The Schweissen & Schneiden trade fair took place in Essen from 11 - 15 September 2023. 826 exhibitors presented their new products and innovations from the world of joining, cutting and coating technology to around 40,000 trade visitors from 124 nations. ERL Automation GmbH was also present again this year and, together with ERL GmbH and Migal.co GmbH, presented its innovative solutions for welding and cutting. The innovations from ERL met with great interest from the trade audience and attracted numerous visitors to the stand.
ERL Automation presented the proven BIBER robotic cutting system for bevelling complex components for the first time with the new KUKA IONTEC robot mechanics at the trade fair stand. This technological leap gives users even more application options, because thanks to the slimmer steel casting and the higher dynamics, system concepts with a cutting width of up to 3500 mm are now also possible. In addition, the robotic cutting system comes with a completely new operating unit. The well thought-out concept offers sufficient storage space for documents, keyboard and mouse. Several drawers provide storage space for wear parts and tools. The control cabinet is also integrated into the control station as a pull-out element and is thus easily accessible at all times. The new control unit is equipped with a large, modern monitor that makes operation even easier. Compared to the predecessor model, the 24-inch display with full HD resolution is not only significantly larger, but also has a multi-touch surface.
In addition, ERL Automation showed its erlcut gantry cutting system at the exhibition stand, which can be used for vertical cutting using plasma and oxyfuel, but also for other processes such as plasma bevelling, drilling, countersinking, threading and marking. The company also presented the unique erlcut-silent system concept. Especially during plasma cutting, noise emissions of up to 110 db(A) can occur, depending on the sheet thickness. This is well above the permissible trigger level 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 sound reducing cabin on display. By opening and closing the sliding door, the trade public could see the effectiveness of the enclosure for themselves.
With the ARCwelder device series, ERL GmbH presented its own welding devices for the first time in the company's history. As a start, the company presented MIG/MAG devices in the range from 220 to 500 A with and without pulse function. The PPSi 5000, for example, offers 400 A at 100% on-time. Robot power sources, wire feeders and robot control panels were also on display. The units have a modular design and can be configured according to customer requirements. They are controlled via standard push-buttons or touch screen or rotary-push input. To make things as easy as possible for the user, the same control system is installed in any size of the machine. The main control can be integrated either in the case or in the power source. In addition to the standard processes, the devices also offer special processes. For example, an energy-reduced short arc or a high-pressure pulsed arc for deeper penetration. All common burners with a Euro central connector can be attached to the machines. We are also already planning function torches.
Another highlight presented by ERL GmbH at Schweissen & Schneiden was the ARCentre Basic system Ares for the entry into automated welding of small and medium series. A characteristic feature of this system layout is a manual rotating table that offers 2 stations. A component up to 1,500 mm long can be clamped on a hole system table while the robot welds in the work area. The heart is a collaborating FANUC robot that combines the advantages of an industrial robot and a cobot. The robot can be programmed in different ways - either by drag & drop, i.e. you guide the mechanics to the desired position and save the point, by teach panel or offline on a PC. The CRX-20 has a reach of 1,400 mm and a load capacity of 20 kg. Thus, safe reorientation is possible even with complicated geometries. As power sources, the company recommends the new ARCwelder welding systems, such as the PPSi 5000, which offers 400 A at 100 % on-time.
Last but not least, ERL GmbH showed its new wires for welding steel constructions. These are offered in the unalloyed and medium-alloyed range as well as for fine-grain steels up to S690 and they are available on spools as well as in drums.
Furthermore, Migal.co GmbH presented its product range on the approximately 200 m² group stand - from high-quality filler metals made of aluminium alloys in a wide variety of containers to the complete range of products for optimal wire transport from the drum to the welding robot. Various application examples in which the Migal.co welding wire is used, such as a RollsRoyce bodywork as well as additively manufactured components, aroused the interest of the trade audience.
Numerous visitors took advantage of the opportunity to examine a wide variety of welding and cutting samples and to gain insights into already realised projects in a cosy atmosphere.
