Welding robot investment pays off

04 May 2011

The Youngman Group is achieving flexible production and improved productivity, thanks to a £2.5 million investment in automation, including two fully-automated Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) welding cells featuring ABB IRB 1600 robots. These are mounted on a servo driven track to increase the working area of the cell and enabling one robot to reach long workpieces. With the positioning of the welding torch critical to the joint required, the track motion system ensures the accuracy of the process while maintaining the required production rate. Steve Bartholomew, account manager for ABB Robotics takes up the story:

"The development of the CMT welding process called on our most experienced welding engineers to develop a complete right first time solution, which was created in combination with ABB's RobotStudio simulation software. The results speak for themselves, with Youngman experiencing a dramatic increase in flexible production, enabling the business to meet even the most challenging production demands.

"We programmed the welding cells to operate around the clock, six days a week and are pleased to note the investment has already begun to significantly improve production efficiency. Youngman were at an advantage at the outset. The choice to look forward and invest in automated technology was made ahead of the economic downturn, enabling the business, which was already performing well, to present a strong case for investment."