TPT March 2014

Industry News

Investment in new development facilities

Robotic installation with TIG torch

multi-directional and multi-tasking tool holders – are suited to welding by focusing on the torch, the decisive component in the tools developed by Polysoude. The ‘robotics’ approach is not a recent phenomenon at Polysoude. On numerous occasions over the last decade or more, the company has integrated different brands of robot to meet customer needs as closely as possible. Wherever irreproachable joint quality is a compulsory factor, the axes of movement and motion peripherals are designed on a case-by-case basis to transform the robot into a more suitable control device. The robot can accommodate all types of torch depending on the cold-wire or hot-wire TIG or plasma welding process adopted, not only for standard joints but also narrow gap applications. This approach has resulted in the acquisition of new programming skills within the company’s applications department for the development of welding procedures. At the Polysoude Future plans call for an expansion of the building to over 100,000ft 2 , enabling Rattunde to produce its entire finished length tube and solid bar production sys- tems there. This decision was reached after analysis of the current and antici- pated business needs of the company. According to Rattunde Corporation president Richard Stadler, growth of the company into diverse markets throughout North America made the new facility a logical choice. “There were several reasons why we wanted to remain in the greater Grand Rapids area, but one of the main reasons is the excellent talent base here. Companies are built on people and, whether you are looking for an experienced veteran

POLYSOUDE has been proposing comprehensive automated welding solutions for many years. Multi-axis CNC systems, and even robots, are designed to cope with demands for increasingly high welding or cladding speeds in numerous industrial sectors. Many industrial manufacturers faced with high output rates must also tackle difficulties relating to the complexity of the applications and the solutions available on the market. If the purchase and definition of components are within their grasp, the assembly and interfacing required to turn them into a functional machine can prove to be a more arduous task. Polysoude enables full integration through its commitment to supply turnkey systems. Conventional automated welding solutions are restricted in most cases to linear or rotary movements due to the torch holder. However, manufacturers increasingly have to deal with complex welding or cladding trajectories, limited accessibility, or environmental constraints. Robots – essentially multi-functional, RATTUNDE, a Germany-based manu- facturer of finished length tube and solid bar production systems, has been operating in the North American market for over seven years. The company is building a 30,000ft 2 facility near its current location in Grand Rapids, Michigan, scheduled to open in April. The plant will continue to house the North American sales and service operations and will allow for expanded spare parts inventory and manufacturing operations, including the production of tooling and various machine components. The new facility will also house a technical centre with a machine on-site at all times for demonstration and training.

headquarters in Nantes, France, the company has invested in a robot to develop specific tools and to study these applications. This opens up other channels in which technological solutions can be optimised to ensure that perfect integration can be achieved.

Polysoude – France Website: www.polysoude.com

German supplier to manufacture in USA

of industry or a fresh graduate from one of our ranking high schools, colleges, or universities, outstanding people can be found here.” Concurrent with this development, Rattunde has expanded its workforce with technical service and administrative personnel. Rattunde & Co GmbH – Germany Fax: +49 3874 4240204

Email: acs@rattunde-co.de Website: www.rattunde-co.de

Rattunde Corp – USA Fax: +1 616 940 2771 Email: company@rattunde-corp.com Website: www.rattunde-corp.com

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M arch 2014