Welding jigs
Welding jigs are a key component that have a major impact on the final production quality. Their task is to fix the welded parts in an accurate and repeatable position. Depending on the customer’s requirements, the range of jigs ABB uses for its robotic workstations goes from simple jigs with manual clamps to pneumatic jigs with clamp posi-tion and part detection sensors that communicate with the robotic workplace via various communication interfaces (Devicenet, ProfiBus, ProfiNet and others). It is often important for the customer to choose one supplier for the welding workplace and welding jigs, including the fine-tuning of process parameters, as this prevents subsequent discussions about the extent of the individual entities’ responsibilities.
During the construction (i.e. design) of the welding jigs, ABB continuously checks the concept and placement of the clamps on the jig in order to achieve optimal quality and at the same time the welding torch’s access to the weld site. To carry out this inspection, ABB uses its own simulation software, ABB RobotStudio, which verifies not only potential collisions of the torch with the jig, but also the resulting cycle time. Of course, the jigs have a Poka-Yoke design, which eliminates the risk of the operator inserting the wrong part into the jig or a part in the wrong way. After the design is approved, the jig is given over to production. ABB uses proven suppliers specializing in various types of manufactured products for its production.