Intuitive Features on Welding Systems Support Faster Deployment
Unique, innovative, easy to use and flexible welders and welding components support a wide range of applications, providing consistent welding performance.
Posted: April 29, 2024
The integration of cobots for MIG welding is gaining traction, particularly in high-mix and low- to medium-volume applications. What’s more, portable welders with more control features provide operators with greater flexibility and precision in their welding tasks, resulting in improved weld quality and efficiency.
Consistent, Easy-to-Use Torch for Welding Conductive Thin-sheet Metal
AMADA WELD TECH, Inc. (Puchheim, Germany) highlights its innovative Touch Retract Welding Torch (TR-T0016A). This hand-held and machine-mountable tool has been developed specifically for the welding of conductive thin-sheet metal. Ideal for the assembly of battery modules and packs, the torch provides consistent welding performance in an easy-to-use format.
The Touch Retract Welding Torch is distinguished by its ease of use. The lightweight, ergonomic design allows operators to easily manipulate the tool. Its protruding electrode and narrow, 7 mm nozzle enable easy weld location control. The narrow nozzle also allows for simple, repeatable weld location. Furthermore, it can upscale manufacturing capacity with an integrated collar for machine integration.
The torch is able to weld stainless steel to stainless steel or conductive materials such as copper, to nickel or stainless steel. The variety of metals the torch can weld, combined with its handheld nature makes it ideal for a wide range of applications including tack welding for medical devices and battery tab welding.
One of the major benefits of the TR-T0016A is its ability to allow battery makers to transition from nickel to copper tabs, ultimately improving battery performance. Though copper’s conductive nature makes it difficult to weld with resistance gap welding, the micro arc welding enabled by the torch provides a highly efficient means of generating localized heat.
Cobot for MIG and Pulsed MIG Welding Applications
ESAB Welding & Cutting Products’ (North Bethesda, MD) cobot for MIG and pulsed MIG welding applications offers intuitive operation, fast deployment, suitable for high-mix and low- to medium-volume applications. Operators teach welding paths using a software app that runs on a standard smart phone or tablet, and a “Smart Puck” to hand-guide the torch and record its position with the push of a button. The ESAB Cobot costs a fraction of a pre-engineered robot cell and does not require a programmer.
The cobot features a Universal Robots UR10e industrial robot arm. Welding components include ESAB’s Aristo® 500ix pulse power source, the RobustFeed U82 wire feeder, an air- or water-cooled torch and accessories. A Siegmund 32”-x-48” welding table organizes components and enables moving the cobot around a shop. If a user has the skills to set up an industrial MIG system, they have the skills to start automated welding with the cobot.
The Aristo 500ix power source has a maximum welding output of 500A and offers premium MIG and pulsed MIG welding performance and proven reliability in harsh environments. It features stable arc in all transfer modes, including reduced spatter with short circuit MIG, as well as all the benefits associated with pulsed MIG (little to no spatter, reduced heat input to prevent burn through and preserve mechanical properties, all-position welding, and using the next size larger wire diameter).
The RobustFeed U82 wire feeder has a completely sealed wire feed compartment to protect the internal components and the wire against grinding dust, something no other feeder can claim. To further ensure wire integrity, a heater inside the wire feed compartment prevents moisture and reduces the risk of defects related to porosity or hydrogen inclusion, helping to avoid potential rework. The U82 offers pre-programmed synergic lines, which enable fabricators to begin welding faster and reduce change-over time between parts.
Advanced TIG features at an Affordable Price
Lincoln Electric (Cleveland, OH) now offers the Sprinter™ 180Si stick welder, which delivers superior arc performance for stick welding combined with advanced TIG functionality, all wrapped up in a portable, lightweight package, thanks to the newest inverter technology.
The 180Si is designed with a maximum output of 180 amps to enable exceptional stick welding quality. Operators can weld up to 5/32” electrodes (6010/7018) and can even choose a dedicated 6010 mode for cellulosic stick electrodes.
The 180Si also delivers 200 amps for TIG welding and offers a variety of advanced TIG features:
- Pulse mode with options ranging from .1-100 pulses per second
- A choice of high-frequency or lift start options at the push of a button
- TIG-ready capabilities with an 8-pin connector for foot pedals, hand amptrols and other devices
The 180Si weighs in at less than 20 pounds, goes anywhere easily and the dual-input voltage enables the operator to plug into any common power supply. Once it’s up and running, the simple user interface provides an easy-to-read seven-segment display and easy push-button controls. And it all packs up neatly in an ergonomically designed case with a handle and shoulder strap that make it easier to carry and move — around the shop or to any location.
Stick or TIG, in the shop or on the move, the Sprinter 180Si is ideal for welders of every kind, and it’s ready for every type of work.
Engine-Driven Welder was 11 Years in the Making
Miller Electric Manufacturing LLC’s (Appleton, WI) Trailblazer 330 machines are 86 pounds lighter and 13% smaller than previous models — and they provide lower fuel costs and reduced noise. They also deliver improved weld process and parameter control and output, which yield higher weld quality, more productivity and data visibility. The lighter machine coupled with improved features will generate efficiency and productivity benefits.
Trailblazer 330 engine-driven welders deliver superior weld process control and output. Operators can precisely dial in weld settings for exceptional results, thanks to a new digital user interface and easy-to-use controls. The machines offer up to 330 amps at 31 volts and 100% duty cycle, so operations can get high deposition rates by running bigger-diameter, flux-cored wire and gouging thicker materials. Users also get more control with pulsed TIG, while updated Dynamic DIG™ technology provides smooth, consistent stick arcs tailored to match applications, materials, fit-up and welder technique. Inductance adjustments deliver precise control for flux-cored wire applications.
The Trailblazer 330 delivers more data visibility, making it easier for operations to track maintenance and bid jobs competitively. The user interface shows maintenance screens and provides alerts for upcoming tasks, including oil, filter and generator brush changes. With this information, operations can better plan downtime for scheduled maintenance.
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