FSW spindle for robot

Our robotic FSW solution allows you to weld with any high payload robot. Our FSW spindle for robot brings the functions of Friction Stir Welding to a standard industrial robot. Your robot becomes a hybrid tool combining welding and machining with an automatic tool changer.

This hybrid welding and machining spindle for robot opens up a wide range of applications: 3D welding, welding of large parts, welding of panels longer than 10 metres.

FSW SPINDLE FOR ROBOT ADVANTAGES

NO HYDRAULIC POWER

Less expensive, no maintenance (electrical and pneumatic power)

AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER

Automatic management of FSW tool lifetime

No human operation

ADAPTABILITY

Compatible with all high payload robot and suitable for all robot integrators

WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS

Welding of large parts, 3D welding, welding of panels longer than 10 metres.

FSW EXPERTISE

Prototyping and qualification of parts at Stirweld and transfer production to the customer

HYBRID FSW SPINDLE

Welding and milling on one workstation thanks to an automatic tool changer

FSW SPINDLE FOR ROBOT CHARACTERISTICS

To know more about our FSW robot solution, please read our article about it!

FEATURES OF STIRWELD FSW PROCESS ON ROBOT WORKSTATION

The main function of the FSW spindle for robot is to manage the force applied by the FSW tool. A sensor is used to measure, control and record the force applied during the welding operation to ensure quality control.

The design of the robotic-based solution for FSW protects it from vibrations and forces as well as from heat generated during welding. Indeed, a cooling circuit is integrated to protect the spindle and the robot from the heat generated during welding.

The Striwed FSW spindle for robot is therefore suitable for mass production and ensure the quality of the FSW process by providing a constant FSW tool temperature. Temperature sensors are integrated into the spindle to monitor the temperature and to prevent overheating.

CONTRÔLE QUALITÉ

FORCE CONTROL

Force control according to tool axis (forging force or downward force)

COOLING SYSTEM

Integrated cooling circuit to protect the spindle during welding & to cool down the FSW tool

SPINDLE PROTECTION

Protection against the heavy loads and vibrations of the FSW process

AUTOMATIC TOOL CHANGER

Automatic quick tool change (welding/milling or FSW tool change)

FORCE RECORDING

Recording of the forging force and the temperature of the spindle

EN 9100 STANDARD

Full monitoring according to EN 9100 standard

HMI OF FRICTION STIR WELDING SPINDLE FOR ROBOT

STIRWELD FSW PROTOTYPING

As an FSW expert, Stirweld supports you throughout the implementation of the FSW process, from the design of your part to the optimization of the industrial process, including the design and manufacturing of the clamping system, the definition of welding parameters and the manufacturing of your first batches.

FSW SPINDLE FOR ROBOT: A CONDENSED OF INNOVATION

This FSW spindle for robot is the result of a joint project between three players in Brittany’s Industry 4.0: Stirweld, the Maupertuis Institute and Doptim.

Doptim, expert in data science, has developed the process intelligence to enable on-line control and quality control of FSW welding.

THE HISTORY OF STIRWELD FSW SPINDLE FOR ROBOT

Friction stir welding has been identified by FIM, the Federation of Mechanical Engineering Industries, as the technology of the future. Why? This technology removes the difficulty of aluminium welding, a material whose use is constantly increasing (+6% on average per year).

Two pieces of equipment have already entered into the FSW market – an industrial robot and a special machine – but with a significant investment cost. The FSW head for CNC machine developed by Stirweld then allowed to drastically reduce the investment cost for the same functions.

Finally, in 2021, Stirweld, Institut Maupertuis and Doptim have developed an smart FSW spindle for robots offering awaited functionalities: multi-process spindle (FSW, machining, finishing and Non-Destructive-Test – NDT), intelligent industry 4.0 spindles (automatic tool change), compact spindle and high accessibility, smart data.