Robotic welding is not new in Australia. It has been used in the automotive and manufacturing industries since the 1970’s. Although Australia has not been a leader in the development of robotics, it has produced some innovative applications which are world leading.
Building strong working partnerships
BOC has been marketing ewm welding equipment since 2010 and partnered with Diverseco and other robot integrators to supply turnkey automated welding and plasma cutting systems. BOC offers a comprehensive range of ewm automation systems for MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), and plasma welding.
BOC currently collaborate with 6 robot/cobot integrator partners covering Australia. Industry is investing heavily in automation to make us more competitive in Australia, to facilitate onshoring/reshoring and to address the critical skills shortage. Collaborative robots (cobots) are emerging as low cost entry level options which are simple to program and can work with people without fencing.
We have worked with many customers to help improve their efficiency and quality. We have installed a large number of robot and cobot welding and plasma cutting solutions such as:
· Entegra (VIC) – welding of structural steel (see video link)
· Telwater/Quintrex (QLD) - for cutting of aluminium boat parts
· Manchester Tanks (VIC) - welding of gas cylinders
· SuperiorPak (QLD) - garbage compactor trucks
· SwivelPole (WA) - lighting pylons
· Elsum (VIC) - truck suspensions
· Patchell Industries (NZ) – container & logging trailers
· SWI (VIC) - metal forming machines
· Prime Systems (NZ) - industrial steel bins