PRODUCT REVIEWS
Smart , self-programming welding robot
TRUMPF will be showcasing a robot that uses sensors to program its own weld path at Schweissen & Schneiden , a leading trade fair for joining , cutting and surfacing technology , held in Essen , Germany , from 11-15 September 2023 .
The robot makes use of TRUMPF ’ s new smart seam-tracking technology , which the high-tech company developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA .
“ We ’ ve basically developed a way for the welding robot to program itself . For users , that means a much easier transition into automated arc welding plus a clear competitive edge ,” said TRUMPF R & D manager , Sven Klingschat . Housed in the head of the welding torch , the sensor automatically calculates the weld path for each part .
With conventional welding robots , production workers have to program a new weld spot into the software each time they want the robot to change direction . This is a time-consuming business , especially when it comes to complex parts with many curves or corners . Fortunately , the new smart seam-tracking function makes the whole process a whole lot simpler .
“ All the user needs to do is to place the welding robot in the start position , and the technology takes care of the rest . The robot uses the sensor to determine the weld path automatically . The system software quickly calculates the weld spots and creates the welding program for the respective part . So , the robot is good to go in a matter of seconds ,” explained TRUMPF .
This solution makes it far easier to program the robot . “ The whole process takes
With Smart Seam Tracking from TRUMPF , the robot calculates its own welding path .
With Smart Seam Tracking , the welding robot can be programmed in seconds , even for complex components .
seconds to complete , even for complex parts such as spiral arcs . And it doesn ’ t require any specialist knowledge on the part of production workers ,” added Klingschat .
The intuitive user interface can be used to carry out a whole range of welding tasks , such as sealing runs and identical weld seams .
“ Smart seam tracking helps companies to save time and cut costs while also making life easier for workers on the shop floor . The
robot ’ s ability to automatically correct its weld path makes the whole process more stable . It also simplifies the task of handling tighter tolerances and dealing with warping or distortion ,” TRUMPF told ISMR .
“ The solution is particularly useful for fabricators who weld large and complex parts . The creation of a customised weld path for each individual part is an excellent way to achieve consistently high quality . Components for wind turbines and screw conveyors for the animal-feed industry are just two examples of areas that can benefit from this innovative and efficient method ,” it concluded .
TRUMPF will be incorporating the solution in its TruArc Weld 1000 arc-welding machines . It can also be retrofitted to existing TruArc Weld systems . n
www . trumpf . com ISMR September 2023 | ismr . net | 113