FOCUS ON AUTOMATION
Users can then set the contour points along the welding sequence to the end point . These points are saved and form the welding path . Once this has been created , the welding process is programmed — intuitively via drag & drop — using the graphical user interface of the teach pendant .
“ Compared to programming industrial robots , cobot teaching requires hardly any training for most applications . Welding specialists , in particular , who are used to working with touchscreens and have some computer skills can weld their first components after just a few hours ,” explained Neuhofer .
Using the practical WeldConnect app , welding specialists have a personal parameter manager on hand . The online welding assistant offers professional support in selecting suitable welding parameters . These can be saved as a job and transferred to the cobot system ’ s welding machine via NFC signal so welders can get started with welding immediately .
The WeldConnect app can store
CWC-S cobot welding system . numerous jobs , which can be accessed at any time . Young welding specialists , in particular , who are used to using smartphones , appreciate the app as it provides reliable welding parameters for a wide range of tasks . Together with the WeldConnect app , cobots are helping to alleviate the shortage of skilled workers and make welding an appealing career choice again .
CWC-mobile cobot
The mobile cobot system offers an intelligent combination of mobility , advanced welding technology and value . It makes it easier for smaller workshops , in particular , to introduce automated welding technology . Thanks to retractable transport rollers , the system is also suitable for welding larger components .
“ Those who need to weld larger items , such as excavator buckets , can push the CWCmobile to the ready-to-weld component with ease ,” explained Neuhofer .
The CE-certified cobot system also incorporates safety features : the power and torque limiter for the articulated arm , mobile welding fume extraction , movable glare shield and standard-compliant personal protective equipment ( PPE )— consisting of punctureproof gloves , welding helmet and protective clothing — protect against illness and injuries . The CWC-mobile meets the requirements of the European Machinery Directive ; the precondition for CE certification .
Single and dual systems
With the CWC-S and the CWC-D , Fronius offers two fully enclosed cobot welding cells for one- and two-station operation . Both systems feature the latest welding technology .
The CWC-D two-station solution is suitable for welding components with a length of up to three metres . If users remove the central partition wall that is screwed to the welding table , this creates an extended work surface of 3,000 x 1,000 x 600mm for one-station operation .
“ With two-station operation , the system enables welding to be carried out in parallel to set-up and is ideal for small-series production of components with a maximum side length of 1.5m . While welding is being carried out on one side , the other side can be equipped to increase productivity . Both stations can weld components weighing up to two tons ,” said Neuhofer .
The smaller , compact CWC-S has been specially developed for components that are no wider than 1.5 metres . Turn and turn / tilt positioners are available for both the CWC-S single system and the CWC-D dual system for circumferential welding of cylindrical components . The turn positioner is optionally available with a tailstock on the longitudinal axis .
The Coordinated Motion software option , which is available for all positioners , enables the welding torch and positioner to move in sync . The Robacta Reamer V torch cleaning station is available as an accessory .
Cobots and welding robots
The fully enclosed Fronius CWC-S and CWC-D cobot welding systems enable seamless changeover from cobot to robot mode . In this mode , the power / torque monitoring and the speed limiter of 250mm / s are deactivated , allowing speeds of up to 2m / s to be reached . If programming is done with the iPendant robot controller , in addition to high articulated arm speeds , more complex
Rendering of a Fronius CWC-D cobot welding system .
movement sequences can also be made and devices can be controlled in robot mode . This gives a significant boost to productivity .
Cobots are an ideal way to get started in the world of automation . They enable the robot ’ s workings to be understood through manual teaching and the kinematics to be learned without high risk of injury . Welding specialists benefit from better understanding of the kinematic processes which is an advantage , especially when using robotic welding later on .
With Pathfinder offline programming software , welding processes can be programmed independently of the cobot welding system , with no interruption to ongoing production . Unlike manual teaching , the software enables welds to be copied and mirrored , scanning processes to be created and complex movement sequences to be simulated . This minimises downtime and increases productivity by up to 80 %, especially for complex component geometries . As soon as a program has been created , it is transferred to the welding cell and manually adjusted , if necessary . n
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About Fronius International
Founded in 1945 as a regional oneman operation , Fronius is now a global player with 38 international subsidiaries , over 8,000 global employees , 1604 active patents and a network of sales partners in more than 60 countries . The family-owned company from Austria is active in photovoltaics , welding and batterycharging technology .
Fronius Perfect Welding division is a specialist in arc welding and robotassisted welding , offering customised , automated complete systems and digital welding solutions for Industry- 5.0 . Intuitive welding systems for manual welding applications , welding accessories and protective products round off its portfolio .
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