About company
Paton is one of Ukraine’s leading manufacturers of welding equipment and materials and also holds a leading position among producers in this field across the CIS.
The Paton Plant is one of Ukraine’s leading manufacturers of welding equipment and materials and also holds a leading position among producers in this field across the CIS.
Today, the plant produces over 60 models of welding equipment in the following categories:
- Welding machines (150A–630A);
- Semiautomatic welding machines (160A–630A);
- TIG (argon arc) inverters (200A–315A);
- Air-plasma cutting systems (40A–100A);
- Multifunctional digital inverters (250A–350A).
The plant has its own design and engineering base and fully equipped production facilities for developing and manufacturing new welding equipment and materials from scratch — many of which have no analogues in Ukraine.
With over 66 years of experience and a wide range of top-quality welding equipment and materials, we meet the needs of welding professionals in Ukraine and over 50 other countries.
66 years of PATON
1959
Establishment of the Experimental Plant on the initiative of Borys Yevhenovych Paton, as part of the Institute of Electric Welding, which also included the Institute itself, a Research Design Bureau, and a pilot manufacturing facility.
During this period, the plant developed several new technological areas, enabling the production not only of individual prototypes developed by the Institute and Design Bureau, but also of small-scale production batches. One example is the compact STSH-250 transformer, intended for installation and repair work.
1963
1964
In 1964, A 899 machines for welding tractor frames were delivered to the Volgograd Tractor Plant. The plant’s welding equipment was successfully exhibited at international fairs in Brussels, New York, Marseille, Leipzig, and at the USSR Exhibition of Economic Achievements.
1969
On October 16, 1969, cosmonauts V. Kubasov and G. Shonin aboard Soyuz-6 performed the first welding in orbit using the unique Vulcan system, manufactured at the Experimental Plant. The process included electron beam, plasma, and consumable electrode welding.
1970
1972
1973
In 1973, the plant launched production of VMG 5000 multi-station rectifiers for shipbuilding, along with electroslag, contact, and microplasma welding devices not produced elsewhere in the USSR.
1975
In 1975, the plant manufactured the “Araks” system for a Soviet–French space experiment between Kerguelen Island (France) and Sogra (USSR), launched aboard the Eridan rocket.
Three products — the VMG 5000 rectifier, A1114M semiautomatic unit, and STSH-250 transformer — received the USSR State Quality Mark.
1976-1978
Between 1975 and 1980, over 50 sets of welding equipment were exported to Japan, Sweden, Germany, and the United States. Major automotive manufacturers including VAZ, ZIL, and KAMAZ became regular clients.
1975-1980
In 1975-1980, the plant supplied more than 50 sets of welding equipment to Japan, Sweden, Germany and the United States. Auto giants became regular consumers: VAZ, ZIL and KAMAZ.
1979
In 1979, the plant built the unique “Evaporator” system for thermal evaporation of metals and thin film coatings aboard the Salyut-6 space station, enabling experiments in microgravity and high vacuum on structural material samples.
This significant experiment once again demonstrated the advantages of the Paton Experimental Plant’s integrated research and production model — uniting scientists, engineers, and manufacturers.
1980
In 1980, a complete set of specialized welding equipment for mechanised welding and process control during multilayer pipe production was manufactured and delivered to the Vyksa Pipe Plant. The A 550 electroslag welding machines were awarded another State Quality Mark. At the Leipzig International Fair, the USh-118 system for electroslag casting was awarded a gold medal.
A group of specialists from the E.O. Paton Institute and the Design Bureau, along with plant director G.B. Asoyants, received the USSR State Prize in Science and Technology for implementing powerful plasma-arc remelting systems at major industrial facilities.
Welding equipment was successfully supplied to Zhdanovtyazhmash, the Khartsyzsk wire-rope plant, Volgograd Atommash, Kuibyshev Valve Plant, and others. Equipment and spare part kits were delivered to Austria, Hungary, and Canada through foreign trade contracts.
1984
On January 3, 1984, for outstanding contributions to welding and special electrometallurgy, the E.O. Paton Scientific and Technical Complex — which included the Research Plant — was awarded the Order of the October Revolution.
In July 1984, cosmonauts Svitlana Savitska and Volodymyr Dzhanibekov performed the world’s first open-space cutting, welding, soldering, and metal spraying operations during a 3-hour 35-minute extravehicular activity outside the Salyut-7 space station. They used a portable electron-beam device (URI) manufactured by the Experimental Plant.
1985
In 1985, the Intersectoral Scientific and Technical Complex (ISTC) was established, incorporating the Research Plant.
