KUKA has developed an automatic process incorporating special loading and clamping tooling, specifically for robotguided laser welding for de-icing panels on light-aircraft wings. The components are manually loaded alternatively on two transfer-carts outside the station, to ensure high utilization of the robot and laser. The transfer-carts are designed to carry all the different assembly fixtures, some up to 3m in length.

In the laser welding station the carriages are locked in position. First, each part is measured using an integrated touch-probe in order to obtain the high quality and positional accuracy demanded from the aerospace industry. Thereafter, the laser welding process is completed, the welding parameters are downloaded on an RFID chip for data logging and the transfercart exits the cell.

Technical Data

• Soldered joints: 24 - 28
• Total seam length: up to 4 m
• Part size: Up to 6 m
• Cycle time: < 250 sec
• Foot print: 11 m x 6 m
• Price: On Request
• Configurations:
  • Multi Cell Concept per Laser Source
  • Automatic Transport System

Components

Basic:

• Robot
• Laser Welding Head
• Fixture Cart with Media Docking
• Measuring Device (robot mounted)
• Laser Safety Booth
• PLC Siemens S7 or others

Scope:

• Video Supervision
• Process Diagnosis
• Vision System
• Flexible Clamping Devices
• Automated Cart Transport System
• Safe Robot
• KUKA KS ArcTec cw (Cold Wire Feeder)
• KUKA RoboScan