The Problem
A customer came to us with uniquely-designed frames with highly complex angles that were posing a challenge to process automation. To achieve the required results for the end product, they were being forced to hand weld these frames, increasing the time required in production..
The Approach
To change this limitation and move toward automation, the customer teamed up with PRE-TEC’s welding engineers to first develop a concept and then construct a full production automated welding system. The unique design with a full 14 axes of motion uses two robots and a drop center positioner to fully reach and automate all difficult to weld areas on the entire frame. Each robot uses 2D IRvision guidance to ensure proper part fit up and weld verification.
One of the main features that streamlines the automation is the ability to change out the entire fixture and frame at the same time using an automated coupling device. This allows fabricators to load and unload fixtures with only a slight pause between frames.
The Result
According to the customer, “the system PRE-TEC delivered not only brought the fabricated component output to the next level with a reduction in labor cost per unit, but also does so with the high level of quality expected in [our product].” The customer has since added another of these systems to their line.