1990-2000
The most difficult period in the history of the Experimental Plant. The collapse of the Soviet Union had a significant impact on industry across all former republics, including Ukraine. Demand for specialised welding systems fell sharply, and production volumes were significantly reduced.
A large branch facility had to be closed, with all equipment relocated to the main site. Nevertheless, the plant continued to produce new developments from the Institute and Design Bureau, but now only under specific customer orders from CIS countries. By the late 1990s, industrial production and construction began to revive, and demand for welding power supplies grew rapidly.
A decision was made to focus on producing the most in-demand transformers, rectifiers, and semiautomatic machines. The plant independently developed and launched small-scale production of STSh-type transformers (250A, 315A, 400A), VD-type rectifiers (250A, 315A, 400A), and upgraded semiautomatic machines (180A, 250A, 315A).
2000-2010
In the early 2000s, the Institute developed the USGD arc stabilisation device, which significantly improved AC welding performance and enabled welding of thin aluminium alloys using transformer-based power sources. Plant engineers upgraded serial STSh transformers by integrating SRS arc stabilisation systems.
VD rectifiers were modified to accommodate two small modules that enhance arc ignition and prevent electrode sticking during low-current welding of root seams — for both pipes and other metal structures.
Semiautomatic devices were significantly upgraded and released in two configurations: integrated (power source and wire feeder in one case) and modular (separate power source and feeder unit).
2006
By 2008, the plant was producing small batches of inverters for manual arc welding in three versions: 120A, 160A, and 200A.
2008
In 2008, the plant already produced small batches of inverters for manual arc welding for currents of 120, 160 and 200 amps of three modifications.
2013
Until 2013, the plant primarily fulfilled special orders for arc welding, surfacing, and electroslag remelting equipment. In 2013, production of conventional power supplies increased, along with a sharp rise in inverter-based systems — not only for manual arc welding.
Production resumed — under special orders — for powerful power supplies used in electroslag welding and remelting at 3000A, 6000A, and 10000A, along with three types of welding tractors for submerged arc and flux-cored wire welding up to 1000A. For powering tractors, the plant developed and introduced universal VSU rectifiers rated at 630A and 1200A.
The country saw a revival in steel structure manufacturing and construction, with widespread application of arc welding. As a result, in 2013 the plant mastered the production of multi-station rectifiers rated at 630A and 1200A, for both repair and installation work — while significantly increasing inverter equipment output.
2014
In 2014, the plant completed the production of four unique units for welding turbine rotors for the Kharkiv-based Turboatom enterprise.
The units were developed by the Institute’s Design Bureau and, together with the plant, were successfully implemented at Turboatom.
2015
Since the beginning of 2015, the plant resumed work on developments.
Thus, since May 2015, serial production of ballast rheostats RBP-304 for regulating the welding current during multi-station welding with Paton rectifiers has been introduced. In June 2015, universal welding rectifiers VDU-6303P and VDU-1202P were launched designed for automatic and semi-automatic welding in shielding gases and under fluxmanual arc welding with various types of electrodes.
Welding voltage and current are smoothly regulated via an electronic control unit. When equipped with ballast rheostats, these rectifiers can be used as multi-station power supplies.
Also in early May 2015, the Plant completed a contract, together with the Institute’s State Design Bureau, for Ukrspetsexport to develop and produce a batch of welding equipment for tropical climates with improved characteristics and increased reliability.
Welding rectifiers model VS-650 SR complete with BP-608 units, as well as inverter rectifiers VDI-200R were tested and sent for use at one of the shipyards in Southeast Asia (Union of Myanmar).
In June 2015, the first batch of new PATON “ECO” series welding inverters was released. The “ECO” series emphasises environmental friendliness and efficiency. The key advantages of these devices are compact size and low weight and the ability to work with low-voltage (sagged) power networks, which is especially important when choosing a welding machine for domestic use. Despite the principle of cost optimisation, which was used in the development of the series “ECO”, these devices are equipped only with high-quality electronic components and mechanical modules. The “ECO” series is designed for manual arc welding with an electrode connected to the household network (220V) and is represented by three models for welding currents 160A, 200A and 250A, with a load duration of 40%.
In October 2015, the plant ranked among the TOP 5 in sales within the Epicenter K retail network. SSince April 2015, welding machines have been produced monthly and sold exclusively in Ukraine’s largest hypermarket chain — Epicenter K — under the EVO brand. TThe plant’s products successfully compete with foreign manufacturers, even outperforming Chinese welding equipment in terms of price-to-quality ratio. The main reasons for stable customer interest in EVO-brand equipment include:
- domestic production (made in Ukraine),
- adaptation to low-voltage operation (from 170 V),
- 2-year warranty,
- competitive price.
