Keyhole Plasma Arc Welding Specialists in Oxfordshire, UK
At LTi Metaltech, we deliver Keyhole Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) for stainless steel pressure vessels and high-integrity fabrications. Our Oxfordshire facility houses a bespoke linear gantry PAW system, enabling welds with unmatched penetration and precision.
What is Keyhole PAW?
PAW uses a tungsten electrode enclosed within the torch body, separating the plasma arc from shielding gas. When forced through a fine-bore copper nozzle, this creates a concentrated plasma beam capable of single-pass penetration up to 12mm in stainless steel, with minimal distortion.
Applications
- Nuclear & Fusion – vacuum chambers and containment systems.
- Healthcare – stainless steel housings and pressure assemblies.
- Energy – pressure-rated vessels for clean energy storage.
Compliance & Standards
- Aligned with EN 13445 pressure vessel requirements.
- Coded technicians with QA documentation for full audit readiness.
- Welds tested to ensure integrity and compliance.
Why Choose LTi Metaltech?
At LTi Metaltech, we combine decades of fabrication expertise with advanced technologies to deliver precision-engineered pressure vessels and welded assemblies for the world’s most demanding industries - including Fusion & Nuclear, Healthcare and Renewable Energy.
Our bespoke linear gantry Plasma Arc Welding (PAW) system, purpose-built at our Oxfordshire facility, enables us to produce high-quality linear seam welds across a wide range of materials, sizes, and thicknesses. Plasma Arc Welding offers exceptional precision and control - ideal for fabricating thick stainless-steel components such as pressure vessels and containment systems. With minimal distortion and porosity, PAW delivers consistently strong, high-integrity welds that meet the most rigorous technical standards.
Few UK manufacturers operate dedicated PAW facilities. Our investment in bespoke equipment, automation, and specialist expertise allows us to achieve faster production times, improved consistency, and superior weld strength. This capability is trusted on critical projects such as Tokamak Energy’s ST40 fusion reactor, where performance and reliability at extreme levels are essential.
Supported by one of the largest teams of coded welders in the UK, comprehensive in-house testing, and a culture built on being Responsible, Collaborative, and Progressive, LTi Metaltech offers a dependable partner for customers who demand excellence, compliance, and quality - every time.