FACE TO FACE
“ We have focused on robot welding since the 1980s . However , now customers want post- and pre-processing operations to be integrated into their lines so we are now also focusing on the processes before and after welding . In 2020 , we developed a grinding robot and grinding equipment for pre-preparation and rework . The CLOOS SCARA robot can handle We now have robotic systems heavy payloads from 750 to 1,500 kg . which can automatically assemble parts . So , as a vendor of welding technology , we are now moving towards pre- and post-processing technologies . Pre-processing means ‘ pick and place ’ and assembly tasks . Postprocessing means grinding and welding . We must consider all of these functions in a fully automated welding line ,” Stephan Pittner told ISMR .
“ Another trend we see is that small players will increasingly give business to larger players / competitors . There will be higher market consolidation . I am also seeing companies increasingly collaborating on sourcing materials / parts etc . Customers are increasingly handling larger parts in these types of welding lines and need new handling systems ,” he added .
To meet this requirement , CLOOS launched a new SCARA robot handling system this year which can handle parts of up to 1.5 tons . It also aims to launch a new high-end power source for automated TIG welding in October this year .
Strategy in focus
In the infrastructure sector , CLOOS is targeting industries that use manual welders and aims to support them with automated solutions .
“ It is still a real challenge to find experienced manual welders in Europe and Asia , and particularly in China , and this will only get worse . So , we are actively looking for projects that are mainly manually-welding driven so that we can offer to automate these processes ,” explained Pittner .
Software and digitalisation , in the age of Industry 4.0 , are key . The company has invested heavily in developing high-end
Sieghard Thomas , CEO , CLOOS .
software solutions , culminating in its C-Gate Industry 4.0 digital production system . Users can select what they wish around their welding system and fully monitor the production line around the welding , including pre-and post-processing operations . This has been available to all users since 2020 . CLOOS works regularly with with two local universities on this project .
Grinding operations .
“ We want to keep reducing offline programming time so that we can develop machines for one-piece flow . You must keep innovating and investing a seven-digit number every year in digital tools . We are also looking for strategic digital partners , and possibly shares , to further develop digital projects . Industry 4.0 is becoming more important and we are positioning ourself in this space ,” said Pittner .
“ Part of the digitalisation remit is to make our systems easier to program offline for users . That is one of the primary aims . The infrastructure industry needs to weld onepiece profiles and this needs a different type of programming – part scanning and program generation . So , we are working on offline programming for teaching but also the ability
A CLOOS welding robot in action .
to scan a part and run a full running welding programme for the robot . In the last few months , we have sold several systems with this functionality ,” he added .
The focus is on making welding as easy as possible for users , with machines able to adjust or set welding parameters and full welding ‘ menus ’. Integrating welding lines into the IT environments of customers is also a priority for CLOOS .
“ Worldwide , customers want welding programming lines or systems to be fully integrated into their MES or ERP digital production monitoring / management systems .
CLOOS launched a new robot handling system this year which can handle parts of up to 1.5 tons . It also aims to launch a new highend power source for automated TIG welding in October
20 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR September 2021