Page 33 - MetalForming-Feb-2018-issue

To help ensure spot-weld quality, the operator of a press-type RSW machine deploys a specialized digital gauge to measure weld force—one of the three variables critical to achieving optimum weld strength.
resistance-welded nuts and studs. Some newer RW controls include a feedback circuit that can detect welding problems and make adjustments on the fly. While costly, these controls can quickly pay for themselves when com- pared to potential charge-backs result- ing from an automotive-industry recall. For example, a recent recall was blamed on bad resistance welds caused by an operator who felt pressured to meet high production rates, and ignored the fault indications coming from an auto- mated machine alerting him to upside- down nuts feeding from the bowl. Obvi- ously, the RW process should not be
blamed for such negligence.
The Resistance Welding Manufac-
turing Alliance (RWMA), a standing committee of the American Welding Society (AWS), is in the process of developing a 100-question multiple- choice test that will allow individuals to earn a Certified Resistance Welding
Technician (CRWT) designation. This certification program, modeled after the long-standing AWS Certified Weld- ing Inspector (CWI) classification for arc-welding professionals, will include a study component to expose the appli- cant to the required knowledge base needed in this industry. RWMA hopes that the anticipated rollout of the CRWT designation, within the next year or so, will bring long-overdue attention to the RW process.
Meanwhile, RWMA offers an annual two-day Resistance Welding School in conjunction with the annual FABTECH show in the United States, which also is being offered in conjunction with FABTECH shows in Mexico and Canada.
Watch this space in 2018 for a bi- monthly column that promises to answer many of the questions and con- cerns that MetalForming readers have about resistance welding. MF
Welding Well
Air Pressure Rate
Air Consumption (CPM)
Feed Rate (feet/minute) Sound Level (db-A) Maximum Load
Max. Weight of Tray Transparent Weight
35-80 0.7
12 - 35 60
25 lbs. 5 lbs. 2 lbs.
35-80
60 psi - 0.09 34psi-0.06
15 -40 65
60 lbs. 25 lbs. 13 lbs.
35-80
60 psi - 1.9 35psi-0.4
15 - 40 64
125 lbs. 60 lbs. 30 lbs.
35-60
40 psi - 3.4
15 - 40 68
500+ lbs. 100 lbs. 47 lbs.
Model 250 Model 320 Model 450 Model 850
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