• SKS Frontpull 8i

    Frontpull 8i

    SKS welding torch with precision close to the process

  • Frontpull 8i

    SKS welding torch with precision close to the process

Frontpull 8i:

Endlessly rotatable welding torch from SKS with close-to-process wire feeding

The Frontpull 8i torch system combines two design principles: From the proven Power Joint comes the principle of the high-current rotary joint. It dissolves the otherwise rigid connection between the robot and the welding torch. The result: The robot-guided torch can rotate endlessly – even beyond 360°. The wire feeding, the flow of electric current, electric signals and inert gas works without restriction – and without torsion of the torch cable.

The second design principle is wire feeding close to the process. This innovation is only possible thanks to the high-quality and lightweight engine. The highly dynamic 50 W brushless DC motor provides advantages otherwise only offered by a servo motor.

The high-precision wire feeder enables the use of the heat-reduced microMIG and micoMIG-cc welding processes and supports the uniform feeding of aluminum filler metals. By opening an electrical contact, the integrated collision detection system reports collisions with the workpiece or fixture, protecting both the robot and torch system from damage.

With its light weight and compact design, the Frontpull 8i also features the advantages of robotic systems with small payloads.

SKS Welding Systems Schweißprozess microMIG Animation

Welding process microMIG

SKS Welding Systems Schweißprozess KF-Puls Animation

Welding process KF-Puls

  • Advantages in the welding process:

    • Close-to-process wire feed directly in the torch system ensures uniform and precise wire feed even with soft aluminum filler materials
    • High-quality, lightweight and compact motor ensures high process control speeds and dynamics  
    • Compact design of the Frontpull 8i allows excellent accessibility and an ideal torch position at any time
    • Very precise wire electrode feeding
    • Enables and supports heat-reduced processes (microMIG and microMIG-cc), as well as spatter-reduced arc ignition (LiftArc)
  • Advantages in interaction with the robot:

    • Internal and torsion-free torch cable ensures full utilization of the robot’s “freedom of movement”
    • Low weight relieves the robot and increases its dynamics
    • Compact design allows good accessibility even in narrow fixtures
    • Unlimited rotation eliminates the need for reorientation of the robot and simplify its programming
    • Saves programming & non-productive times and reduces costs
    • Integrated collision detection protects the robot and welding torch
    • TCP (Tool Center Point) accuracy after torch neck change: ± 0.2 mm
  • Advantages for investments (ROI):

    • Highest flexibility due to modular torch series design, easy changeover/conversion from other systems to Frontpull
    • Precise and reproducible welding results, high seam quality
    • Uses standard SKS accessories such as drive rollers and torch necks
    • Wear parts compatible with all SKS torch systems
    • Reduced variety of parts in stock
    • Time savings and higher efficiency
    • Digital data transmission, evaluation, analysis and documentation
    • No torsional stresses on the torch cable increases the service life and availability of the torch system
    • Over 10,000 torch systems sold and in continuous industrial use

Frontpull 8i Features

Endless Rotation

Yes No

Welding Materials

Aluminum Low-alloy steels High-alloy steels Copper alloys Nickel-based materials

Welding Processes

microMIG & microMIG-cc KF-Pulse Pulse MIG-brazing GMAW/MIG

Cooling

Air Water

Endless Rotation

Yes

No

Welding Materials

Aluminum

Low-alloy steels

High-alloy steels

Copper alloys

Nickel-based materials

Welding Processes

microMIG & microMIG-cc

KF-Pulse

Pulse

MIG-brazing

GMAW/MIG

Cooling

Air

Water

For all commonly used robot types

Weight:

3.80 kg

Max. Power:

420 A – 60 % duty cycle

Wire Diameter:

0.8 – 1.6 mm

TCP Accuracy:

± 0.20 (at 400 mm)

Frontpull 8i accessories

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