Linear Welding Robot

[rc0213]

Hi,

We do a lot of welding that is linear, a lot of "boxes" and truck beds.

I heard that there are welding "robots" that will weld linearly. I am looking to have an automatic welder that "walks" along a straight line on it's own.

We have a Bug O, and, you have to have constant supervision. We would like to try to get away from that.

Does anyone know if such thing exist? If so, who is the manufacturer?

Thanks!

 

[EdStainless]

There are linear track weld systems that are a lot more basic than robots.
We would set the alignment, lock it down with magnetic holders, adjust the torch angle and stand off, set the end of travel, and press the start button. It would weld straight lines all day.
Ours was heavier duty than a Bug, but similar concept.
I don't know what the newer Bug systems look like. Our unit was from the 60's and we had replaced everything but the track and drive system.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[rc0213]

We are hoping to have a portable linear track weld system that we can put in the bed of the truck and weld in there. We build "boxes", so I was hoping it was small enough to weld inside.

Our Bug O is so old, our operator are constantly monitoring it, more than usual.

If you know of a portable or modular track system, can you lead me the right direction on how to find them?

Thanks!

 

[EdStainless]

Start googling track welding machines.
I know that Lincoln and Gullco make them also.
I saw one once that used a piece of wide (2") roller chain as a track so that it could be wrapped around the outside of pipes.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[kingnero]

^^^ Those are mostly used for pipe bevelling machines, but a lot of orbital welding machines use the same technology. Great for Hi-torque applications.
I haven't seen them being used in linear applications, but without a doubt they're very efficient there as well.
As mentioned before, (magnetic) self-propelled carts together with guide tracks are common enough to find them in every welding shop. Easy to mount both GMAW and oxy-acetylene cutting torches on them.

 

Principle #1 in my Philosophy of Welding Automation is to use the simplest equipment/system that will bring the arc and the workpiece together.

Principle #2 is to take advantage of regular workpiece geometry wherever possible to preferably deliver the workpiece to a preferably fixed welding arc.


"Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they are not entitled to their own facts."

 

[weldstan]

We used new Bug-O equipment to weld vertical seams on LNG tanks about 10 years ago. Repair work was minimal compared with manual welding of similar seams with the same process and weld time much less. Greatly helped us in maintaining schedule. Arc Machines and Liburdi-Dimetrics both had equipment capable of similar performance but at considerable extra cost.

 

[IFRs]

Bug-O is the way to go. I've made several linear welding and stitch welding fixtures with them. I've welded well over 100,000 feet using them.
I've used their heavy duty track and a push-pull MIG gun.