Robotics & Automation News

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welding

Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

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Hexagon’s manufacturing intelligence division has signed a partnership agreement with ESAB, a fabrication specialist, to create a “streamlined welding solution” combining Hexagon’s simulation software with ESAB’s InduSuite solutions to help fabricators perform more efficient and successful welding operations.

Hexagon’s simulation intelligence, embedded within ESAB’s software and automation portfolio, will ensure that users have the tools required to “consistently manufacture high-quality products without costly trial and error”, according to the companies.

Producing successful welds can be challenging without the benefit of many years’ shop-floor experience and, even with an extensive welding experience, can incur high costs from waste and time. [Read more…] about Hexagon and ESAB to help manufacturers ‘optimise robotic welding processes’

Comau expands Jeep manufacturing lines in Brazil

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Comau has expanded the end-to-end body manufacturing lines at one of the most modern car manufacturing plants in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco to produce the new 7-seat Jeep Commander SUV.

Comau has been tasked with increasing the flexibility of 14 complex lines to handle 4 different vehicle models in a completely random production flow.

The increased flexibility also extends to model-specific assembly, welding and quality inspection operations based on available inputs. [Read more…] about Comau expands Jeep manufacturing lines in Brazil

Panasonic Robot and Welding expands collaboration with Claas Saulgau

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Panasonic Robot and Welding System Solutions, a business unit of Panasonic Factory Solutions, and Claas Saulgau GmbH, a producer of agricultural machinery with over 100 years of experience, say they have “intensified” their existing collaboration.

Claas Saugau is extending its production facilities with three new welding systems with a total of five Panasonic welding robots of the latest generation and technology.

Frederik Kahlbau, key account manager for Claas Saulgau, says: “We delivered the first Panasonic welding system to Claas Saulgau GmbH in 2014. [Read more…] about Panasonic Robot and Welding expands collaboration with Claas Saulgau

Panasonic partners with DSL Schweisstechnik in robotic welding

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Panasonic Robot and Welding System Solutions, a department of Panasonic Factory Solutions, and DSL Schweisstechnik, one of the largest technical distributors of welding hardware in Germany, have agreed a collaboration.

DSL Schweisstechnik will distribute the Panasonic Robot and Welding portfolio, highlighting high-end welding robot solutions such as the Tawers systems, Performarc welding systems or Lapriss laser welding systems for industrial sectors such as automotive or industrial.

With extensive sales and service experience at three locations Mannheim, Nuremberg and Wuerzburg, DSL Schweisstechnik is a valued partner that extends Panasonic Robot and Welding solutions directly to customers in Germany. [Read more…] about Panasonic partners with DSL Schweisstechnik in robotic welding

Welding and automation integration company Central McGowan completes its third acquisition of the year

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Central McGowan, a supplier of gases and technology for manufacturing the upper Midwest and a Fanuc- and Lincoln-authorized integrator, has completed the acquisition of Preferred Welder Sales in Mankato, Minnesota – bringing its acquisition roster for 2021 to three. 

The company acquired Metro Welding Supply in Minneapolis, Minnesota. in April and Fessler Carbonic Gas in Des Moines, Iowa in March.

According to Joe Francis, president/CEO, these acquisitions complement Central McGowan’s current business while strengthening its presence in key market areas. All three of these companies were independently operated, highly successful businesses with owners seeking to retire and wanting a way to continue what they each started. [Read more…] about Welding and automation integration company Central McGowan completes its third acquisition of the year

Your Know-All Guide to Friction Stir Welding Machines

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Welding machines are a big part of the manufacturing and heavy machinery industry. However, with time, they too have evolved to be better, faster, more precise, and definitely more eco-friendly. This new version stands in front of us as the Friction Stir Welding Machine.

For all those who are involved in these industries or have a genuine interest in these big machines, this article will be your perfect guide to know these machines better. [Read more…] about Your Know-All Guide to Friction Stir Welding Machines

Robots in automotive manufacturing: Top 7 applications

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With the advancement in technology ever since the first car came into existence, things have changed drastically. Not just for the driver but also for manufacturers. The way we have learned to automate our tasks is remarkable.

We created machines that helped us create more machines. That is essentially what car manufacturing is these days. We don’t need huge human labor to achieve our task, we could just use robots. Robots have been used for automotive manufacturing for over 50 years now. They have lots of advantages.

These robots give the manufacturer a big competitive advantage over their competitors. You cannot expect an automaker to pump millions of vehicles per year by creating all of them by hand. [Read more…] about Robots in automotive manufacturing: Top 7 applications

Path Robotics expands headquarters and production, creating 140 new jobs

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Path Robotics, a Columbus-based artificial intelligence robotics company producing the world’s first truly autonomous robotic manufacturing system, announced plans to expand its headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, creating 140 new jobs.

Hiring for software development, engineering and product positions is under way.

Path Robotics plans to expand personnel throughout Columbus at both its existing facility at 524 Maier Place, as well as at its additional facility at 3950 Business Park Drive. [Read more…] about Path Robotics expands headquarters and production, creating 140 new jobs

Comau designs ‘highly automated, high-volume’ battery manufacturing line

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Comau, an industrial robotics and automation specialist, has designed and developed a “high-volume module manufacturing line” to produce new generation lithium-ion batteries for Leclanché, a provider of energy storage solutions for the heavy transportation, naval and railway industries.

Comau says the “state-of-the-art, highly automated line” is the result of a simultaneous engineering process and combines industrial robots, vision systems, laser welding, and the automated in-line validation of joints via artificial intelligence. Priority was given to ensuring multi-module configurability, full traceability and the highest level of safety.

The line includes the latest quality and process control technologies, thus setting the foundation for the transition towards Industry 4.0 principles. It will also allow Leclanché to produce up to six times the company’s current capacity, reaching an output of more than 60,000 modules per year. The solution is also expected to reduce costs by up to 20 percent, support 50 different product configurations and save Leclanché valuable time when introducing new formats into the manufacturing line.  [Read more…] about Comau designs ‘highly automated, high-volume’ battery manufacturing line

Kuka releases new version of its robot simulation software

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Automation specialist Kuka has released the new version of its smart simulation software, Kuka.Sim 4.0. (See video below.)

Kuka.Sim 4.0 enables details and sequences of robot applications to be “realistically simulated” even before start-up and then transferred 100 percent to the real controller.

The Kuka.Sim simulation software brings robot applications to life – even before the real system is put into operation. [Read more…] about Kuka releases new version of its robot simulation software