Force tester puts welds on the spot

Citation

(2004), "Force tester puts welds on the spot", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 51 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.2004.12851eab.004

Force tester puts welds on the spot

Force tester puts welds on the spot

Keywords: Welding, Force measurement, Robotics

A novel clamping force tester can be integrated with electrode cap machining and weld current checking to provide an efficient service station to optimise welding performance and maintenance.

To meet the need for a simple to install and operate method of testing spot welding equipment, Kistler has introduced a clamping force tester that can be integrated with electrode cap machining and weld current checking to provide an efficient service station to optimise performance and maintenance.

The key to the tester is the robust, long life piezoelectric force transmitter that measures clamping force accurately and reliably at minimum electrode spacing.

Damping elements in the transmitter mountings balance out variations in the positioning and impact of the welding tongs.

Spot welding, applied to both manual and robotic production methods, is a reliable and cost-effective method of joining sheet metal components, provided all the operating parameters are maintained within specification.

Electrode cap shape, welding current and clamping force are interdependent and require regular monitoring, if weld quality and productivity are not to be jeopardised.

The Kistler spot welding force tester is an effective method of checking manual and robotic welding systems allowing potential malfunctions to be detected and maintenance to be targeted to reduce operating costs, minimise rework and enhance productivity.

For more information, contact: Alresford House, Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2QJ, UK. Tel: +44 1420 544477; Fax: +44 1420 544474.