Customized welding cell exceeds expectations

摘要

As more companies integrate robotic welding into manufacturing processes, they're seeking systems that let them produce good parts faster .than ever before. They're searching for ways to maximize robotic systems, and distributors are in a position to help. The key is to focus on design for manufacturabilty. This includes encompasses part holding as well as applying the latest weld-process technology for quality and speed. For instance, an auto-parts manufacturer asked Genesis Systems Group, Davenport, Iowa, to test how fast robotic systems could weld a thin-gauge 400-series stainless steel exhaust component with little or no weld spatter and a stable arc. After analyzing several factors, Genesis engineers began testing on the firm's Versa 3M robotic welding workcell. The system tackles medium-sized parts that do not require repositioning for welding and features a 180 deg -indexing, two-station turntable positioner to exchange unwelded parts/subassemblies and finished weldments between the robot and the operator. The 3M's 2 to 3-sec-exchange axis boosts productivity, and the weld fixture load/unload time approaches the process time.