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Kuka robots weld reliably in mini robotic cell
A mini robotic cell developed by integrator Paul von der Bank GmbH is in operation at Brüninghaus & Drissner in Hilden. In the confined space of this “Welding To Go” (WTG) 1200 cell, a KUKA KR 6 R 700 sixx robot from the AGILUS series reliably performs welding tasks.
“With the same dimensions as a Euro pallet – 1200x800 mm – the WTG 1200 is the smallest robotic cell on the market for arc welding,” explains Cornelia Hornemann, responsible for product launch, project management and production planning at Paul von der Bank. Furthermore, depending on the specific requirements of the customer, the optimum small robot from the KR AGILUS series can be flexibly operated in the cell. The robots of the KR AGILUS series are systematically designed for particularly high working speeds. The KR 6 R700 sixx integrated into the mini robotic cell at Brüninghaus & Drissner, for example, has a maximum payload capacity of 6 kg and a reach of approximately 706 mm. The sliding doors of the WTG 1200 can optionally be opened either automatically or manually before a worker loads the workpieces into the welding fixture. Once the door has closed, the robot starts its welding tasks.
“At our plant, the WTG 1200 works reliably in 3-shift operation,” explains Markus Nickolai, Head of Production at Brüninghaus & Drissner. With great success: the mini robotic cell has resulted in significant productivity gains of up to 50 percent, as the operator is now able to prepare the next workpieces while automatic production is in progress.
That is not all, however: thanks to the repeatability of the small robot, the quality of the weld seams has also improved noticeably. It is therefore no surprise that Paul von der Bank GmbH is already working on the next mini-cell generation with KUKA robots for its customers. The WTG 1500 will then have an external axis for turning the welding fixture.