Productivity increase in robotic welding
The torch body can have different geometries or "only" wearing parts that have to be replaced on a regular basis. Components to be welded can have joints that are accessed in different ways, and/or the best energy input may require a variety of torches. This normally means operational downtimes of up to 15 minutes while the torch body is changed, or successive welding tasks are carried out with different torch bodies in two or more cells. The Robacta TX shortens this time considerably, as it only takes 20 to 30 seconds to remove and insert a new torch body. Savings compared with conventional changeovers are about €25 for the welding cell and €10 for the service technician, giving a total of around €35 per change. If three torch bodies are changed each day, this can amount to €25,000 a year. In addition, shorter weld times increase productivity. If the new degree of flexibility renders welding cells superfluous, additional savings are made in terms of investment, production and workspace.
This saving of around €35 per change can also be made when the contact tube is replaced. Due to the short changeover time, the contact tube can also be changed as and when required, i.e. at the best time financially in terms of contact tube wear. A preventive change, for example, between two shifts, is not required even if there is still some service life left. Very abrasive wires can be replaced more frequently, as the changeover takes place with more or less no interruption.
The Robacta TX torch body changeover system consists of a console that can accommodate up to 10 torch bodies. The device for cutting the welding wire is flanged on to the console. Cutting of the wire before the torch body is changed, winding back of the wire, its tray, actuating the interchangeable coupling, picking up the next torch body, winding forward of the wire and cutting it to the correct stick out are all done autonomously and checked by a sensor system. The compact design guarantees short changeover times. Compressed air at 6 bar is sufficient to actuate the coupling. The Robacta TX system is suitable for gas-cooled and water-cooled torches.
Fronius International GmbH
Fronius International is an Austrian company with headquarters in Pettenbach, other sites in Wels, Thalheim and Sattledt, and production facilities in the Czech Republic and Ukraine. Fronius is active in the fields of battery charging systems, welding technology and solar electronics. The company employs 2,677 staff worldwide, 1,923 of whom are based in Austria. 93% of Fronius products are exported through its 14 sales subsidiaries, two agencies (Turkey/welding technology and China/solar electronics) and 130 sales partners around the world. 14.9% of the total turnover of 329 million Euro is re-invested (financial year 2009). With its outstanding products and services and 649 active patents, Fronius is world technology leader. 358 employees work in research and development.
Press pictures
Enquiries:
Marion Rauch
Fronius International GmbH
Froniusplatz 1, A-4600 Wels
Tel. +43 / (0)7242 / 241 2590
Fax +43 / (0)7242 / 241 95 3940
E-Mail: rauch.marion@fronius.com