TPT January 2010

T echnology U pdate

Mobile welding automation THE MWR-350 from Servo-Robot Inc is a new robotic welding concept. The mobile robot’s flexibility allows automation to be brought directly onto large weldments. It also allows the operator to run several systems simultaneously. The MWR-350 three axes robot can improve quality and productivity compared to traditional manual welding, as well as that done using motorised welding carriages. It also complements traditional articulated robots that may be already be in production. It is easily hooked up to any power source, making for a quick installation. The system is easy to program due to its intuitive teach pendant and vision-assisted robot teaching capability. With a Servo- Robot MWR-350 system, it is claimed that submarine hull sections can be welded in the a third of the time of previous methods. Benefits of the system include: dramatic quality and productivity improvements are easily achieved over manual and mechanised welding; automation can be brought to

the workpiece; remote process monitoring removes operator from the welding zone; and precise seam tracking for consistent penetration and accurate bead placement. The MWR-350 easily integrates to any welding system, and automated teaching reduces setup time and increases flexibility.

Tube spinforming technology facilitates the insertion of filtration elements, heat exchange components and catalytic elements into the tube before end reduction. Cost savings are recognised by eliminating the need to stamp then weld end-cones to the tube. Spinformed end cones are said to enhance overall component quality, reliability and appearance. Formitt hollow tube fabricated assemblies are currently being used in the automotive, HVAC, filtration, marine and other industries. Formitt Metal Labs – USA Website: www.formitt.com Hess Industries Inc – USA Email: sheffer.rick@hessindustries.com Website: www.hessindustries.com

Servo-Robot Inc – Canada Email: sales@servorobot.com Website: www.servorobot.com Spinformed hollow tube shapes

THE Formitt Metal Labs division of Hess Industries, Inc offers tube spinforming and flowforming contract services. Formitt was created specifically to support product developmentforavarietyof industries,offering development, prototypingandproduction runs that utilise patented technologies to create hollow tube symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes, fabrications, and assemblies.

Spinformed parts

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J anuary 2010

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