GKN Autostructures, Automation: GKN Autostructures continues its investment in ABB technology
Adjust font size:
Manufacturing News, Source : The Manufacturer
Published : 14 Mar 2002 11:10
New robot welding line sparks impressive productivity gains
GKN Autostructures of Telford has installed a new automated manufacturing facility for the assembly of Ford Transit front suspensions, steering arms, dead beams and side members, with a complement of 68 ABB metal inert gas (MIG) and spot welding robots. Efficiency is such that the facility's axle line has already worked up to producing 3,000 units per week.
Even though three separate system integrators have been involved in building the facility, all have specified IRB6400 spot welding and IRB1400 S4C 'Arcitec' MIG welding robots throughout.
The IRB6400 is driving up efficiency for GKN through its extremely high mean time between failure rate coupled to a design which, in the unlikely event of a defect, lends itself to rapid trouble-shooting and rectification. Any spot welding cable, for example, can be replaced in less than 15 minutes.
In a similar fashion, the IRB1400 'Arcitec' MIG welding robot, with a handling capacity of 5kg, gives spatter-free operation at higher welding speeds, excellent arc stability, easier programming for GKN personnel and a compact, reliable design.
The new line replaces a line of 25 ABB robots, which has been in almost constant use since 1991. The quality and reliability of these robots is such that many of them are to be refurbished at ABB Flexible Automation's UK headquarters at Milton Keynes and then re-commissioned.
Comments on this story
click here to add a comment
You must be registered & logged in to add comments
already have an account and just want to login?
Related Content
Manufacturing is to begin again at Fort Dunlop
MANUFACTURING: Refurbished landmark industrial...
more…
McCain’s is to migrate to wind power
FOOD: Turbines to provide over half annual power...
more…
New president of the SBAC defends the right to fly
AEROSPACE: Entering a defining period where...
more…
Sheffield Forgemasters
Sheffield Forgemasters is to give its 700-strong...
more…
SSL International
SSL International, which manufactures Durex...
more…
no comments yet...