By adding a new dimension to existing joining methods of aluminium strips the new BWG Friction Spot Welding process for aluminium strips provides cost effective strip joining and operational advantages.
It is an innovative method which is advantageous to both the strip material and equipment and is applicable to in continuous and discontinuous strip processing lines.
Compared to standard strip joining processes, the BWG Friction Spot Welding machine avoids flitter formation and the subsequent damage to the deflector rolls and the strip surface commonly caused by loose chips from stitcher operation.
The BWG Friction Spot Welding machine consists of the machine frame, a traversing frame, strip clamps and transfer tables. The traversing frame is equipped with welding heads (made by Harms & Wende with process license by Riftec) and is positioned perpendicular to the direction of strip travel by a servo synchronous geared motor on a rack and pinion mechanism. The welding head is vertically adjusted to the two strips that are to be joined by a position controlled hydraulic cylinder, using a pre-defined contact pressure.
- Friction spot welding is applicable for all aluminium alloys
- Rolling mill oil on the strip surface is not a problem
- Welding parameters saved in the SPS and set automatically
- High degree of automation
- Easy integration into existing lines (as a replacement for an existing stitcher)
- Short welding cycle times due to simultaneous welding with several welding heads
- Strip gauge 0.20 – 4 mm
- Strip width up to 2,300 mm
Equipment Components
Standard:
- Machine frame with traversing frame adjusted via linear guides
- Traversing frame with integrated welding head
- Transfer tables for strip positioning (thinner strip always to be on top)
- Strip thickness measuring devices installed in entry and exit sections
- 2 strip edge position detection systems for the correct centering of the strip leading and tail ends and exact positioning of the first welding point
- Time-optimized hydraulic adjustment of the welding heads
- Operation and maintenance friendly design
- Space-saving installation
- Upgradeable (more welding heads can be added to optimize welding cycle times)
Optional:
- Exit strip clamp (for fixing the location of the strip tail end)
- Entry strip clamp (for centering of the strip leading and tail ends)
- BWG Friction Spot Welding machine can be equipped with up to 7 welding heads
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