PRODUCT REVIEWS
Cobot welding with iQS power source
Lorch Schweißtechnik has made its iQS welding power source generation available to its users for applications that include collaborative welding.
“ The combination merges welding processes and integrated digitalisation with our tried and tested Cobot concept, resulting in an automation solution that meets the highest demands on welding quality and process safety while keeping operation simple,” said Lorch.
“ The demand for flexible automation solutions keeps growing. A lack of specialists, smaller batch sizes and the rising diversity of variants challenge metal processing companies to produce economically efficiently without implementing elaborate robotics projects. This is exactly where our‘ Cobot Welding World’ [ lies ]. It enables simple entry into welding automation and is meant for companies with no prior knowledge of robotics as well as experienced automation users,” it continued.
Lorch now integrates the iQS to expand this concept with its latest generation of welding power sources. A specially developed interface was created to facilitate seamless communication between the cobot and the power source. Users can adjust and monitor all relevant welding parameters directly via the teach panel without having to keep walking back to the power source. Programming and
process control are done on a consistent user interface that can be operated with various power source operation concepts, with no need for previous experience.
New welding processes and digital evaluation
The iQS also brings its welding processes to Lorch’ s Cobot Welding World. RCS( Rapid Current Shutdown) technology is designed to ensure that the process runs cleanly, increasing weld seam quality and reducing spatter. A new inverter renders processes more stable and calm. The Cobot version of the iQS integrates the feed roll, gas cylinder, increased water cooling and cylinder cart into the overall system. It supplements the‘ myCobot’ modular kit with components that can be combined by plug & play and retrofit.
Image: @ Lorch.
Cobot welding with the iQS.
“ The strengths of iQS include the recording of digital data, such as welding values, from the power source allowing the operator to visualise and evaluate them via Lorch Connect. This advantage now also [ embraces ] automation with the cobot. It gives companies transparency of their welding processes, where quantities and evidence are relevant and form the basis for data-based optimisation of manufacture,” confirmed Lorch.
“ The Cobot Welding World remains faithful to its basic principle of welders guiding the cobot to the required positions manually or via the teach panel to create the program sequence, rather than programming it with complex robot languages. The relevant welding expertise is brought by the user and will remain with them, while the cobot takes over repeat tasks. Integration of the iQS now expands this concept with our highestperformance welding technology,” it added.
Lorch Schweißtechnik GmbH manufactures arc welding systems for industrial applications and for use in automation with robots / collaborative robot systems. Helmet and torch systems are also offered. Lorch became part of DAIHEN Smart Solutions Europe in 2025. n
www
. lorch. eu
Thick-turret punching tools make an impact
At EuroBLECH 2026( 20-23 October 2026 in Hanover, Germany), Matrix Tools will unveil the latest applications in its thick-turret tool range for punching machines and tool sharpening. Meet the company on stand D94 in Hall 11 at EuroBLECH.
Matrix Tools has been designing, producing and selling tools for blanking and sheet metal forming for over 40 years. The wide range of solutions offered by the Italian company are applied to common technologies( including punching machines, coil machinery and press brakes). A specialist research and development team creates tailor-made solutions to meet specific customer needs.
MultiJET is its new solution that brings the multi-tool concept to forming. The MultiJET forming multi-tool houses three independent tools within a single D station, enabling spot operations( domes, countersinks, extrusions, pre-shears) and continuous forming( offsets, ribs, pincher). The result, says the company, is greater flexibility, quality and productivity with reduced set-up time.
Matrix Tools’ main product line is thickturret tools, including tools for blanking, forming and multi-tools. They offer compatibility with various types of tools and customisation flexibility. The manufacturer’ s blanking line offers two main series: the Premium and the Classic. Its thick-turret line B, C, D and E punch-holders are compatible with the classic one-piece punches and iEM insert versions. The strippers can be traditional or guided.
Jetform and Rollform are specific forming lines. Ventilation fins, extruded holes, clips, hinges and logos are possible with Jetform. The Rollform series performs incisions, ribbing and offsets.
“ MultiMATRIX is our multi-tool line designed to reduce re-tooling times while increasing punching machine flexibility. The MultiMATRIX models, part of the thick-turret range, can contain from four to 16 tools with variable diameters( from 12.7 to 31.7mm). All the tools available in the multi-tool are rotating and indexable, can be used in eight different positions and are customisable,” outlined the manufacturer.
“ The MGM-150A is our sharpening machine, designed to sharpen any hardened steel punching tool. Tool sharpening can sometimes be an issue, especially when the punch has a tilted or even double tilted blade. MGM-150A solves this challenge by sharpening the tool in different and innovative ways, quickly and simply,” it concluded. n
www. matrixtools. eu /
102 | ismr. net | ISMR October 2026