In early November 2015, the plant supplied welding equipment for the re-equipment of the SCB Foundry of CKD Kutná Hora a.s. (Czech Republic), one of the largest producers of high-quality cast products in Europe.
CKD Kutná Hora a.s. has an AAA (Excelentní) credit rating and ranks among the top 100 most stable companies in the Czech Republic.The foundry’s fleet of specialised equipment was expanded with PATON welding systems:
universal welding rectifiers VDU-1202P – for carbon electrode gouging of cast products,
multi-station rectifiers VDM-1202P with RBP-302 ballast rheostats – for welding metal structures with electrodes up to 5 mm in diameter in car and locomotive production,
VS-650SR rectifiers – for CO₂ welding of various freight railcar structures,
VS-650SR rectifiers with RBP-302 ballast rheostats – for multi-station welding with electrodes up to 5 mm,
PS-351.2 semiautomatic machines and ADI-200S TIG inverters – for the plant’s repair department.
In December 2015, the plant began production of fully digital welding inverters from the VDI Professional series, along with PSI-250S and PSI-250R semiautomatic machines featuring a new digital control panel.
The digital panel allows welders to easily and precisely select welding modes and adjust parameters — from base welding current to arc characteristics, hot start settings, pulse current amplitude, and more.
2016
At the beginning of 2016, the plant completed a contract for a machine-building plant, together with the Institute’s Design Bureau, to develop and produce specialised electroslag welding equipment for metal up to 450 mm thick. During the project, specialists developed a batch of specialised welding equipment: A-535 welding machines complete with TSHS 1000-3 welding transformers. This project marked the plant’s return to the development and production of specialised electroslag welding systems in high demand among large industrial enterprises.
In March 2016, the plant completed development of a specialised argon arc inverter for continuous welding of metal of various thicknesses. The digital ADI-230P enables continuous seam welding of complex structures and supports programming of six welding current stages — from 12 to 230 A.
Also in March 2016, the plant began supplying two new models of welding equipment for Epicenter K retail chains under the COMPASS brand:
- COMPASS IWM-200 inverter for manual arc welding (DC),
- COMPASS CWM-200 combined inverter (single-body design) for MMA, TIG, and MIG/MAG welding in shielding gas environments (DC).
In early April 2016, DZZU IEZ them. EO Paton produces electrodes of the most popular brands according to the classical recipe: ANO-21, ANO-36, ANO-4, ANO 13/45, UONI 13/55, MR-3, special electrodes for surfacing of the T-590 brand, welding of cast iron TsCh-4, for welding of high-alloy steels OZL-8 and TsL-11, and also electrodes of the Elite series according to the improved compounding fdeveloped by the E.O. Paton Institute of Electric Welding: Elite ANO-36, Elite MD6013, Elite ANO 21.
By the end of April, the plant completed the second contract for the development of specialized equipment for electroslag welding of products up to 200 mm thick. Specialists have developed a batch of specialized welding equipment: self-propelled welding machine ASH115 complete with welding rectifiers VDU-1202P as current sources are successfully used for welding tanks and structural steel.
In April 2016, VDI-160E welding inverters were delivered to Poland for a distribution company that plans to bring PATON equipment to European markets, including the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia, Moldova and other countries. The Georgian market sells more than a hundred devices a month, the service center has been set up, and negotiations are underway to supply PATON products to Armenia and Azerbaijan through the Georgian distribution network.
In July 2016, the plant supplied the first batch of welding inverters to Korea for a distribution company that plans to bring PATON equipment to the markets of Korea and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
In September 2016,the plant completed development and launched serial production of a line of welding inverter PSI-type single- and dual-body inverter semiautomatic machines which are designed for manual arc welding (RDS “MMA”).
In October 2016, DZZU IEZ im. E.O. Paton completed a project for Ukroboronservice to create an automatic mortar coordination system. the plant’s team of specialists completed the work in a record time of just one month, and the project is presented at the XIII International Specialized Exhibition “Weapons and Security – 2016”, from 11 to 14 October 2016 at the International Exhibition Center.
From October 1, 2016, a new PATON store will open in Dnipro – one of the largest industrial, economic and transport centers in Ukraine.
From November 2016, the plant began mass production of a new model of invertersemiautomatic machines – PSI-150S. These digital single-body PATON PSI-150S inverters are intended for manual arc welding (RDS “MMA”), argon arc welding (ARG “TIG”) and semi-automatic welding (MIG/MAG) in shielding gases and gas mixtures on DC.A distinctive feature of this model is its digitally controlled wire-feed unit.
