Manufacturing the metal frame that reinforces and supports the visible portion of an instrument panel of an automobile requires the joining of as many as 27 main components. They must be welded under tight tolerances to meet stringent quality and design specifications. In addition, thin-wall tubing and small stampings in these panels create unique welding and fixturing challenges. For these reasons, Center Mfg., Byron Center, MI, employs digitally controlled welding power sources, from Lincoln Electric, along with agile six-axis robots, from Fanuc, for its two main instrument-dash-panel lines. It receives 60- to 70-percent higher productivity using robots than it would by employing manual welding methods. Unlike many shops, where robotic-welding units work independently, Center Mfg. employs three primary robotic-welding workcenters on each of the two lines, functioning in assembly-line fashion. Each robot welds a portion of the panel and then transfers the subassembly down the line through a system of chutes and cooling racks until welding is complete.
Driven by robotic welding
Metal Forming ; 36 , 1 ; 26-29
2002
3 Seiten, 3 Bilder
Article (Journal)
English
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