FOCUS ON WELDING
AKG France uses the CLOOS robot system to weld complete heat exchangers , dryers and cooling systems .
The system consists of two stations so that component preparation can take place at the same time as the welding process .
The C-frame is attached to a floor-mounted linear track which moves the robot horizontally . The new robot system features two stations that can be used flexibly for different components . The two-station principle of the robot system means that it is possible to insert the components in one station while the robot is welding in the other station ; an enormous time saving across the entire process run , said CLOOS .
“ With the new robot system , we were able to significantly reduce cycle times compared to manual welding ,” confirmed Alex Reiff , Head of Welding Production , AKG Group .
Torch-integrated fume extraction
“ The new system is equipped with a torchintegrated fume extraction system which offers safe and effective extraction of welding fumes directly at the source . Up to 95 percent of the fume is eliminated directly during welding at the point of origin near the arc ,” explained CLOOS .
With the first robot system , AKG still had to invest in an extensive extraction system with curtains , complex pipe systems and a large filter unit to extract and clean the polluted air . When extracting directly at the welding torch , the volume of polluted air is now much smaller . By using the extraction welding torch system , AKG now invests significantly less into
AKG Compact cooler is an liquid-cooled aluminium brazed bar-plate heat exchangers mounted directly on the engine .
AKG ’ s TubeFin radiator .
The AKG TubeFin Charge Air Cooler ( LKS ) is an air-cooled brazed aluminium cooler .
AKG air-to-air aluminium coolers for electronics enclosure cooling .
Above : Examples of AKG ’ s heating and cooling technologies . extraction technology , air ducting systems and filter devices — with the same effect .
A flexible hose with a small diameter replaces the complex pipe system for discharging the contaminated air to the filter unit . Due to the smaller volume of contaminated air , a smaller filter unit is necessary .
“ Optimised energy efficiency , as well as minimised effort for cleaning and replacement of the filter components , means that operating costs are considerably reduced ,” added CLOOS .
AKG was also able to significantly simplify and speed up the entire production using torch-integrated fume extraction . While the first system had to be laboriously loaded by hand , a crane solution can be used for loading and unloading with the new system due to the space saved . This is particularly appreciated by the production staff .
“ For me , the greatest advantage of the new system is direct extraction at the welding point ,” explained system operator , Mickaël Thielges . “ This means that there is more space above to carry out the various transport tasks with the overhead crane .”
Last , but not least , the employees benefit from the clean air and better working environment thanks to direct fume extraction .
Laser offline sensor
“ Aluminium components are processed on the system . This material is a particular challenge for the welding process due to its sensitivity . The robot system is equipped with the QINEO NexT Premium welding power source . The unique welding properties and optimum arc control guarantee excellent results ,” continued CLOOS .
AKG uses a laser offline sensor from CLOOS to compensate for component tolerances . The laser offline sensor tracks the programmed
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