Design and analysis of robot and fixture pedestal for OTC FD-V8 MAG welding robot

Abstract

Abstract The use of automation in the welding process is favoured due to its capacity to enhance the welding quality and expedite the completion of the task. Welding is a commonly automated process in assembly lines, with many companies relying on robotic welding due to its efficient nature. The key advantages of an automated welding process include higher-quality welds, increased productivity, reduced waste production, and lower labour costs. Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is of two types: namely, Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding or Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding. GMAW is a welding process that involves a welding gun through which a wire electrode and a shielding gas are fed continuously. This process is commonly performed using a direct current power source with constant voltage, but other types of power sources can also be used. GMAW offers four primary methods of metal transfer, namely globular, short-circuiting, spray, and pulsed-spray, each of which has its unique properties and benefits as well as limitations. In this study, the OTC FD-V8 model robot is used for welding. The pedestal for the robot is designed using SOLIDWORKS and the static analysis of the robot pedestal is done. The fixture is used to hold the work piece for welding. The quality of the weld bead is determined by parameters like voltage, welding current, wire diameter, and composition of the shielding gas.