Robot Welding Torches Remove Spatter and Heat
The light-weight Frontpull 8 torch family from SKS provides unlimited rotation, perfect wire control, and program-controlled torch cleaning.
Posted: November 10, 2014
Perfect results for automated arc welding are only possible if all components meet the highest technical standards. This applies, in particular, to the torch systems representing the interface between the robot and the joint. SKS Welding Systems North America (Troy, MI) has developed specific solutions for this very feature.
The new Frontpull 8 torch family with close-to-process wire feeding (i.e. with the drive unit directly in front of the torch neck) are suitable for all standard arc welding and soldering processes and related consumables. These units highly support the removal of spatter and heat-reduced welding processes, such as microMIG and microMIG-cc.
The new Frontpull 8i torch for process-arm robots (internal cable or hollow wrist robots) has a unique position in the market because it offers unlimited rotation, even beyond 360 deg. This limitless rotation is a real time saver because re-orientation movements of the robot are eliminated. The torch is also light-weight (less than 3 kg) and features high-precision wire feeding.
Besides perfect wire control, the torch cable is also well protected thanks to a media feed-through that also has limitless rotation, meaning the cable is free from any torsional stress.
Additional benefits include controlled heat input into the workpiece, virtually spatter-free joining with defined penetration, good seam appearance, low workpiece deformation and, as a result, only little rework. The reproducible accuracy of the TCP after changing the torch neck and/or the wearing parts is 0.2 mm.
The Frontpull 8i torch comes with integrated collision protection and the Frontpull 8i lite torch has support for existing robot collision protection systems. Robots with external cables use the Frontpull 8.
Another innovation is the standard version of eReam. The first 100 percent electrically driven program-controlled torch cleaning system offers fundamental advantages over systems driven by compressed air.
SKS North America, 2040 Austin Drive, Suite B, Troy, MI 48083, 248-519-5079, Fax: 248-519-5080, jcolosimo@sks-welding.com, www.skswelding.com.
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