SWEDISH steel manufacturer SSAB is set to launch its WeldCalc 2.0 software to help its customers optimise welding.
The programme includes recommendations for Hardox, Domex and Weldox steels and combinations of different grades. It is web-based, ensuring that users are always using the latest version.

A spokesman for SSAB comments: “WeldCalc makes decades of welding experience available in a web-based application, helping users optimise both welding procedures and the result. The intuitive user interface and the new export function mean even easier calculation and application of results.”

According to him, the user enters the desired mechanical properties, welding process and plate materials involved. The software then calculates a tolerance envelope showing the permissible heat input, and both working and interpass temperatures.

WeldCalc ... decades of experience at a click.

The new version of this well-established software allows users to save or export results. Logs can be opened, edited and saved again.

Last year, the company launched WearCalc 2.0 following five years of development.

“WearCalc2.0 is an application that allows quick and easy calculation of the relative service life of abrasion-resistant spare parts. Combined with a comparison of material and production costs, the application allows quick selection of the optimum materials for the job. WearCalc 2.0 predicts erosive and impact wear as well as sliding wear for all types of Hardox wear plate,” says the spokesman.

The erosion model is based on published research as well as on SSAB research with aggregate and large rocks. At macro level, WearCalc 2.0 predicts whether makeup of the abrasive materials will cause edges to penetrate the steel surface or to break. At micro level, the model uses mineral hardness to calculate erosion on different types of wear plate.
The company says its vision has always been to be part of customers’ growth. “Together with our customers, we aim to stay ahead in realising the full value of lighter, stronger and more durable steel products,” says the spokesman.

SSAB says it has achieved global leadership in the development and production of high-strength steels. By replacing traditional steels with advanced high-strength steels, end-products can be made lighter, stronger and more durable. “This assures the end-user of better overall economy, while also reducing the environmental impact by lowering the fuel consumption, for instance,” the spokesman says.

“What makes SSAB unique in the steel business is that we actively take part in the developing the usage of our steels. WearCalc 2.0 and Weld Calc 2.0 are two examples of how we let our customers use our knowledge in their own development of applications where our steel is being used. We don’t sell the programmes, they are part of our added value to our customers,” he concludes.