Above: ESAB’s new cobot automated system demonstrates the collaboration between the cobot and the operator.
February, 2026- In business playbooks, the hungry entrepreneur is characterized by resilience, innovation and the drive to continually seek improvement. ESAB Corp. has been writing its own playbook for more than a century.
“Our mindset is one of innovation. It’s embedded in our company culture and has fostered the network that today stretches across the world to harness resources, talent and market insights for R&D and new product development,” says Peter Burchfield, ESAB’s vice president of global products.
Founded in 1904, ESAB specializes in welding technology, fabrication and gas control. Its product portfolio includes MIG, TIG, stick and multi-process welders, consumables, plasma and oxy-fuel cutting systems, automation, digital solutions and personal protective gear. Its diverse customer base ranges from manufacturers with heavy industrial applications to products for the hobbyist. The company employs more than 9,000 people worldwide.
The company seeks to ensure its products “are easy to use and have the best-in-class welding performance on the market,” Burchfield 100 new products globally per year.”
The Warrior Edge Root WeldMode allows the operator to MIG weld root passes and open roots with poor fit-up.
IN THE PIPELINE
Among the latest releases are the Ruffian 270 engine-driven welder (compatible with ESAB’s wire feeder Robust Feed) and the Dueler 1500 handheld laser welder. The Dueler is ESAB’s first laser welder with an HMI designed to provide operators with a familiar feel and allow them to make high-quality, consistent weld seams and joints with minimal training.
ESAB also updated its Warrior Edge 500 system by adding aluminum packages featuring new weld modes and introducing the PP 350W Push-Pull MIG gun in North America.
The Warrior Edge Root WeldMode [and Root Pipe] gives the operator a specialized program for root passes in MIG/MAG welding for tough, open gaps.
“The Warrior Edge aluminum system delivers gold-standard arc characteristics, smooth wire feeding, reduced arc-striking defects and a durable gun design for harsh environments compared to other systems,” says ESAB North American Senior Project Manager Jeff Chittim. “To boost quality and throughput, this system can be paired with Alco-Tec aluminum MIG wires, which provide smoother wire feeding and tangles with little to no shavings.”
“The Warrior Edge platform modernizes heavy industrial welding with digital intelligence, better control and improved efficiency, all managed through a connected system,” adds Burchfield.
TRACKING ESAB
has also debuted the Tracfinder Rail and Tracfinder Wheel series of battery-powered welding tractors along with its new ROBBI Mobile cobot welding system. Both are designed to pair with the Aristo Edge power source, which offers next-generation process control and ensures precise arc starts and enhanced stability across four WeldModes [Thin, Root, Root Pipe and Speed] as well as an Advanced Pulse WeldMode.
By making continuous welds, Tracfinder tractors reduce rework associated with start/ stop defects. In applications, where end-users expect uniform weld bead profiles and penetration, mechanized tractors deliver consistency without the cost or complexity of automation. They also reduce operator stress by reducing fume and UV radiation exposure, as well as reduce welding in uncomfortable positions.
ESAB offers both automated and manual systems along with software that can connect fabricators with equipment to track and analyze productivity and other critical data. The company’s modular product platform approach allows it to offer a wider variety of customized products tailored to specific customer needs across different applications and regions. By marrying that design approach with digital solutions, ESAB helps fabricators and manufacturers manage data and intelligent control systems to boost productivity, quality and flexibility.
EXPANSION
Burchfield expresses enthusiasm about ESAB’s recent acquisition of EWM GmbH, based in Germany, which produces welding equipment and automation solutions. The merger “allows ESAB to fill product gaps and strengthen our technology leadership position with proprietary, end-to-end workflow solutions. With ESAB’s commercial footprint in North America and globally, we are excited to bring this portfolio to our customers in 2026.”
ESAB’s broad mix of equipment for welding and cutting operations is also helping companies bridge the gap left by the shortage of welders. The company’s Future Fabricators program is an initiative with a broad reach, from donating equipment and tools to offering scholarships, training and education and industry connections to highlight career pathways in welding and fabrication.
“We are working to build the next generation of skilled welders and fabricators by providing technical and trade schools with tools, equipment, scholarships and education resources,” says Burchfield. “We support everything from high school programs to university welding engineering degrees.”
The company offers financial aid for tuition, gear and training as well as mentorship opportunities with ESAB professionals. “The need for highly qualified welders is global. Companies want to get welders trained as fast as possible but also pick up on robots and cobots. We want to provide the solutions that can support those needs.”
The Warrior Edge Pulse Arc Dynamics provides digitally controlled pulsed MIG welding capabilities for high-quality, efficient results on a variety of metals.
The size and scope of ESAB’s workforce reflects its own ability to retain personnel. “Our award-winning innovations for light and heavy fabrication point to development and commercial teams dedicated to pioneering disruptive technology,” Burchfield continues. “We are positioned to meet customers’ needs, and we are making better welders in a shorter amount of time.”
ESAB Corp., 301/323-9099, esab.com.
