent quality and efficiency in operation.
Accessories and consumables
Even the best welding machine can only achieve perfect results with the right accessories. This is because high-quality components improve the welding properties on the one hand and extend the service life of the entire system on the other.
Important accessories for MIG/MAG welding include welding torches with a suitable contact tip, nozzle holder, gas nozzle and connecting mandrel as well as suitable wire thicknesses from 0.8 to 1.2 mm. TIG welding is best supplemented with suitable clamping sleeves, ceramic nozzles, gas lenses and a protective cover for hosepacks and cable routing. Depending on the process, it is also important to use the right shielding gas mixture or the right cored wire. With the right accessories and consumables, you are guaranteed to work precisely, safely and economically over the long term.
Important criteria before buying
Process selection
- MIG/MAG - universal and fast, ideal for series production
- TIG - precise, for high-quality seams
Performance
The required welding current should match the material. For 3 - 6 mm steel, 160 - 200 amps is usually sufficient, with some reserve for future requirements.
Operation
Pay attention to the actual duty cycle for your ampere class, the protection class such as IP23 and Class A EMC certification for industrial use.
Periphery
High-quality wire bushings, contact tips, earth cables and the right shielding gas composition or cored wire type ensure consistent results. Make sure you have a switchable pole connection if you want to switch between processes.
Service and delivery time
Good manufacturers provide you with a fast spare parts service, detailed documentation and clear information on delivery times as well as interfaces for automation or data management. At Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau, you will find customized and holistic solutions: from individually configured digitally controlled welding systems to custom-fit process integration and technical support - with us, you get everything from a single source and with a focus on reliability, precision and your requirements.
Our customers
Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau - Digitally controlled welding systems with a system
Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau stands for high-precision, digitally controlled welding systems that have been specially developed for industrial applications. The company produces PLC and HMI-controlled systems for longitudinal and corner seams, tailor-made special solutions and complete welding cells - all including intelligent control, recipe management and automatic documentation. For example, you will find welding systems from the LINEARWELD and CORNER series, but you can also look forward to custom-made products or powerful complete systems on request.
All systems are of course always designed to meet the requirements of your modern production: from quality assurance and process monitoring to full integration into Industry 4.0 structures. In addition, we configure each system individually according to the material, geometry and your production requirements. We take a holistic view of everything and are happy to clarify what you need in a personal meeting.
Anyone who relies on digital welding technology from Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau benefits from:
- Maximum process reliability thanks to automated parameter control
- Reproducible quality with every weld seam
- Efficient use of energy and modern IGBT technology
- Complete traceability thanks to integrated data recording
Would you like to increase your productivity, reduce rejects and rework and document your processes digitally? Then Schnelldorfer Maschinenbau is the right partner for you: We provide you with practical advice, plan the integration into your production and deliver on time, guaranteed - with transparency, experience and the highest level of technical expertise.
Don't hesitate to contact us - we look forward to hearing from you!
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What are digitally controlled welding systems?
Digitally controlled welding systems automatically regulate welding parameters such as amperage, voltage and wire feed speed via a digital controller. They work with IGBT technology and are known for their precise welding results and high efficiency. This makes them ideal for modern industrial applications.
What are the advantages of IGBT technology for welding equipment?
IGBT transistor technology is rich in advantages: It creates stable welding currents, a low weight and is highly energy efficient. Compared to MOSFET or transformer devices, IGBT inverters also achieve a longer duty cycle, finer control and consistent welding quality.
When is flux-cored wire welding the right choice?
Cored wire welding is particularly suitable for outdoor work, as it delivers stable results even in windy or changing weather conditions. With self-protecting flux cored wire, the process works entirely without shielding gas, making it robust and flexible in operation.
What role does the digital display play in modern welding machines?
A digital display shows all important welding parameters such as current, voltage and wire feed in real time. This makes setting easier, improves control over the process and supports precisely repeatable welding results thanks to synergy programs.
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