Advanced Welding Processes: Technologies and Process Control

234
Advanced welding processes
Simplified
seam
A
Improved tolerance
A
B
B
large production volumes are involved and model changes can be
accommodated by reprogramming. The robot can also replace a physically
difficult manual operation in an unpleasant environment. Although reasonable
power and rigidity is required to carry the welding head and resist oscillation
due to the rapid acceleration and shock loading, high levels of positional
accuracy and precise control of linear velocity are not normally necessary.
Seam welding arc processes
Continuous seam welding using GMAW, FCAW, GTAW and plasma processes
has been applied in a wide range of applications from car exhausts to space
shuttle components as shown in Table 11.1. [273–277] The predominant
applications have been concerned with the fabrication of thin-sheet-steel
pressings using the GMAW process.
Seam welding applications require accurate positioning of the welding
torch and precise control of the travel speed during the welding operation.
Programming time is usually significant and component tolerances and jigging
A
B
Improved tolerance
Improved access
11.7 Modification of joint design to suit automation. In each case A is
the original design and B the modified version.
A
B