Advanced Automotive Arc Welding: Precise part and weld-gun location combined with inproved weld quality propel robotic arc welding of automotive components at this Tennessee-based fabricator

摘要

The fabrication plant of Manufacturers Industrial Group (M.I.G.), Lexington, TN, has doubled in size and revenue nearly every year since its inception in February 1998. That's no easy feat considering the stringent demands of its customers: Tier One automotive suppliers. quality standards but also respond to sudden changes in production scheduling," says Scott Knoblock, an M.I.G. manager. "It is not unusual for our customers to demand short lead times, often delivery within eight weeks or less. but occasionally we've had to begin a new production run with as little as three weeks' notice. Such changes are understandable as prime producers respond to changing market conditions and consumer sentiment, so we must be equipped to respond accordingly." Core arc- and resistance-welding strengths support the company's efforts in supplying subassemblies to hungry Tier Ones such as Johnson Controls, Inc., a producer of automotive seats and related support parts. But partnering also plays an important role. For example, in early 2002, M.I.G. received an order from Johnson Controls requiring immediate ramp-up of robotic arc welding to assure on-time delivery as well as the required repeatability and quality. Responding to a call for new capital equipment was a regional supply and systems integrator of robots and the associated tooling, Progressive Systems, Inc. (PSI). PSI delivered, within five weeks, a robotic welding cell from Elgin, IL-based Panasonic Factory Solutions Co. of America.