In a significant development in the production of electric vehicles, industrial automation specialist Kuka has secured a large-scale order for 23 friction stir welding cells with integrated robots. As one of the leading companies in the automation sector, Kuka has demonstrated its capabilities in delivering complex robotic workcells, further solidifying its reputation in the industry.
The Largest Order Yet
The company has supplied 23 friction stir welding cells with KR Fortec robots to an automotive customer for the production of electric vehicles. The company claims that this is the largest single order for robotic work cells in this area to date. This remarkable achievement underscores Kuka’s ability to deliver cutting-edge technologies, customized to meet the specific needs of their customers.
Friction Stir Welding in Electric Vehicle Production
Friction stir welding (FSW) cells are integrated into production lines for electric vehicles where they are used in several production steps. Kuka’s robots weld battery trays together and join cooling plates to battery trays in a second production step. With this technology, battery trays that play a crucial role in electric vehicles, which must be leak-proof, resilient, support the correct temperature of the batteries and ensure occupant safety in the event of an accident.
In 3D welding, robot-based FSW technology is particularly suitable for, as it requires complex clamping technology for which Kuka has contributed to expertly engineered solutions. The equipment features a tool changer and a cleaning station for fully automatic operation.
Custome
The customer was particularly impressed with Kuka’s comprehensive expertise and their years of experience in various areas of expertise, from process technology and engineering to collaboration with sales experts. This shows the importance of effective communication in business, and Kuka clearly delivers on this front.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Friction Stir Welding?
Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a welding process where a rotating tool, pin-like, is moved between the contact surfaces of the component to cause the material to plasticize and join it. It is a low-energy-consuming and environmentally friendly process that has found applications in various industries, including robotics, manufacturing, and construction.
What are the Key Advantages of FSW over Other Welding Processes?
FSW exhibits numerous advantages over traditional welding processes. They are: (1) environment friendly, (2) low-material-consumption, (3) flexible applicability to different materials, (4) lower energy consumption, and (5) requires no shielding gas or flux-core wire.
Is FSW Used Widely Across Industries?
Yes, FSW finds extensive applications in various industries, including construction, aviation, electrical, and manufacturing. FSW is used for joining dissimilar materials such as aluminum and magnesium, copper or steel. It has become popular for its high-quality joint properties and the absence of post-production machining.
How Does Kuka Continue to Develop FSW Technology?
Kuka, in collaboration with research partners at the University of Augsburg, is involved in the development of AI-based monitoring of weld seams. This technology seeks to streamline the process and reduce material costs.
How Does Kuka Utilize AI in FSW
Kuka utilizes AI to monitor the quality of FSW seams during the process. This technology offers an opportunity to inspect weld joints real-time, which reduces quality inspection costs and enhances production efficiency.
In this report, we have discussed Kuka’s contribution to the development of friction stir welding cells for the production of electric vehicles, where they have secured a significant single-order. Kuka’s expertise lies in delivering complex robotic work cells, customized to meet the client’s specific needs. As the company is at the forefront of FSW development, we can expect to witness innovations in the welding process further.
