Automatic bevelling for precise weld seam preparation

Citation

(1999), "Automatic bevelling for precise weld seam preparation", Industrial Robot, Vol. 26 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1999.04926aad.002

Automatic bevelling for precise weld seam preparation

Automatic bevelling for precise weld seam preparation

Keywords IGM, Robotics

What is thought to be the first fully automatic, sensor controlled autogenous bevelling machine has been introduced into the UK by IGM Robotic Systems Ltd.

Called IBS, the equipment will provide precise bevelling cuts for arbitrary contours with variable bevel angles, generating fully prepared welding seams in thick walled parts (see Plate 1). The critical accuracy required for subsequent automatic welding of components subject to high stress factors can be guaranteed. Typical applications include the manufacture of excavators, telescopic cranes, shipbuilding and general heavy steel structure fabrications.

Plate 1 Automatic bevelling of thick walled plates in operation on the new IBS machine from IGM Robotic Systems Ltd

The machine incorporates a specially developed parallelogram type cutting head mounted on a gantry type 3 axis slide system. This is combined with user-oriented controls and an innovative optical laser edge sensor providing workpiece positional checking and continuous guiding of the cutting torch.

This guarantees a land height or root face width accuracy of better than ± 0.5mm, together with exact adherence to the programmed geometry of the bezel parameters. With automatic 3D edge tracking and sheet thickness measurement, the equipment eliminates out-of-level problems traditionally associated with sub-standard cutting tables or heat distortion of plates from flame cutting.

This new machine tool optimises the mechanics and the control system for plane sheet bevelling with a processing speed of 0.8m/min (with sensing) and 1.5m/min (without sensing). It features two independent axes integrated within the control system for torch swivel action and rotation. Any cutting angle in any movement direction can be adjusted through the cutting torch parallelogram guiding mechanism. Horizontal movements are performed through the machine linear axes only.

Bevelling of both upper and lower edges can be undertaken without turning over the workpiece. This includes contour curves, inner and outer corner bevels and holes with a minimum radii of 80mm. Material thicknesses up to 300mm can be accommodated. Where workpieces are CAD designed, the bevelling process can be generated from the CAD data to maintain even greater accuracy with the elimination of potential errors.

Optional hardware and software options include:

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  Programme selection through barcode reader.

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  Automatic cutting nozzle exchange for various widths.

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  Camera rotation for upper and lower bevelling with cranked torches.

Further information on the IBS machine is available on request to IGM Robotic Systems Ltd, Unit 18/20, Avon Business Park, Wolverhampton Road, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 1LT. Tel: +44 (0)1543 462931; Fax: +44 (0)1543 462836.