AUTOMATION AND ROBOTICS
The three fixtures move continuously through the line in one cycle .
The component is then automatically transported via two synchronised telescopic units on the floor-mounted linear track to the welding station , where two overhead-mounted QIROX QRC-350 welding robots take over further processing . The welding program takes between 20 and 45 minutes , depending upon the size of the component .
After the welding process , a gripper takes the welded component from the fixture and places it on an outfeed conveyor belt . After the component has been automatically unloaded , the empty fixture is transported forward to the system operator . The three fixtures in total move continuously through the system in one cycle .
“ The latest development stage of the mast welding systems offers a higher output with a smaller space requirement , compared to previous systems . The concept enables a full one-piece flow within the required sequence and , at the same time , a consistently high level of quality in the welds produced ,” CLOOS told ISMR .
“ Another important feature in these volatile times is the high product variant flexibility ,” Grünewald added . “ This allows us to move different product types between the welding systems to achieve optimum capacity balance .”
Saving employee time
The entire production line for welding the
Further investments by KION in its welding activity are imminent . masts can be operated by just one employee . High levels of automation eliminate human error and ‘ unergonomic ’ work .
“ Our employees are enthusiastic about the new system concepts ,” highlighted Michal Kriz , Senior Plant Director , KION Stříbro . “ Because the robots do the physically heavy work , there is less general exposure to arc radiation and welding fumes . This allows employees to focus more on process monitoring .”
To take full advantage of the welding technology , system operators receive intensive training from CLOOS .
“ Our employees are very enthusiastic about learning with the best equipment for welding production ,” said Grünewald . “ We already have several in-house specialists who are able to operate complete systems themselves and also to partly program them .”
Transferring the system concept
Within KION ’ s global network of production sites , further investments in the welding area are imminent . For example , KION has ordered two identical CLOOS robot systems for its Summerville plant and is also preparing to invest in the CLOOS system concept for its Luzzara plant . The company wants to increase flexibility between the individual sites .
A permanent team of CLOOS project managers supports KION in planning and implementing the system concepts . On-site support , as well as service and training at the Stříbro site , is provided by Czech subsidiary , CLOOS Prague .
“ During our decades of collaboration , CLOOS has always reliably demonstrated very good quality and professional project management ,” Grünewald explained . “ Together , we have always been able to keep to the project schedule and have also managed critical issues very well .” n
The gripper takes the welded component from the fixture and places it on an outfeed conveyor belt .
CLOOS welding technology
Since 1919 , Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH has been one of the leading companies in welding technology . With over 900 employees worldwide , it manufactures production solutions in welding and robot technology for industries such as construction machinery ; railway vehicles ; energy ; automotive and agricultural industry sectors .
CLOOS welding power sources in the QINEO series are available for a multitude of welding processes . Along with its QIROX robots , positioners and special purpose machines , CLOOS develops and manufactures automated welding systems . From the welding technology , robot mechanics and controller to positioners , software and sensors ; CLOOS supplies everything from a single source .
www . cloos . de
www . kiongroup . com
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28 | ismr . net | ISMR May 2023