According to the Stockholm Sipri Institute, global arms spending will reach 2,700,000,000,000 US dollars in 2024 – and the trend is rising. European steel manufacturers have responded to the growing demand for armored vehicles, guns and fighter jets by launching numerous new steel grades for the defense industry.
But what does this mean for the processing of steels, especially for welding and cutting? In an interview with the Urban Steel Expo trade fair, organized by Messe Düsseldorf, Marc Rixecker, Senior Manager Marketing Dillinger Saarstahl/SHS – Stahl-Holding Saar, explains what is important.
What must be observed when welding and cutting safety steels?
Basically, our Difender grades are alloyed heat-treatable steels that are easy to process in terms of cutting, welding, bending or machining. However, some knowledge of processing should be a prerequisite. When cutting, particular attention must be paid to correct preheating or reheating. Depending on the grade, the harder and more highly alloyed the steel, it should be cut as “cold” as possible, for example on water jet systems, in order to keep the heat input as low as possible. The personnel who process these steels should also have the relevant knowledge or be trained accordingly.
What skills do welders and cutting machine operators need to have?
The operators should be as experienced as possible. Depending on the task and requirements of the welded part, they must also be specially trained and pass a qualified test in accordance with DIN 2303, for example Q3. This standard must be met by companies that work with armored materials.
How and where can I be trained to process the above-mentioned steels?
The relevant standard is DIN 2303 and you must consult the WiWeb (Wehrwissenschaftliches Institut für Werk- und Betriebsstoffe) and the WTD (Wehrtechnische Dienststelle) of the Bundeswehr. Then you can go through a qualification process. There are companies that specialize in training welders to Q3. The relevant employees can be trained here.
Which welding and cutting processes are mainly used?
Depending on the quality and thickness of the difender sheet, oxyfuel, plasma, laser or water jet cutting is possible. For welding, the MAG welding process is generally used, which is widely used for high-alloy steels.
© Dillinger
In which areas is the demand for safety and armor steels growing in particular?
The increasing demand for our Difender grades ranges from the civilian to the military sector: from protected limousines and cash transporters to armored military vehicles.
Do you have any general tips for the fabricators of safety steels?
It is best to consult the steel or sheet metal manufacturer in advance, follow the relevant processing instructions and use trained personnel.
New trade fair for welding and cutting
Urban Steel Expo 2027 shows which trends are changing the world of welding and cutting. The Ultimate World of Cutting and Welding – Urban Steel Expo, USE for short, is the new meeting place for professionals from the fields of welding and cutting. The new trade fair format will premiere at Messe Düsseldorf from April 20 to 23, 2027.
Web:
www.use-expo.de