Robotic Laser Welding and Brazing Eliminates Post-Processing Work

The new-generation ALO4 laser welding and brazing system with tactile seam tracking from Scansonic MI GmbH (Berlin, Germany) is the only optic on the market equipped with an integrated wire feeder from partner Abicor Binzel (Giessen, Germany). An additional control box for the module is not required. Operators work the control system with a single user interface. The complete system is supplied by a single source. Swivel arm performance on the ALO4 is improved with even finer tilt sensors to meet brazing and welding tolerance specifications. Its 3D weight compensation enables high precision control of the wire contact pressure in all positions. Thanks to additional torque, the swivel arm brings more power into the application. “Even with complex component geometries, this ensures robust, yet extremely fine, almost invisible seams,” explained product manager Philip Marben of Scansonic. The need for post-processing in the visible area is completely eliminated, making the ALO4 best-suited for applications requiring uncompromising precision, including complex contours in vehicle bodywork or e-mobility applications such as safety-relevant battery packs.

The new motor-driven wire positioning extends the scope of applications in highly automated production lines. Right and left applications are possible, enabling a single optic to process different components in the same laser cell. This increases versatility while saving time and money. Handling is also much easier. Plug-and-play operation is simple with the new hardware and interface architecture. Process parameters can be programmed via the intuitive user interface. This adds up to shorter setup times, faster lens changes, and more efficient service – all from a single source. The ALO4 is ideal for Industry 4.0 digital production environments. Its fully integrated SCeye process monitoring system documents every welding or brazing seam with video and a complete dataset, and also monitors user-defined process and machine parameters. Production errors and process defects are detected in time to eliminate costly rejects. Data from the optics are available at all times to support predictive maintenance. The user interface enables operators to monitor the view from the optics in real time and see a live image of the joining process from outside the laser cell.

Scansonic MI GmbH, Schwarze-Pumpe-Weg 14, 12681 Berlin, Germany, +49 30 9120 7410, www.scansonic.de.