The Witt flashback arrestor is 65 years old this year, and Witt Gastechnik is marking the anniversary of the “ingenious idea” that it says revolutionized gas welding and cutting technology, and epitomizes safety in welding.

Paul Witt introduced the first “dry flashback arrestor” in 1945, and now the device is a global standard for welding safety, and a legal standard in Germany and many other countries. It’s also referred to as “safety device” in autogenous technology, being used to protect individual bottles, outlet points and piping systems against flashbacks, unintended gas mixtures and explosion accidents. Its core component is an element made of sintered stainless steel and subject to the ISO 5175 international standard; in Europe, the DIN EN 730-1 standard applies, too.

Based on this successful patent, Witt extended its product range with more gas safety equipment, gas filters, and pressure regulators. Mechanical and electronic gas-mixing systems have been added over the past 40 years. Twenty-five years ago, developments in the electronics industry resulted in stationary and portable gas analysis devices, which now are Witt’s third product line.

Witt also manufactures leak detection equipment.

Now in its third generation of family management, the company’s products are manufactured at the 8000-m2 plant in Witten, Germany, partially under clean-room conditions. The company was among the first in Germany to be certified to the ISO 9001 quality standard, in 1990. Witt also has subsidiaries and branch offices in over 60 countries.