The Summary
The Application
Mesekon Oy, a Finnish welding manufacturer has deployed the GoFa™ collaborative robot to perform intricate and precise 3D welding tasks, such as precise 90-degree saddle joints in shield piping.
The Challenge
The company needed a flexible and collaborative solution to improve efficiency, reduce defects, and enhance workplace ergonomics by automating repetitive and physically demanding welding operations.
The Solution
ABB’s GoFa™ collaborative robot provided Mesekon with a game-changing solution. GoFa™ delivered unmatched precision, consistent repeatability, and intuitive operation, enabling Mesekon to transition to 3D control technology. By automating challenging tasks, the cobot improved productivity by an impressive 40 percent and enhanced safety, all while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to future production needs.
ABB’s collaborative automation solution
Finnish manufacturer Mesekon Oy—a leader in producing complex welded steel structures for the marine, energy, and paper industries—found that traditional industrial robots lacked the flexibility and collaborative capabilities needed to integrate seamlessly into Mesekon’s workflow. Recognizing the need for a more advanced solution, the company set out to adopt cutting-edge automation technology to boost efficiency, ensure consistent quality, and improve employee ergonomics.
ABB’s GoFa™ served as the perfect fit for the demanding welding requirements. To address the challenges, Mesekon implemented ABB’s GoFa™ collaborative robot, paired with Kemppi’s AX Mig Welder power supply and GXe-C cobot torch. The GoFa™ cobot, designed for safe and efficient collaboration with humans, delivered unmatched precision in welding applications while maintaining flexibility for complex geometries. The cobot was configured for 3D welding tasks, such as 90-degree saddle joints in shield piping, enabling Mesekon to transition from 2D to 3D control technology. GoFa™ ’s advanced motion control and intuitive programming simplified operations, even for intricate and advanced welding requirements.
Elevating welding operations with enhanced precision
GoFa™ 's integrated torque sensors in each joint provide superior power and force limiting performance, significantly transforming welding operations. By delivering smooth, accurate, and repeatable welds, GoFa™ surpasses the precision and consistency achievable through manual welding. As precision is particularly critical for handling complex geometries, GoFa™ ’s capability to weld continuously at 430 amperes without requiring cooling interruptions has supported Mesekon’s 24/7 operations, significantly boosting efficiency and resulting in a forty percent increase in productivity.
“GoFa™ isn’t just a tool; it’s part of our team. It combines precision and reliability, allowing us to meet our customers' stringent standards while exploring new possibilities in welding” says Tero Nättiaho, Sales Director at Mesekon Oy.
The cobot’s intuitive interface, paired with Kemppi’s AX Mig Welder presets, has also simplified setup and programming, making it easy for operators to adapt to new tasks. This user-friendly design of the robot has ensured a seamless integration into production processes, enhancing workplace safety and ergonomics while also enabling operators to work at a safer distance from hazardous welding areas.
The collaboration between ABB and the equipment manufacturer Kemppi has resulted in the successful deployment of GoFa™ cobot at Mesekon’s facility. This partnership showcased the seamless combination of cutting-edge technology and domain expertise to meet Mesekon’s demanding requirements. Artturi Salmela, Product Manager for Automation at Kemppi, believes that the strength of this collaboration as driven advancements in welding automation, ranging from smaller cobot cells to complex industrial automation systems.
“ABB is a highly valued partner for Kemppi, thanks to their strong expertise and solid position in automation. It’s crucial for us to collaborate with a partner who can ensure that production at the end customer's facility is operational quickly’’ states Artturi Salmela, Product Manager at Kemppi
Collaborative innovation
Mesekon’s team collaborated closely with ABB to integrate the GoFa™ cobot into their production line. The production operator, Roni Rautala, participated in testing and deployment, ensuring the cobot was fully optimized for their specific needs.
“Positioning GoFa™ is intuitive, fast, and precise. Its performance exceeds what human hands can achieve, particularly with complex geometries,” shared production operator Roni Rautala.
The partnership has allowed Mesekon to remain on the cutting edge of welding innovation, fostering continuous improvement in both technology and processes. The successful deployment of ABB’s GoFa™ cobot at Mesekon has set a benchmark for integrating advanced automation into challenging environments. This achievement not only highlights the cobot’s technical capabilities but also demonstrates a replicable model for other industries seeking to enhance their operations through automation.
Learn how to achieve faster, safer, and more consistent welding with ABB cobots, discover our welding guideline.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a leading technology company that vigorously promotes the transformation of business and industry into a more productive and sustainable future all over the world. Thanks to the connection of its portfolio in the areas of electrification, robotics, automation and drive technology with software, ABB defines the boundaries of technological feasibility and thus enables new peak performance. ABB looks back at a successful history spanning over 130 years. The success of the company is based on the talent of its nearly 105,000 employees in more than 100 countries. www.abb.com.com
ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation is a pioneer is the area of robotics, machine automation as well as digital services, and offers innovative solutions for a variety of sectors, spanning from the automotive industry to the electronics industry and logistics. As one of the leading global suppliers of robotics and machine automation, we have provided over 500,000 robotics solutions. We help our customers of all sizes increase their productivity and flexibility, simplify processes and improve product quality. Moreover, we support them on the path to networked and collaborative factories of the future. ABB Robotics & Discrete Automation employs a staff of over 10,000 people at over 100 sites in more than 53 countries. www.abb.de/robotics.de/robotics
