TPT September 2014

Technology News

Tecnar unveils its new Rotoweld 3.0 at FABTECH

Another important objective was to develop a low cost base model that could deliver the same high quality welds on the full pipe size range of the previous version, the only compromise being productivity. This base model is built with a single rotator and workbay. Thanks to its robotised manipulator, the same welding torch, wire-feeder and power source can be used to perform both the vision controlled root pass and all subsequent fill passes. Using electronic mass flow controllers, the 3.0 can mix its own gas – a very useful feature in some markets where mixed gas is not easily available. Finally, the 3.0 was designed around a modular architecture that allows customers to choose, from many different possibilities, the machine configuration that best suits their specific needs. Should additional processes such as SAW or FCAW be required, upgrading from a basic workstation is now possible.

computers, electronics, optics and other related technologies, all Tecnar products go through a complete re- engineering process every five to eight years. In 2013-2014, for the third time in its 23 year history, it was the Rotoweld’s turn to go through this process. For this new Rotoweld 3.0, all aspects of the machine, including mechanical design, servo-controls, computer and software were re-engineered to take advantage of all the latest technologies. The most visible change is the addition of a robotised manipulator that allows all the necessary flexibility for torch positioning in various machine configurations. One of the main objectives of the project was to increase reliability and serviceability through simplified electronics and wiring as well as widespread use of standard components available worldwide.

TECNAR is to introduce its completely re-engineered Rotoweld 3.0 at the FABTECH International/AWS welding show in Atlanta, USA. The machine will be on display on the booth of the company’s North-American distributor, Pador Group. For more than 20 years, Rotoweld pipe welding workcells have been the worldwide reference in the pipe spool prefabrication industry. Specifically developed for industrial pipe pre- fabrication, small pressure vessel manufacturing or other similar 1G welding, Rotoweld integrates machine vision, adaptive control and robotics technology in a completely dedicated package that produces complete, high quality, GMAW full penetration 1G girth welds five times faster than manual SMAW. The core of the Rotoweld technology is its unique, patented, vision-based penetration control system. It allows any operator, even with little or no welding experience, to perform high quality, full penetration girth welds with just a few hours of training. Operating like the welder’s eyes and hands, the system continuously analyses the image of the root weld pool picked up by a video camera incorporated in the welding arm. Unique image processing algorithms use this information to adjust welding parameters such as travel speed, wire feed rate, arc voltage or weaving width, constantly adapting the process to varying conditions such as changes in gap, alignment, root face or temperature. The computer’s fast reaction time allows the machine to work at high deposition rates and travel speeds where weld pool conditions are much too critical to be sustained by hand. Typical Rotoweld configurations include two separate workbays and rotators to maximise the workcell’s throughput by allowing re-loading of one workbay while welding in the alternate one. The motorised welding carriage travels between workbays along a continuous track system that also guides the idler rolls, maintaining perfect alignment over the full length of the machine. To keep up with advances in

Tecnar – Canada Website: www.tecnar.com

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S eptember 2014