PRODUCT REVIEWS
Agile robotics
The robot is the central element in the modular QIROX solution package from Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH .
“ All components of the robot , from the robot base to the wrist , are perfectly matched to each other . By using different component groups , users get a customised welding robot for every production requirement . Models in the WM series are designed for standard welding processes . They all feature a compact design and act highly dynamically so are ideally suited for use in compact cells and systems ,” CLOOS told ISMR .
The QIROX QRC-300 is a six-axis articulated arm robot . The robot is used in upright or overhead position and is mounted on a base or directly at a robot positioner . The QIROX QRC-300 robot has a classic wrist where welding torches , and other working tools with a weight of up to 8kg , can be mounted . It takes over all MIG / MAG and TIG welding processes and optionally leads a laser sensor . The robot offers high dynamics with its slim product design , low weight and ergonomic shapes . In addition , it is designed for repeatability , long service life and maintenance intervals .
Since 1919 , Carl Cloos Schweisstechnik GmbH has been one of the leading companies in welding technology with over 800 employees in welding and robot technology for industries such as construction machinery , railway vehicles and automotive / agricultural . Modern CLOOS welding power sources in the QINEO series are available for a range of welding processes . With its QIROX robots , positioners and special-purpose machines , CLOOS develops and manufactures automated welding systems to meet the specific requirements of the customers .
“ A key strength is our widespread expertise because – from the welding technology , robot mechanics and controller to positioners , software and sensors – we supply everything from a single source ,” explained the company . n
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The agile and highly dynamic QIROX QRC-300 robot is suitable for compact cells and systems .
Metal coating analysis
Together with ‘ analyticon ’ instruments , Henkel Adhesive Technologies has developed a new measurement system for the mobile , handheld XRF spectrometer ( or X-ray gun ). The measuring system was tested at Claas Bad Saulgau and was used on the agricultural machinery parts manufacturer ’ s production line to investigate the potential of replacing the powder activation Bonderite M-AC 50-1 , with the liquid activation Bonderite MAC AL 2000 .
“ Rather than requiring laboratory analysis , the new system was able to measure the
The Niton XL2 X-ray gun was used at this pre-treatment plant for Claas Bad Saulgau .
coating weight ( CW ) of the Zn phosphate ( ZnPO4 ) layer through the e-coat on the steel substrate in approximately ten seconds . Using the X-ray gun , it was possible to accurately analyse the activation parameters , enabling us to optimise these parameters in just one day . The measured part is called ‘ Mulde ’ and is made from cold rolled steel with a 4g / m ² Zn-PO4 layer and an e-coat . For Claas , this meant that there was no need to slow down or interrupt full production during tests or risk any loss of quality , for example in corrosion protection ,” explained Henkel Adhesive Technologies .
The new solution , which combined the X-ray gun and special measurement system from Henkel and analyticon instruments , provided a way to ensure analysis on the production line , rather than in a laboratory which would have taken several days or weeks .
The X-ray fluorescence analysis , or XRF , is a fast , non-destructive method for accurately analysing the chemical element composition of a sample . It can be used to determine the type and quantity of measurable elements . The concentrations of the elements are analysed independently of their chemical bonding – this works across the wide spectrum from magnesium ( Mg ) to uranium ( U ).
“ The Niton XL-2 XRF gun measures the exact composition of metal alloys in seconds . Reliably and without significant sample preparation , it can identify stainless steels , non-ferrous metals and , based on their silicon and magnesium content , aluminium alloys . The X-ray gun offers significant advantages both in quality assurance and mix-up testing as well as in metal recycling , which can be enormously simplified using the X-ray gun . Users of the X-ray gun require dedicated training , such as that provided by our technical experts ,” added the company . n
78 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR September 2021