Both in Büllingen Belgium as in their production plant in Poland, people already have experience with the use of welding robots.
The unique combination of the DTPS offline programming system together with the Panasonic Thick Plate software has initially ensured that the Valk Welding solutions were mainly used for very small series while standard components where produced by other robots. This was mainly the production of subassemblies.
For the automation of larger assemblies and complete chassis, the main requirement was a large degree of flexibility in which all components must be programmed completely offline. They have experience with Valk Welding for several years and because new workpieces are offline programmed on daily basis, there was no doubt about meeting these requirements.
A second important aspect of the project was the adjustment to the seam preparation in which the deep penetration of the arc was very crucial. For this type of application, the Panasonic welding robots are equipped with a feature that greatly improves the penetration. During tests in the Technical Centre at Valk Welding in Alblasserdam the intended results have been achieved.
The installation consists of a large gantry structure with two welding robots and two workstations. At the first workstation major sub-assemblies will be welded on a large three-dimensional manipulator. The second and largest station will include complete chassis up to 10 tons and a length of 12 m.
Technical Director Guy Fickers: ‘Experience-wise we have learned that it is extremely important to get everything out of one house, both technically and in terms of project approach and aftersales service. Within Europe Valk Welding holds an unique position and we are happy to tackle together this for us important project’.
Both in terms of technology and in terms of project approach again a good example of ‘The strong connection’.