2017
In January 2017, DZZU IEZ im. E.O. Paton completed development of prototype independent wire-feed units BP-5 and BP-15-4 for the line of welding inverters of the Professional series produced by PATON. This development allows welders to fully realise the potential of this line of machines. By the end of January, a prototype system was also developed for microplasma spraying of powder materials onto surfaces requiring enhanced wear and corrosion resistance, as well as for restoring worn surfaces and applying specialised coatings.
At the beginning of 2017, the plant acquired advanced TRUMPF equipment and launched a dedicated site for manufacturing housings for welding machines,and in March — a powder coating line. In-house production of housings significantly reduces the cost of PATON-branded welding equipment brand PATON, and enables manufacturing of metal products for other sectors of Ukraine’s economy, including:
- instrument making,
- small engineering,
- production of parts for railway cars,
- construction (roofing sheets),
- furniture (reinforced doors and other metal structures),
- laboratory equipment (stands, cabinets, racks, tables, etc.),
- utilities (electrical panels and public service equipment).
The Experimental Plant of the E.O. Paton Institute of Electric Welding named after EO Paton continues the traditions of the Paton school by fostering strong ties with industry.
The plant’s motto — reliability, quality, tradition — continues to build trusted relationships with users of welding equipment.
Decades of experience in producing specialised systems and power supplies for various welding methods allow the plant’s staff to look to the future with confidence, because welding is essential to nearly every type of industrial production.
Paton equipment will continue to be in demand among users not only in Ukraine.
2018
During 2018, the product line was modernised: updated versions of ESO series inverter welding machines, the PSI Standard series, and the PSI-315 PRO-380V were introduced into serial production.
In April 2018, the plant successfully completed The certification process for PATON™ welding electrodes For sale on European markets.
The CE certificate allows the plant to freely supply these products to 25 countries of the Single Economic Area, as well as to countries that recognise European certification.
Serial production began for the new PATON™ BAO-7 autonomous cooling unit, designed to provide high-quality cooling and closed-loop coolant circulation during welding operations.
As part of the export strategy, PATON products were presented at the international exhibitions Targi Kielce’s Industrial Spring (Poland) and the XVII International Industrial Forum in Kyiv.
In the field of conventional welding equipment, the Experimental Plant successfully implemented a project to supply 5,000-ampere welding sources (VMG-5000) to several leading Ukrainian companies in the mining and metallurgical sectors.
2019
The VDI devices of the MINI, ESO, and PRO series were modernised, resulting in improved efficiency under low-voltage conditions. Additionally, the professional series received an LCD display with a multilingual interface for easier setup. The first batch of remote controls for 300A VDI PRO series devices was developed and produced by prior customer request, significantly enhancing equipment usability and welder mobility.
Qualitatively improved and expanded complete set of PATON на semi-automatic machines – in addition to a semi-automatic burner and a cable with a ground terminal, a welding cable with an electrode holder is added to the standard delivery set, and a professional series of semi-automatic machines is equipped with Abicor Binzel accessories.
The standard configuration of PATON semi-automatic machines was significantly improved and expanded — now including a semi-automatic torch, a ground cable, and a welding cable with electrode holder. The professional series is equipped with Abicor Binzel accessories.
Serial production of the new powerful PATON™ VDI-500 inverter rectifier has begun. With a rated welding current of up to 500A, it is the first in a planned series of high-power inverter devices rated at 500A, 630A, and 1200A.
Production of PATON™ welding electrodes was certified in accordance with the ISO 9001:2015 international standard. This confirmed that the plant strictly adheres to key principles of quality management: customer focus, leadership, employee engagement, process orientation, and continuous improvement.
PATON™ products were presented at international exhibitions including the XVIII International Industrial Forum (Kyiv, Ukraine) and MacTech 2019 (Cairo, Egypt). As part of the XVIII Forum, the plant served as a partner of the XIII Welders Competition — providing the latest PATON™ ADI-200 PRO AC/DC argon arc welding machines and additional support for competitions in the 141/GTAW category.
2020
2020–2021 marked a period of renewal and innovation for Paton International. Paton’s R&D centre and production facilities continued developing, testing, and releasing new device models while expanding the range of industrial equipment. New releases included the PRO-630 inverter, StandardMIG-270 and 350 semiautomatic machines, the ProTIG-315 AC/DC TIG inverter, StandardCUT-100 and ProCUT-40 air-plasma cutting machines, semiautomatic machines with optional liquid cooling, and integrated welding solutions.
