Tandem Welding System Increases Efficiency

In Booth B-27050, Fronius USA LLC (Portage, IN) features their TPS/i TWIN Push high-performance tandem welding system that is not only more compact, easier to use, and network-capable, it also integrates enhancements to the welding process. For users, this means higher deposition rates, higher welding speeds and increased efficiency in production due to the reduced need for pre-fabrication and rework. High-performance welding is characterized by a high deposition rate that permits a high weld seam volume or high welding speeds. This is relevant in particular when joining high-volume components or long seams for construction machinery, commercial vehicles as well as automotive parts and in shipbuilding. The high processor power of the TPS/i improves the synchronized TWIN Push tandem process: The process is even more stable and reliable, and the enhanced gap-bridging ability saves the user time at the component preparation stage. The amount of rework can also be reduced, since precise control of the welding process enables controlled droplet detachment and low heat input into the component, permitting low-spatter results with minimal distortion.

New process and control options with the TPS/i TWIN Push include PMC (Pulse Multi Control) TWIN, which features a short, focused pulsed arc that enables improved penetration and a higher welding speed. The PulseSync option allows the user to select widely varying travel speeds for the two wire electrodes. This gives the user greater flexibility to ideally adjust the welding parameters to the component and achieve higher welding speeds. The power source will automatically correct all relevant power source parameters, such as the ignition properties, the point of droplet detachment, and the pulse ratio. New control mechanisms assist the welder in other ways too – the arc length stabilizer and the penetration stabilizer increase process stability and make it easier to configure parameters. Where the position of the interface varies, possibly due to component distortion or imprecise clamping, automatic seam tracking assists: During welding the system transmits a seam tracking signal to the robot so that it can make corrections as required.

The TWIN process is based on tandem welding and features two wire electrodes that are fed into a welding torch with a single gas nozzle but that remain electrically isolated from one another. As a result, the arcs can be controlled independently and, despite differing outputs, can be precisely synchronized and coordinated. In addition to two TPS/i power sources, the TWIN Push system requires a TWIN controller that synchronizes the welding process and acts as an interface that is compatible with all robot makes. The compact wirefeeder, cooling system, hosepack, and TWIN welding torch complete the welding system. The cooling system for the torch has been improved, extending the service life of wearing parts. Alongside this, the Robacta TSS/i TorchServiceStation is a torch cleaning system that combines a number of cleaning methods, including high pressure cleaning, brush cleaning, and magnetic cleaning, as well as cleaning by means of a cutter. The professional torch cleaning device lowers the overall system costs by extending the service life of wearing parts.

The efficiency of this welding system can be further increased by using the TX TWIN welding torch change station. Its console allows for automatic switching between TWIN and Single torch bodies, meaning the same system can be used to weld areas that are particularly difficult to access with the more compact Single torch body. The robot automatically changes the torch body, allowing for unmanned shifts.

Fronius USA LLC, 6797 Fronius Drive, Portage, IN 46368, 219-734-5500, www.fronius.us.