18-février-2021
[EN]Maintenance of a robotic welding cell: 5 essencial checkpoints
[EN]There are small actions that we can take regularly to ensure high-level performance of the cell and detect possible failures before they become a major problem that requires the robot to stop.
With the evolution of technology over the years, nowadays robots are designed to work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, requiring little human intervention. However, there are small actions that we can take regularly to ensure high-level performance of the cell and detect possible failures before they become a major problem that requires the robot to stop for a large period.
These points that we will present next, can (or even should) be performed by the person who operates the equipment daily (and who has been trained to do so).
1. Clean the work area around the cell regularly
It is no secret that a clean and organized workspace is important to achieve high levels of productivity. In addition to the benefits for the operator, a clean work area prevents dust and other materials from interfering with the cell, thus maintaining its level of effectiveness.
2. Check the robot and controller power cables
With the robot working, check regularly that there are no loose cables, cables to be dragged on the floor or even interfering with welding torches. If it is not possible to reattach the cables, call the Technical Service of the equipment to make this correction as soon as possible. Replacing a broken or damaged cable can be quite expensive.
We should also pay attention to the controller cable. It must always be well rolled up and, whenever possible, placed on its support to prevent wear or even accidents on the spot.
3. Lubricate linear guides, skids and racks periodically
All parts used to move the robot (or another cell peripheral) must be checked periodically to prevent the malfunction of the equipment. These areas must be thoroughly cleaned and, if necessary, lubricated.
4. Clean the welding equipment
In order to guarantee the quality of the welding cell, several aspects related to the integrated welding equipment must be checked frequently. In the case of a robot that runs for several hours a day, the nozzle of the welding torch must be replaced every day and the torch itself must be checked regularly for welding spatter that can influence its performance. It is also important to check the coolant connections and hoses weekly to check for leaks and remove debris from the collection box of the torch cleaning device.
5. Schedule regular preventive maintenance visits with certified entities
It is always important to have a preventive maintenance schedule with a certified entity. This maintenance must be used to check other essential points that, due to their technical component, cannot be verified by the equipment operator.
Motofil recently launched a new 3-year maintenance contract. The contract consists of a visit by a specialized Motofil technician in order to perform the necessary maintenance service in order to keep our client's equipment in the best working order. To find out more about this service, contact us.
When robotic welding cells do not have regular preventive checks, this can lead to the malfunction of parts, which can cause a decrease in production or even stop them. So, by maintaining regular preventive maintenance of the robotic welding cell, you are safeguarding your business and extending the life of the equipment in years, or even decades.
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