TPT May 2010

W elding T echnology

Robotic TIG welding with integrated wire feeder

The TOPTIG torch is practically as compact as a MIG torch

A NEW robotic TIG welding process has been developed by Oerlikon Schweißtechnik combining the quality of TIG welding with the productivity of MIG welding. The key part of the technology is an original torch design: the wire feeding is orientated in an angle close to the tungsten electrode and running through the gas nozzle. This configuration provides the advantage of reduced overall dimensions and enhanced accessibility of the torch for robotic welding of complex geometries. Several technical features are associated to the new torch design, such as an automatic electrode changing system and a push pull wire feeder. The filler metal is fed through the nozzle directly into the arc with an angle of 20° to the electrode, precisely where the temperatures are the highest. This concept guarantees a high deposition rate and an efficient metal transfer. Parameter adjustment permits the choice of a liquid bridge transfer or a droplet transfer mode. In addition, the wire speed

can be pulsed and synchronised with the current, giving a waved weld bead appearance. Whatever the parameters selected, thanks to the precise energy control, the TOPTIG process ensures a TIG-quality result with a complete absence of spatter and avoids distortion on thin sheets. Besides the good welding performance, the compact TOPTIG torch simplifies parameter adjustment and robot trajectory programming. The torch permits multidirectional travelling, which is faster, easier to program and makes the sixth robot axis available for other purposes. Electrode changing is simple and quick, and can be performed manually or automatically, improving the productivity of the installation. TOPTIG is a flexible process that can be installed on a robot or on an automatic machine. It can be used effectively on

carbon or stainless steel plates up to 3mm as well as on titanium or nickel alloys or on galvanised sheets with weld brazing. Oerlikon Schweißtechnik GmbH – Germany

Fax: +49 63 514 76335 Email: info@oerlikon.de Website: www.oerlikon.de

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