Assembly robots are designed to move freely around their own axis. They have arms equipped with heads that replicate human hand functions in welding, gluing, or riveting processes. This not only helps optimize costs but also improves the quality of the resulting joints while eliminating potential errors. As a result, the overall efficiency of the enterprise can be enhanced. Here’s a look at how welding, gluing, and riveting are being robotized.
Robotization in Welding Processes
Welding is the process of physically joining two materials. During the work, a weld is created, forming a direct, permanent connection. Robotic welding stations are equipped with a welding head. The individual materials are placed on positioning tables and in fixtures. This setup replaces human labor, which in most companies would have had to perform this manually. The devices are also equipped with various types of positioners, which have two sides and rotate during operation. After completing the task, the device turns, and the operator can remove the welded part and place the next piece on the table. Robots are also equipped with cleaning elements that activate automatically at set intervals, so the operator does not have to clean manually, ensuring consistently high-quality welds. Robotic welding also enhances safety. The process generates intense light effects, making face masks necessary. During the assembly of welding robots, special shields are often installed, which in many cases almost completely isolate the worker from the device.
Robotized Gluing Processes
Gluing is the process of creating bonds that utilize the adhesive properties of various substances. The material penetrates the surface and then hardens, forming a durable joint. In many cases, adhesives release harmful fumes, and sometimes the work requires higher temperatures, full concentration, and careful attention. The quality of the resulting bond depends on the operator. To ensure maximum durability and process repeatability, gluing robots were developed. Their task is to guide the adhesive tool with precise accuracy and speed. They can employ different techniques, temperatures, and pressures. The devices apply the adhesive to each material with consistent quality and precision. As a result, the joints are symmetrical, properly pressed, and the adhesive layer is optimal, free of air bubbles, and fully cured. Robotic gluing mainly relies on an arm that applies the adhesive layer to the object, while a second arm presses the element onto the surface.
Robotized Welding Operations
Welding is the process of joining metals and plastics by locally pressing individual components together, utilizing the plastic properties of the materials at the appropriate temperature. Industrial welding machines are large devices with welding heads, which makes the use of high-capacity robots necessary. Robotic welding is employed, for example, during the assembly of car components. The devices do not have positioners, and the work is carried out linearly. After one process is completed, the component moves forward, and the next machine performs the corresponding task. Robotic welding processes are effective in the automotive industry as well as in many other applications.
Automation of assembly brings numerous benefits. It not only increases the efficiency and productivity of a company but also improves the quality of glued, welded, and soldered joints. This helps reduce human errors, expand the product range, or modify the technology. Proper design of production lines is also crucial, as it minimizes human intervention. It is sufficient to load the components, and each workstation performs its designated task according to the set parameters.
