Tr�tzschler GmbH & Co.'s KUKA KR 6 Robotic Welding Cell With Touch and Arc Sensors

Article From legacy.roboticsonline.com

Brief Summary:

Tr�tzschler GmbH & Co. makes rotary drums for high-performance carding machines, which requires extremely high precision and quality. To meet the precision demands, they rely on a KUKA KR 6 robotic cell that uses touch and arc sensors.

This level of precision is made possible by largely automated production methods such as the welding process, reliably controlled by a KUKA KR 6 using touch and arc sensors. High throughput is also required, this is ensured by the constant availability of the robotic cell.
In addition, a second working position for the KR 6 eliminates robot "idle periods" during setting-up times.
At the beginning of 1999 Tr�tzschler converted to automatic operation with a KUKA KR 6 robot, while retaining the pulsed MAG welding process.
Since the robots have six axes, and the linear unit and the two workpiece positioners each have one axis, the robot controller
The scope of supply of the robotic cell encompassed, besides the equipment, including safety installations and welding fume extraction system, also the development of the complete solution with verification of functional capability.
The touch sensor is used for seam finding; with the aid of this tactile sensor the robot detects before the welding process
In response to this, the robot compensates for the deviations by making appropriate changes to the axis positions.
In addition, this small robot is optimally designed for the weight of the welding torch we use
Daily capacity of the robotic cell in single-shift operation is up to eight sets of two drums.
To align the drum's longitudinal seam, the external robot axis is traversed manually in jog mode, while a laser beam provides a reference point for the seam center.
After the robot has once more verified the position of the seam using the touch sensor
This robotic cell is a prime example of the economic benefits provided by modern production systems

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