A flexible welding robot installation has recently been delivered by Valk Welding to Van Lierop, specialised in supplying assemblies produced from various steel qualities or stainless steel. It is a special installation, fitted with three welding stations as standard and easily adapted to an installation with two welding stations. This helps carry out the welding process as efficiently as possible. It is the third welding robot installation supplied by Valk Welding to Van Lierop. The installation was installed in Heeze in the summer of 2016.
Remco H. Valk, CEO of Valk Welding, explains: "This flexible welding robot installation from Valk Welding consists of a Panasonic welding robot type TL-2000. The welding robot is mounted on a galley construction which can move along a thirteen-metre long track. The configuration is such that the welding robot installation can be configured into an installation with two or three welding stations. The products are programmed using the Panasonic DTPS software."
Three welding stations
The installation consists of three welding stations and can be adapted to an installation with two welding stations. This gives Van Lierop flexibility. Valk: "By adjusting the number of welding stations, it can be ensured that the welding process takes place as efficiently as possible. In the video, two sub-assemblies take place and one final assembly of the total product. By working with three welding stations, a continuous welding process is created," says Valk.
"In other cases, a configuration with two welding stations can achieve a more effective process because loading and unloading can take place continuously between the two stations. Also, this gives the ability to handle longer products."
Panasonic DTPS programming software
The robots are programmed using Panasonic DTPS programming software. "Panasonic (welding) robots can be programmed with this software offline, i.e. from the PC, without interrupting production. In a 3D environment, the entire welding path for the specific product can be programmed and simulated. This programme is then sent to the robot and the new product can be taken into production from then on."
Valk: "No prior programming knowledge is required to get started with the DTPS software. However, we offer all our customers a multi-day course to learn how to program in DTPS. Upon completion of this training course, trainees are able to independently design welding programmes using this software."
Quick - Touch
Besides the standard options, the installation is equipped with Quick -Touch (touch sensing). This system makes it possible to detect deviations in product dimensions and immediately adjust the programme accordingly, so that perfect welds are produced by the robot at all times. This system is also used to measure whether the jig's clamps are in the correct position.
Some specifications of the welding robot installation are:
- The maximum reach of the robot is approximately 52 square metres.
- The maximum speed at which the robot can move is 180 m/min.
- The total movable length of the installation is thirteen metres long.
- The welding power source for the welding process is an integrated welding power source.
- The three manipulators have a rotation speed of 120 degrees per minute.
- The capacity per welding station is 1,000 kg.
By: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Source: Valk Welding
