Keywords
Citation
(2002), "Dana chooses KUKA robot duo", Industrial Robot, Vol. 29 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2002.04929baf.003
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2002, MCB UP Limited
Dana chooses KUKA robot duo
Keywords: Robots, Welding
Two industrial robot cells have been supplied by KUKA to international vehicle component maker Dana for welding heavy-duty axles at its Birmingham manufacturing facility.
A pair of KUKA's versatile KR15 robots, which can handle payloads up to 15kg, are being used to produce axles for Land Rovers, LDV and Ford Transit vans at Dana's factory in Witton (Plate 5).
Each robot is equipped with a range of accessories including an integrated MIG welding torch, single feed wire system and powerful KUKA Quardro drive which is mounted on the robot wrist for optimum levels of process reliability and stability.
As part of the installation at Dana, KUKA also supplied single and double versions of its turnover workpiece positioners. These are used to clamp the steel axle components into place before being rotated into the robot's working envelope.
Plate
5
The robot then guides the welding torch to the various seams, making a series of welds. At the end of the welding process, the turnover positioner is rotated again in preparation for the unloading of the welded components.
The robot is operated via a KUKA hand- held control panel which enables welding parameters to be edited and saved for each specific component and seam.
Both robot cells, which are protected by pneumatically-operated internal and external rise and fall operator doors, also incorporate KUKA's unique cable dressing layout. The welding harness is built into the robot so that there are no flailing cables.
Further information can be obtained from KUKA on 0121 585 0800 or by sending an email to sales@kuka.co.uk KUKA's website can be found at http://www.kuka.com