CLYDE ENGINEERING

Robots Getting Sydneysiders on Track

With the first carriage due on the tracks in late 2000, Clyde Engineering are building the latest generation update from the Tangara passenger train at their engineering facility in Newcastle. Clyde are using Motoman robotic technology from Robotic Automation for arc welding of headstock for railway bogies as part of the 4GT SRA project for the Sydney rail system.

This is the second Motoman robot in the Evans Deakin Group used for welding. Queensland manufacturer Walkers Limited are using Motoman robots to weld the fabricated bogie structures for Queensland Rail SMU railcars.

Clyde are using a Motoman SK16MX for arc welding in this project to increase productivity, ensure consistent quality welds and to overcome the physical restraints of working with large workpieces.

Robotic Automation worked closely with Clyde's project team during concept and design stages, to ensure the final solution met all of Clyde's requirements.

Robotic Automation are leaders in robotic technology. Through their close association with Motoman Robotics, Robotic Automation offer a complete turnkey service; site evaluation, design, supply of all automation equipment, installation, commissioning, operator training, and after sales support.

GANTRY WELDING SYSTEM IN OPERATION

One of Queensland's largest engineering companies, Walkers Limited, is successfully operating its latest investment, the largest single robotic welding unit in Australia.

To meet a doubling in production levels, Walkers required a solution which could meet the requirements of a new contract and automate their welding and production process.

After looking at units operating in Europe, Walkers commissioned Robotic Automation to install the Motoman gantry system at its plant in Maryborough, Queensland.

The gantry welding system will be used initially to weld the fabricated bogie structures for the Queensland Rail SMU railcars currently being produced at Walkers.

Flexibility
The flexibility of the robot means it will also be used to weld other components for projects by the rail, sugar and general engineer. The actual welding torch can be positioned and operated anywhere within an envelope of 15 metres long by 4.5 metres wide by 2.9 metres deep, all to an accuracy of plus or minus 0.2 mm.

The system came fully optioned and includes touch sensing and seam tracking, allowing the actual torch path to be modified automatically to adjust for any movement through heat expansion or contraction of the parent metal.

The gantry system works in conjunction with a servo driven rotary positioner which carries the components for welding. With a capacity of 5000 kg, this positioner is able to present one complete rail bogie to the welder for final welding.

Once the welding route has been set, the robot has the ability to then apply multiple passes with the same degree of accuracy and repeatability. This is essential for ensuring consistent product quality.

Motoman are pioneers in robotic technology and are one of the world's largest suppliers of Arc Welding robots, with over 50,000 robots in use throughout the world. The extensive range of robots can cater for the smallest welding job right through to the size of this Walkers requirement and beyond.

As exclusive Australasian distributors of Motoman robots, Robotic Automation have been able to assist Walkers with each step of their investment, from identifying and sourcing the correct equipment to meet their needs, installing the equipment to a strict timetable, programming the robot and training several Walkers staff in the operation of the unit.