imity to people in a production environment with no barriers. No integration is required; it comes out of the box with hardware, software, controls, user interface, safety, and sensors. It can perform a wide range of tasks incuding material handling, light assembly, loading/unloading, and testing and sorting. The robot features two arms, each with seven axes of motion, built-in electric grippers, and five cameras. It is priced at $22,000. Rethink Robotics, Inc., www.rethinkrobotics. com The UDR-V2011 ultradynamic-range weld video camera system filters the light from the arc to produce images in the range best seen by the human eye. With the system, it is possible to view the arc, electrode, weld pool, joint and surrounding base metal before, during, and after the welding process live or record the images for later use. Designed for use in automated welding for weld quality assurance, and for development and setup of weld processes. The system includes the camera, laptop or desktop computer, software, and cables — Fig. 16. There is no need for physical filters, the software performs the filtering function. It records the full ultradynamic range of up to 10,000,000:1. InterTest, www.intertest. com The LD-600R, a compact tilt/turn positioner, handles pieces in excess of 1100 lb six in. off the table — Fig. 17. Operation is simple with standard foot switch and pendant controls, as well as an easyto read protractor dial indicator. It also offers a compact size (705 lb unit weight) and square footprint design. The positioner can be used with GTA and GMA welding machines. A new noise tolerance design reduces the impact generated during GTAW to ensure stable rotation. The company’s exclusive antidust and spatter design allows stable operation. It is useful for users in pipefitting and petrochemical industries along with boilermakers. Options include a torch stand, automatic welding controller, and work chuck. Koike Aronson, Inc./Ransome, www.koike.com The Powermax105® offers a 105-A air plasma system for hand and automated cutting as well as gouging — Fig. 18. It cuts 11⁄4-in.-thick metal and severs metal up to 2 in. thick. Based on the same technology platform as the Powermax65 and Powermax85, the product represents four years of research, engineering, and testing. Also, it delivers faster cut speed, improved cut quality, and long consumable life; seven torch options for cutting and gouging versatility, whether by hand, machine, or robot; and patented Smart- Sense™ technology that automatically adjusts gas pressure and detects when consumables have reached end of life. Hypertherm, www.hypertherm.com The HS-80, HS-165, and HS-200, combined with Panasonic’s G3 welding robot, position the material for welding to provide a synchronized robotic system — Fig. 19. They are available in 80-, 165-, and 200-kg versions. The common pendant and language eliminates the need to learn extra robotic languages. The robots work in tandem to complete tasks. In addition, programming the weld position becomes as easy as working with a fixed workpiece, ensuring out-of-position welding is avoided. The material handling robots offer network capabilities with fully digital communication protocol. They are also useful for heavy equipment, automotive, and material handling industries. Miller Electric Mfg. Co., www.millerwelds. com Jackson Safety’s autodarkening welding helmets featuring Balder technology give welders a clear view from various angles, reducing eye fatigue as well as the WELDING JOURNAL 35 Fig. 15 — Rethink Robotics designed its robot so anyone could program it and so people could work near it without the need for a safety cage. Fig. 17 — A new design in LD600R, a portable multipurpose positioner, reduces the impact of noise generated during GTAW ensures stable rotation. Fig. 18 — For cutting and gouging flexibility, the Powermax105® features seven torch options. Fig. 19 — The G3 material handling robots, combined with Panasonic’s G3 welding robot, position the material for optimum welding. Fig. 16 — The software of the UDRV2011 digital weld video camera system filters out the light from the welding arc so users see a clear image of the weld.
Welding Journal | January 2013
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