The 26th International Sheet Metal Working Technology Exhibition, EuroBLECH 2022, has come to an end after four very successful days. A total of 38,076 trade visitors from all over the world travelled to Hannover to define the future of sheet metal working and face the current challenges. This year's trade fair included 1,300 exhibitors from 39 countries. ERL Automation GmbH was also there again this year and, together with ERL GmbH, presented its innovative solutions for automated welding and cutting. The innovations from ERL were met with great interest from the trade public and attracted numerous visitors to the stand.
ERL Automation presented the new plasma bevel unit erlcut-bevel for its erlcut cutting systems at the trade fair stand. The new plasma bevel unit is designed for welding bevels on flat material. It allows simple components with both bevels and vertical cut edges to be cut out of the sheet in a single step. Depending on the power source used, the plasma rotator allows bevels of up to 40 mm in length with angles between 0° and +/- 45°.
In addition, ERL Automation presented the new and unique erlcut-silent system concept. Depending on the sheet thickness, noise emissions of up to 110 db(A) can occur during plasma cutting. This is significantly above the permissible trigger threshold of 80 db(A), at which hearing protection measures must be taken according to occupational health and safety regulations. With the erlcut-silent system concept, the entire cutting area is located in a soundproof cabin. The enclosure reduces the noise by more than 30 db(A) and allows the operating personnel to work comfortably. Visitors were able to experience the noise reduction live at the trade fair stand. A real cutting noise was simulated in the soundproof booth on display. By opening and closing the sliding door, the trade public could see the effectiveness of the housing for themselves.
For the chamfering of complex components with oxyfuel and/or plasma technology, the company showed the BIBER cutting robot. A brand new feature of the BIBER is that chamfering or parting cuts can no longer only be realized economically on flat material. Three-dimensional workpieces, such as container bottoms, folded parts or rolled parts, can now also be machined quickly and easily with the proven cutting system without time-consuming teaching. This is made possible by the 3D-.step import. A special feature is also the new robot simulation BIBER.sim, with which the cutting programmes of the components can be virtually run on their respective table position before the robot processes them. In the process, for example, the reach, accessibility as well as cutting distances are checked so that the operator can be sure that the table occupancy can be manufactured without any problems.
ERL GmbH has presented the innovations around its ARCentre Basic system series. On the one hand, the systems are available with Fronius TPSi MIG/MAG equipment as well as with the new TCP Scout, a testing device for automatic control of the Tool Center Point, which serves to ensure a good welding result. During the test cycle, the robot moves through a control device from three different directions. Afterwards, the determined values are compared with the predefined values and a corresponding message is issued in case of deviations. The automatic test cycle can be triggered manually or integrated into the programme run.
In addition, ERL showed RoboView. RoboView is an automatically darkening privacy window in the protective fence of the robot system, through which the operator can follow the welding process and is protected from the arc at the same time. The privacy window is integrated into the system control so that the activation and deactivation of the privacy window is automatic. During the welding cycle, the operator can adjust the brightness individually by a small wheel.
In addition, ERL presented the component search by welding wire, whereby component displacements or deviations can be compensated for during the tacking process. The robot determines the position of the component via search travel by storing the respective position at which the welding wire touches the component. The robot then shifts the respective programme to the new position and starts the welding task without the operator having to intervene.
For customers interested in collaborative robots, ERL presented the ARCentre Mini series. The system series is equipped with an industrial robot that can also be taught as a cobot, making it even easier to get started with robotic welding. The systems can be individually configured: Three different table sizes and the complete range of Fronius welding technology are available. For easy positioning of components, ERL offers a zero-point clamping system that can be clamped either mechanically or pneumatically.
Numerous visitors took advantage of the opportunity to examine a wide variety of welding and cutting samples and to gain an insight into projects that have already been completed in a cosy atmosphere.
