LATEST Trends in welding technology
As welding technology is relatively new discipline ,and as the new
developments take place continuously ,one must keep track of latest trends in order not to miss using .There are many new features in equipment which improve quality of welds.An attempt is made to give a brief report on some of the developments.
Resistance spot welding
Resistance spot welding robots form the largest group of welding applications. Most of these are in the automotive industry, where a group of robots can work simultaneously on a single body.Articulated arm robots are most commonly used, but there are examples of gantry systems being used for larger components, such as railway wagon side panels,and other large sheet metal fabrication
applications.
Dynamic resistance.
The quality of resistance spot welds may vary due to the surface conditions of the sheets, electrode tip wear, electrode force fluctuations, current shunting and transient changes in the welding parameters. Various methods of monitoring spot weld quality in order to detect the effect of these variations have been proposed but the dynamic resistance technique is the most reliable for critical industrial applications.Computer-based dynamic resistance monitors are suitable for on-line surveillance of automation systems and robotic welding stations.
Seam arc welding processes -Robotics
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.The predominant applications have been concerned with the fabrication of thin-sheet-steel using the GMAW process.
Seam arc welding applications require accurate positioning of the welding torch and precise control of the travel speed during the welding operation.
Robotic power beam welding
The use of robots for laser and electron beam welding applications is a new development.
Modular low cost automation system
A welding automation system may be developed very quickly using this approach and costly design attempts are not required. The standard parts are easily interchangeable.Total cost of the installation is kept to a minimum. The system may be used for most arc welding processes and is particularly suitable for GMAW, GTAW and plasma welding. Control of position and operating sequences and interface with the welding equipment is possible by an electronic logic system. The capabilities of the system may be enhanced by using industrial programmable controller.
Inverter power source and applications
The distinctive advantages of inverter based welding power sources are:
Excellent welding characteristics
Quick response time & constant output supply
Improved features for welding applications
Energy efficient due to its high power factor & efficiency
Low weight & hence easy to transport.
Inverter technology is latest trend in power sources and now available for MMAW, TIG, MIG/ MAG, PLASMA and many other processes. Inverters are available with Analogue controls & Digital controls.
Friction stir welding is now a well established process widely used in many industrial sectors.Robotic friction stir welding systems find use for contour welding.