Robotic Joining System with Automated Tool Changing

In Booth C-20024, Coldwater Machine Company (Coldwater, OH), a designer, builder and integrator of specialized equipment for discrete manufacturing, will feature its SpotMeld^TM robotic joining system with new automated tool change capability. Capable of volumes required for high production environments, the SpotMeld solution enables the joining of aluminum (1000 – 7000 series), magnesium, non-ferrous and dissimilar sheet materials, which have proved problematic with traditional joining technologies. SpotMeld systems can be mounted on any industrial robot or retrofit for replacement of existing processes such as resistance spot welding, laser welding and riveting.

The SpotMeld process is based on Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW) technology. It uses rotational friction to heat the materials along with pressure to forge together the parts using wear-resistant tooling to join two or more surfaces. According to the manufacturer, benefits in addition to joining lightweight materials include high quality solid state joints that are near original material strength, a small heat affected zone, consistency in weld duplication and faster weld times – as well as being environmentally cleaner and safer with no filler material, spatter, smoke, radiation or shield gasses.

According to the manufacturer, SpotMeld is an easier process to fixture as compared to laser welding and other aluminum-joining techniques, and the automated tool change capability saves significant time as compared to self-piercing rivet changeover. Additionally, a variety of weld recipes can be used on demand by the robot controller, which results in a flexible production system. With the Coldwater system, the tool doesn’t fully penetrate through the bottom sheet and leaves a smooth surface with potential for use on exterior body panels. Alternative friction spot welding techniques typically use a solid pin that does not retract, leaving a surface with some material off-set on it as well as a 3 mm to 4 mm hole in the center of the weld.

Coldwater Machine Company, 911 North Second Street, Coldwater, OH 45828-8736, 419-678-4877, www.coldwatermachine.com.