Modern MIG/MAG robot welding technology meets the highest quality requirements, which manual welding technology must also meet. The constant desire for complete automation is contrasted by technical feasibility and economic efficiency when it comes to complex component geometries. In some applications, it therefore makes sense – technically and economically – to use manual processes for the last welding steps. However, the same high quality is required here as in robotic welding. To ensure the quality of robotic welding equipment is also available for manual welding technology, SKS has developed a special Weld Package and and implemented it with proven components from its robot applications.

Space-saving installation

The SAM stationary Weld Package is designed for fixed (stationary) installation at a rework or welding station. The LSQ power source with integrated Q4 controller can be placed on the wall or under the welding table to save space. The PF5 wire feeder is mounted on a bracket on the wall to ensure good access to the wire. The wire is fed via a wire barrel or a wire spool holder mounted to the wire feed console, and theshielding gas is usually provided via a central system.

The simplified design using SKS standard components facilitates maintenance and installation. Furthermore, the operating concept is based on SKS standard controls, so that the training effort required to use the torch system is very low. The advantages of using robotic welding technology for manual welding are clear: The high-quality processing of the components ensure a very long service life. The wear parts are standard wear parts that were developed for the high demands of the use on robots. With the use of standard robot components, a lower variety of parts is achieved, which minimizes storage complexity.

In addition, the support and monitoring functions of the robotic applications are now available for manual welding. The available welding processes and material characteristics correspond to those of the robot welding system and ensure optimum joining of a wide range of materials. For manual welding, the same parameters and processes can be used as for robot applications. The software tools included free of charge in the scope of delivery, allows easy administration of the weld controller via a standard PC or notebook (reading, writing and saving of welding parameters and documentation features). With the simple duplication of the predefined welding parameters, manual workstations can be configured quickly and reliably.