Product category:
Automatic and robotic welding systems
News Release from: Motoman Robotics (UK) | Subject: Twin-robot MIG welding cell
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 05 June 2007
Robotic MIG beats spot welding on frame
assemblies
A twin-robot MIG welding cell with powered turntable has 1 min TAKT time, around 25% less than an equivalent spot welding cycle to produce automotive rear seat cushion frame assemblies.
When UK automotive component manufacturer, Wild Springs and Wireforms, won the contract to manufacture the frame supporting the rear seat cushion in the latest Astra saloon cars, Vauxhall specified that the wire frame should be arc- rather than spot-welded The OEM wanted full-volume production quantities of over 4,000/week for delivery to a foaming plant
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 14 Jul 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Ford uses Motoman robots for sealant application
As an alternative to fitting conventional gaskets to seal the mating faces of vehicle engines, Ford finds that a quicker and more economical method is to lay down a bead of sealant by robot.
Articulated-arm robots offer larger envelope
The SK Series of articulated-arm robots from Motoman has been replaced by a new range, designated UP Series.
The foaming plant then supplies the assemblies to the line-side car assembly at Ellesmere Port.
The OEM also dictated the use of robotic welding at Wild's Redditch factory.
Wild Springs and Wireforms chose Motoman to supply a twin-robot MIG welding cell with powered turntable and was assisted of Malvern-based integrator, Bauromat UK.
Wild Springs had used spot welding cells from Motoman since the 1980s.
According to Tim Clews, project manager at the Redditch factory, the ongoing reliability of these early cells and the good service back-up over the years gave Wild every reason to return to the same supplier for this project.
The Astra seat frame comprises eleven formed components made from 5mm round, mild steel wire.
An operator loads the parts into a bespoke jig.
During this time, the two robots lay 20 MIG welds to produce the previous frame.
The turntable then swings through 180 deg in a few seconds to present the unwelded assembly to the robots and the welded frame to the operator for unloading.
The arrangement ensures virtually uninterrupted production.
TAKT time is 1 min, around 25% less than for an equivalent spot welding cycle.
Most of Wild's experience of seat frame manufacture had involved spot welding in robot cells, including for Jaguar, Land Rover, Range Rover, Nissan, Honda, Toyota and for the BMW Mini convertible.
It also has long experience in large volume, robotic arc welding of automotive products made up in assemblies from 0.5mm to 13mm diameter wire.
These include products such as seat parts, exhaust hangers and various components requiring sub assembly.
Other products produced at the Redditch factory include float rods, trim wires and springs for doors, throttles and thermostats.
In addition to the Redditch site, the Wild Group has manufacturing facilities in Birmingham, UK, and Hungary with significant pressing and assembly capabilities.
The former site has recently relocated to a new, purpose-built facility.
• Motoman Robotics (UK): contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
