Welding a complete rail car bogie in a single clamping - Robot cuts welding time by 40%

Seven years ago, when Neuweiler AG, Kreuzlingen/Switzerland, opted for a type “RT 330 S“ welding robot from igm, Wiener Neudorf/Austria, they were specifically planning to perform automated welding on largeformat workpieces. The robot works synchronously with an “RWM 2 10,000 RCi“ L-shaped manipulator and an “RFP 10,000A 1“ counter bearing. Each has a load capacity of 10 metric tons, so together they can manipulate heavy workpieces of up to 20 tons. The robot system is also equipped with a high-speed “RWM 2 1,000 RCi“ L-shaped manipulator for small parts. A pit in the machine foundation makes it possible to manoeuvre even very awkwardly dimensioned workpieces without the need for a lift mechanism. According to CEO Christian Neuweiler, this is the largest welding robot system in Switzerland. Based on current information, it may be the only one in all of Europe thus far to weld complete bogie frames for railway locomotives in a single clamping.