FOCUS ON WELDING
The welding path is traced point by point on the component in the Fronius CWC-S Cobot Welding Cell . The software then uses these key points to calculate the welding contours and welding sequence .
Since laser welds are so precise and focused , welds are cleaner and require far less touch-up or rework
When combined with an advanced 3D vision system , welding accuracy increases exponentially , even for high-volume , multipass parts . Some of the most meaningful advances in laser welding technology have been from vision technology . Scanner optical configurations , scanner controls and real-time interfaces for optical sensors enable laser welding in far more complex applications . greatly expands automation opportunities such as the ability to reach further into machines , tend several machines in the same cycle and handle 25 % heavier parts than other UR cobot models .
Other manufacturers have also brought their own cobot welding systems to market . The CWC-S Cobot Welding Cell from Fronius , for example , includes a Fanuc Cobot CX10 iA with a reach of 1,249mm and a 10kg payload as well as a welding table with a working area of 1,500 x 1,000 x 700mm . A pneumatic glare shield , sliding side doors with viewing windows and an extraction hood protect operators .
“ Programming a CWC-S is intuitive and can be quickly learned by any welding specialist ; programming expertise is not required . Components can even be loaded and welding programs started by trainees ,” explained Christian Neuhofer , Product Manager , Fronius Welding Automation . “ This saves on personnel costs and frees professional welders for more challenging work , making their job more attractive .”
The welding torch is manually guided to the starting points , position points and end points on the component and these are confirmed by pressing a button . The software uses this information to calculate the welding contours and welding sequence , while the required welding parameters can also be selected using predefined characteristics . Motion commands such as “ pendulum parameters ” or “ weld job ” can be inserted by dragging and dropping on the touchscreen of the Cobot control .
Before starting the welding process , the operator can simulate the welding sequence once again to detect and correct possible interference contours . Once the CWC-S is fully programmed , it welds component after component with consistent quality and at a regular speed .
Robotic laser welding is inherently precise . Laser welding beams create deep and accurate
The compact Fronius CWC-S Cobot Welding Cell includes rotary unit and optional tailstock .
welds without using nearly as much energy or resources as traditional welding processes . Since laser welds are so precise and focused , welds are cleaner and require far less touch-up or rework .
In conclusion
Robotic welding offers a variety of benefits over manual welding , particularly for larger jobs . These include speed ; safety ; consistent quality ; efficiency ; increased throughput and higher productivity ( a robotic welder can operate continuously , maintaining the same speed , rate and weld paths over and over ). Automating the welding process is an effective way of improving the accuracy and repeatability of the weld . Added value includes reduced waste / rework ; lower operating costs ( although upfront costs can be high ); job creation and better working environments for employees .
“ In applications where customers expect uniform weld bead profile and penetration , mechanised , robotic and automated systems deliver consistency , reduce welding in uncomfortable positions and reduce operator exposure to fumes and UV radiation ,” concluded welding specialist , ESAB . n
The CLOOS QINEO ArcBot .