2021
In 2021, the device design and PATON logo were completely updated in line with the company’s export-oriented strategy and market expansion. New markets were entered, including Australia, Spain, the UAE, and others. In 2021, the Paton R&D centre began work on robotic welding equipment, synergetic control systems, and overall functional improvements in welding technology.
In November 2021, the first Ukrainian collaborative robot — developed in partnership with Qweedo Robotics — was presented. It significantly increases welding productivity, quality, and precision.
2022
The company completed development and launched new welding equipment models: PATON StandardTIG-250, StandardTIG-270-400V, and StandardTIG-350-400V TIG inverters; the PATON EuroMIG compact semiautomatic machine; the MultiPRO-350-15-4-400V multiprocess machine; the Standard-350-400V high-power inverter; and the MicroWelding-80 micro-welding machine.
The professional ProTIG-200 AC/DC and ProTIG-315-400V AC/DC models were upgraded with new functions and modes, including SPOT, TIG-Lift, Remote Control, Double Pulse, TIG-Mix, and MMA AC. The ProCUT-40 plasma cutter was also modernised.
The first version of the automatic control unit VAS-0001 was introduced, enabling PATON semiautomatic machines to operate in fully automated mode with welding robots from a wide range of manufacturers.
Official PATON distributors presented the company’s products at major industry exhibitions: Metal Show & TIB 2022 (Romania), BATA AGRO 2022 (Bulgaria), and JBF – Equipamentos e Acessórios para a Indústria (Portugal).
2023
PATON introduced new in-house designed welding accessories — a compact welding equipment trolley, a protective box for welding wire, and the Cooler-7-400V and Cooler-7S-400V autonomous cooling units.
As part of its export development strategy, PATON showcased its products at Schweissen & Schneiden 2023 — the world’s largest metal welding and cutting technology exhibition — in Essen (Germany), as well as at Hi Tech & Industry Scandinavia 2023 in Denmark.
Exports of PATON products to Singapore, Spain, and Germany have commenced.
At Ukraine’s largest industrial equipment exhibition — the XXI International Industrial Forum (Kyiv) — PATON presented a new generation of D-series inverter welding machines: PRO-200 D, PRO-250 D, StandardTIG-200 D, and ProMIG-500 D-15-4-400V. These models feature an enlarged, informative LCD screen and a joystick for more convenient welding mode adjustments.
PATON confirmed and extended the validity of its approval certificate from the Shipping Register of Ukraine for welding consumables: AHO-21 ELITE (E6013), AHO-4 (E6013), MP-3 (E6013), UONI 13/55 (E7015), and UONI ELITE (E7018).
This certifies that the listed PATON welding electrodes comply with the Rules for the Classification and Construction of Ships and are approved for use in shipbuilding and ship repair.
2024
In 2024, PATON celebrated 65 years in the welding equipment market and began the year by participating in the SteelFab 2024 international exhibition (UAE) alongside its exclusive partner for the UAE and Sudan — Triangle For Engineering & Trading Company.
PATON was the sole Ukrainian representative, showcasing a wide range of domestically produced welding equipment and materials. In May, the company once again participated in the International Industrial Forum, where it presented the updated D-series welding inverters featuring an improved interface, encoder, and large LED display. The first model in this lineup was the PATON PRO-350D-400V. Also showcased were updated plasma cutter models — StandardCUT-40 and StandardCUT-70-400V — and the PATON MicroWelding-80, an advanced machine for jewellery and precision applications.
Additionally, PATON developed and launched several new products: the PATON Feeder-5-2 digital wire feeder known for its mobility and ease of use; StandardMIG-270/350-400V WK sets for mobile MIG/MAG welding stations; the PATON 360 cart for ProMIG-500/630-400V W and MAXwire systems; and the new PowerMIG-400-15-4-400V, offering a 100% duty cycle at 400A for demanding industrial applications.
Throughout the year, PATON significantly expanded its export geography, introducing its products in Singapore, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Côte d’Ivoire, Spain, Morocco, Bangladesh, Sudan, Kenya, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
The company received a “Best Exporter of the Year” award from the Kyiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry and proudly represented Ukraine’s industrial capabilities at MSV in Brno and Warsaw Industry Week as part of the “Made in Kyiv” initiative.
PATON concluded the year with a major milestone — launching its fifth generation of welding machines featuring a hardware platform five times faster than the previous generation.The updated models are equipped with an encoder for precise parameter control and a large LCD display offering graphical feedback for easier operation.PATON also enhanced its most popular features and introduced new ones, including Inductance, Smart Stop, SPOT, PULSE, and others.