KUKA Systems as joining specialist for contract manufacturing
Augsburg-based joining specialist KUKA Systems established friction welding as an industrial joining process back in 1966 and has been continuously developing the process engineering and systems ever since. The highest priority is always given to customer requirements and customer satisfaction. For this reason, in addition to the automation of joining processes, the technology company also offers a contract manufacturing service for a range of different welding processes. Alongside friction welding and Magnetarc welding, KUKA has also developed laser and arc welding as manufacturing processes and integrated them into innovative production systems in cooperation with customers. Given this solid process expertise, KUKA Systems has for some time now been joining and cutting customer components on a contract manufacturing basis, with processes including laser and arc welding.
For this purpose, KUKA Systems GmbH in Augsburg has expanded its system facilities to include an additional laser machining cell and an arc welding cell. „We can now also offer the advantages of these two processes, all the way from process validation, prototype production and pattern manufacture to small- and large-series contract manufacturing. These manufacturing cells enable three-dimensional processing and the welding of components with flexible contours,“ explains Frank Klingemann, CEO of KUKA Systems. The laser machining cell is equipped with a turntable that enables simultaneous loading and machining, thereby boosting productivity. „We are proud of our ability, as a joining technology specialist, to offer our customers new options and capacities in the field of technology services,“ adds Klingemann.
Sustainable laser process
Laser welding is a particularly „sustainable“ machining process due to the high process velocities, the wear-free and non-contact tool „light“, and the energy-efficient heat input in conjunction with the improved efficiency of the laser beam sources. The exact modulation capability of the laser power allows the joining or cutting of both very thin materials and also thicker materials. „Furthermore, a weld seam geometry that meets the relevant stress requirements often results in components with a high degree of stiffness and at the same time material savings,“ explains Rainer Simanowski, Head of Technology Services.
KUKA Systems also offers 3D laser cutting at the Augsburg plant. In addition to the high process velocity, this process also results in perfectly clean-cut edges.
Contract manufacturing at KUKA Systems
KUKA Systems is not only the manufacturer of the friction, Magnetarc, laser and arc welding systems, but also a practical user of the joining technologies as part of its contract manufacturing operations. The machine and system builder has been offering this service for many years now and provides customers with support for process validation and prototype production. From the very start of component and product development, the customer thus has the possibility of working together with KUKA Systems to select the correct joining or cutting processes and test them in near-series production. The Augsburg-based company goes out of its way to ensure that its customers“ requirements are met in full. As a certified specialist welding company, the company provides this range of services to more than 100 customers every year – with 80% coming from sectors outside the automotive industry.
About KUKA Systems
KUKA Systems is an international supplier of flexible automation systems for the Automotive, Aerospace, Energy, Logistics and Technology Solutions segments. Some 3,600 employees worldwide work on ideas, concepts and solutions for automated production and the provision of products and services for virtually all tasks in the industrial processing of metallic and non-metallic materials.
The range is presented and marketed internationally via the subsidiaries and sales offices in Europe, America and Asia. KUKA Systems recorded an order volume of around 1,025.3 million euro for the 2012 business year*.
(*preliminary figures for 2012 – as at: 5 February 2013)
Kontakt:
KUKA Systems GmbH
Markus Meier
Blücherstrasse 144
86165 Augsburg
+49 821 797-2483
marketing@kuka.de
http://www.kuka-systems.com
