PRODUCT REVIEWS
Welding prototypes
The robot welding cell features high-tech process variants from Fronius .
Developing individual solutions for challenging welding tasks ? Welding specialist Fronius is supporting industrial and commercial enterprises at its prototyping centre in Wels , Austria .
“ Whether it concerns complex welding challenges , feasibility studies or small-scale production – we can offer the solution ,” it told ISMR . “ Companies that want to take advantage of new trends or tap into fresh market segments are forced to leave their comfort zone because they need innovative materials and components plus new production targets . The development and construction of prototypes can involve large investments ( systems , software and staff ). To reduce risks and costs , we offer the option to permanently outsource the welding-relevant parts of prototype construction .”
In the 900 sq . m . prototyping centre , specialists from Fronius develop customised solutions to tackle welding challenges .
“ Since we put the Fronius prototyping centre into operation in early 2021 , we have developed solutions to meet a wide range of requirements for customers from various sectors ,” emphasised Wolfgang Scherleitner , head of the prototyping centre . “ However , we don ’ t just offer technical support . We have expanded our range of services to include various high-tech analyses and simulations . This enables us to guarantee high quality as well as seamless welding data documentation .”
The prototyping centre offers a range of services including 3D equipment fabrication , 3D measurement and an offline programming option complete with welding process simulation . Heat and distortion simulation ; welding seam inspection ; a laser seam-tracking camera ; hot active plasma technology for surface cleaning and a laboratory for metallographic examination all come as standard too .
Fronius WeldCube software – for documenting and analysing welding data – enables users to trace entire component
history in detail . The focus is also on “ economical , resource-conserving and efficient production from the outset .”
“ Large dimensions , complex designs , tight deadlines and new products – which call for particularly intelligent welding concepts – are all covered and considered a matter of course . Our welding experts can also support the transition from manual to robotic welding as well as the application of new materials or welding processes ,” concluded Fronius . n
. fronius . com
Punching and cutting
EffiCOIL is a coil-fed combination punch laser system from Produtech Srl . The line is equipped with two compact and independent working heads ( electric punching unit and fibre-optic laser cutting unit ) which run aligned , via an innovative electronic system .
“ The units are perfectly synchronised and run on the same work area , with the highest precision and speed ,” said Produtech . “ EffiCOIL is an innovative and flexible solution which cuts and forms coil sheet on a single line . It can cut , punch and form any shape or geometric figure , producing parts directly from coil .”
Punch laser technology meets the production requirements of different sectors , offering high efficiency rates with reduced environmental and economic impact . It enables energy and raw material savings and reductions in processing time , labour , wearable components , workspace and emissions .
“ The technological value , innovation levels and environmental sustainability of this laser-punching machine were ratified by the European Commission , who financed the design and production of the
first prototype with Horizon 2020 project funds ,” added the Italian coil processing specialist .
This coil-fed machine enables two complementary production technologies to interact in a single working area . The technology is used to produce structures for household appliances ; steel furniture ; shelving and work tools ’ drawer units ; electrical equipment and lighting components , as well as panels and structures for building construction . It has given a significant boost to the growth of the Produtech brand globally . n
ISMR December 2021 / January 2022 | sheetmetalplus . com | 59