Austria-based Fronius International GmbH, a welding technology specialist, is set to open a new prototyping centre in November. At the new facility in Wels, Upper Austria, the welding technology manufacturer will not only be working on individual solutions for customers in the field of joining technology, but also welding small series components for the prototype phase of development.

Trends such as e-mobility are resulting in the development of new components, which create new challenges in production, and Fronius has specific skills in joining technology. The special systems that are required, particularly for prototype manufacturing, can also pose an investment risk.

Harald Scherleitner, Fronius Business Unit Perfect Welding head of sales, said: “When working with suppliers over the past few years, we have discovered that the construction of prototypes is an important element that comes with a degree of uncertainty for our customers. For this reason, we have decided to support them with the new prototyping centre.”

As an important strategic step towards becoming a solutions provider, Fronius Perfect Welding will be welding components for prototypes in the future according to customer requirements. This means the customer does not need to invest in their own facilities and will have the welding knowledge of Fronius at their disposal.

Wolfgang Scherleitner, head of the prototyping centre, said: “We offer our customers technical support and develop the ideal welding solution for the specific component in-house. If this eventually goes into series production, as a general contractor we can also supply the necessary welding systems.”