Upgrading Welding Robot Cells at Thyssenkrupp Bilstein
The Panasonic Factory Solutions TAWERS G4 Welding Robot System will upgrade and replace two older welding robot cells, which after a decade of reliable operation are now coming to end-of-life. One of these welding robot cells has been completely upgraded to the G4 System, with its de-installed components being used as spare parts to prolong the life of the second-oldest robot cell.
As one of the biggest employers in Romania’s Sibiu county, Thyssenkrupp Bilstein manufactures OEM damper assemblies and components for the automotive aftermarket sector. Panasonic Factory Solutions’ TAWERS G4 Welding Robot System enables Thyssenkrupp Bilstein to increase speed, flexibility, and usability on its production line, helping it to maintain a crucial competitive advantage and achieve its digitisation goals.
Collaboration with SC TOTAL TEHNIQUES SOLUTIONS SRL
Panasonic Factory Solutions, along with partner SC TOTAL TEHNIQUES SOLUTIONS SRL, provided all the planning, installation, and ongoing support for this robot welding replacement programme.
Enhanced Processing Speeds and Optimized Communication
In total, six Panasonic Factory Solutions TAWERS Welding Robot Systems are operating in the plant. The G4 features increased controller processing speeds, and optimised communication between the controller and the robot.
When compared to previous models, the newly integrated transformer has enabled the G4 to be smaller, saving space and costs without compromising reliability. Furthermore, the G4’s teach pendant touchscreen simplifies programming on the production line.
Offline System Updates and Remote Reprogramming
Panasonic Factory Solutions’ TAWERS G4 Welding Robot System features its DTPS offline programming software, enabling remote digital access to real-time production and system operating data. This means engineers can reprogramme all parts or some of the parts of the welding process while the robot is still running in production.
Undertaking these activities outside of the shopfloor provides flexibility and saves a huge amount of time. For example, new welding can take up to three days of programming, now a new welding fixture can be easily tested by uploading CAD data into a digital twin of the cell.
Vincent Londsdale, Key Account Manager at Panasonic Connect, comments: “Automotive manufacturers are under pressure to automate and streamline their processes while also driving down costs. This has enabled Thyssenkrupp to test and simulate outside of the shopfloor in a digital environment before they have to invest in a new or modified welding process. Panasonic Factory Solutions’ capability to align the robot cells to one standard means that they can instantly be replicated without additional ramp-up costs.”
