Page 8 - MetalForming March 2010

TechUpdate
Twin-Robot Cell a Highly Produced Welding Setup
Motoman Inc., Dayton, OH, introduces the ArcWorld IV-6200SL, a compact robot- ic arc-welding cell that features dual MA1400 Master Arc welding robots with mul- tiple robot control, a high-speed trunnion positioner, integrated welding package, oper-
ator interface and a complete safety environment. Independent drive on each of the three positioner axes enables an operator to index the load station or allows both stations to turn while the positioner sweeps, saving cycle
time.
Positioners are available with
maximum payload of 550 or 1650 lb.; the smaller unit indexes in 1.75 sec., the larger in 2.5 sec. The width of the positioner/workcell is only 1 m wider than the fixture span, and since the positioner can be serviced from the front of the work- cell, additional space can be saved by placing cells next to each other without aisles. The positioners are available in standard lengths of 2 and 3 m between mounting surfaces, but can easily be extend- ed. They provide a turning diameter of 50 in. to accommodate large parts and tool-
ing, and independent servo-motor drives on each of the three axes provide high- speed positioning. This minimizes cycle times by allowing fixtures to rotate into working position while the main sweep axis indexes between stations.
A PC-based human-machine inter- face (HMI) is available to provide cell- and production-related data. The HMI provides local control for memory backup, displays diagnostic data in an easy-to-read format on a color touchscreen, and presents graphs illustrating cell I/O and uptime data.
Motoman Inc.: 937/847-6200; www.motoman.com
Tips for Welding Sheetmetal Panels
Welding sheetmetal panels, like any welding application, requires proper technique and equipment. While gas-
“We can actually re-sharpen the punches for continued life whereas previously they broke and were a total loss”
Whyn Pelkey, Engineering Manager of C. Cowles & Company, New Haven, CT
Cowles Tooling Challenge
As an automotive parts supplier, Cowles experienced punch breakage causing 6 to 7 stops per 20,000 parts, run on
a 250-ton press at 35 strokes/ min. Severe galling on the sides caused the punch ends to actually rip off as they would weld themselves into the material strip on the upstroke of the press. One week of down- time for 20,000 parts.
Phygen Solution
FortiPhyTM UltraEnduranceTM Coating has given C. Cowles & Company:
• Up to 7x longer punch life with high abrasive-wear resistance
• Spectacular lubricity – no more problems with the material catching & breaking the punches
• Saves downtime – parts are now completed without shutting down the press, removing the complicated tooling and replacing the broken punches – now an inventory of coated punches is on the shelf
• Punch edge stays sharp during the production run and allows re-sharpening as required
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Phygen Coatings, Inc. / Toll Free 888.749.4361 / phygen.com / email: tech@phygen.com METALFORMING / MARCH 2010
www.metalformingmagazine.com
Visit www.phygen.com/ Success_Cowles.html for
the full story or call 888.749.4361