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Welding Robots
Edited by Professor Ole Madsen
Introduction
Although welding has been utilised for many years there continues to be developments in welding process to improve performance. These are often specifically targeted at automatic and robotic welding because the weld torch can be manipulated at higher speeds and with good orientation control than can be achieved by hand.
Two recent examples of significant developments are the tandem MIG and laser hybrid processes. Both these provide higher weld deposition rates by enhancing the existing MIG process. In the first case by utilising twin wires in the weld torch, which are then controlled by dual power sources. In the second case the Laser and MIG processes are combined to gain the advantages of both processes.
Both these developments have proven to be successful in improving both the speed and quality of welding. However, they are expensive. Tandem MIG requires two power sources and laser hybrid a laser generator. They are therefore out of the reach of many users and their application has been concentrated in high-technology applications in sectors such as automotive. Although, the quality of welding has been improved the welds also still suffer, to some extent, from spatter, typically found in all MIG welding applications.
TIP TIG is a relatively new process which effectively provides TIG welding at MIG welding speeds. It therefore combines the benefits of TIG welding and, in particular, the cleanliness of the weld with the ability to weld at higher speeds. This provides improved productivity over normal TIG welding. Additionally the equipment required is simple and relatively low cost. This technology is therefore within the reach of all welding companies.
Background
TIP TIG was invented by Ing. Siegfried Plasch and patented in 1999 after about 1.5 years of development. Ing. Plasch has a strong welding background with 15 years of experience gained at Interweld, an Oerlikon distributor, and then Messer Griesheim. His company is based in Austria and commenced sales for TIP TIG, with the first agreements being reached with German distributors, in 2000.
Description
The TIP TIG process is very simple but produces dramatic results. The wire supply, feeding the wire into the weld pool, is normally controlled to provide a constant speed, set to match the welding parameters. For...