PRODUCT REVIEWS
Automation , robotics and welding
Robust manual welding technology , collaborative robotics , scalable automation solutions and innovative data management solutions were showcased by CLOOS at this September ’ s SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN exhibition in Essen , Germany .
“ A highlight on our exhibition booth was the automated high-tech production line , in which automated welding technology was integrated with handling and grinding applications in one production line . By combining innovative welding technology with upstream and downstream production processes , users can close automation gaps and significantly increase the efficiency of their welding production ,” CLOOS explained .
Its QIROX system includes the robot technology , positioners , safety technology , software , sensors and interface to the process technology . The CLOOS portfolio comprises simple , compact standard systems as well as complex , chained systems with automated workpiece identification and loading and unloading processes . The modular design provides users with scalable solutions that are
Above : With Mix Vari Control Weld , users can combine the Control Weld MIG / MAG standard welding process with the Vari Weld MIG / MAG pulse welding process . adapted to different applications and individual production requirements .
CLOOS also presented the QINEO ArcBoT which offers an easy entry into automated welding technology and is designed for consistent , reproducible welding quality . Its high-tech MIG / MAG welding power source and Cobot complement each other .
Manual welding
During live manual welding demonstrations , trade visitors saw the range of QINEO welding power sources from entry to premium .
“ The QINEO StarT enables an easy start into the world of modern MIG / MAG welding technology . Users can weld any workpiece economically . The high-tech QINEO NexT MIG / MAG welding power source offers excellent arc characteristics for high welding quality . The modular design enables various utilisation possibilities from the basic welding machine for manual welding to the multi-process welding machine for automated robot welding ,” detailed CLOOS . “ In addition , the QINEO QuesT welding power source complements our portfolio for high-end TIG applications and is particularly suitable for demanding welding connections and quality requirements . QINEO welding power sources are characterised by digital connectivity , maximum energy efficiency and the option of integrating new welding processes ,” CLOOS told ISMR .
Welding processes
CLOOS also displayed new and proved welding processes for high productivity and quality .
“ With the new Mix Weld process , users can solve demanding welding tasks even with heat-sensitive materials . Vertical-up welds and horizontal-vertical positions can also be welded linearly with this process , which saves significant time in the process sequence ,” outlined the welding specialist .
“ MoTion Weld is particularly suitable for fine plate applications and applications in the lowest capacity ranges . This welding process is well suited to meeting special requirements for weld surface and appearance ,” it continued .
With Tandem Weld , the high deposition rate can be converted into both welding speed and volume filling which is beneficial for thin and thick sheet thicknesses . According to CLOOS , users can enjoy shortened welding times and reduced rework “ thanks to minimised component distortion , low heat input and good gapbridging ability .”
Digitisation solutions for future production
CLOOS software solutions increase the performance of welding power sources and robot systems . With its C-Gate IoT platform , users can access information from their welding production in real time . Central data acquisition and processing enables users to monitor and control their production processes . C-Gate consists of several modules which users can activate , depending upon their individual digitalisation strategy , from the manual welding power source to the fully automated production line .
CLOOS RoboPlan software enables offline programming of automated robot welding systems , including the generation of welding and travel paths as well as sensor routines for 3D models and their direct transfer into the robot controller . This increases system utilisation , optimises the production process and makes welding more flexible .
CLOOS also presented its new digitisation platform , QNECT , for the first time at SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN . In the future , all digital solutions from CLOOS will be integrated in QNECT so that users have all the information available at a glance . n
At SCHWEISSEN & SCHNEIDEN 2023 , CLOOS demonstrated how automated welding technology can be integrated with handling and grinding applications in a production line . www . cloos . de
152 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2023