Viñolas Metall Enhances Production with Robotic Welding Cell

Cutting-Edge Technology for Quality Welding
Viñolas Metall, a family-owned business located in Cornellà del Terri, Spain, has revolutionized its production process by integrating a robotic welding cell. This advanced system significantly improves the quality and reproducibility of welds in series production, particularly for components subjected to high loads and corrosive environments.

Expanding Production Facilities
The company recently inaugurated a 43,000-sq.-ft. facility in Banyoles to complement its existing 8,600-sq.-ft. assembly workshop. With welding accounting for 70% to 80% of their production time, Viñolas Metall processes a range of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steels (304, 316, duplex, and super duplex), aluminum, and COR-TEN, with thicknesses from 2 to 40 mm.

Robotic Welding for Increased Efficiency
Utilizing a Fronius TPS 400i power source, the newly installed cold metal transfer robotic welding cell specializes in welding austenitic chrome-nickel steel beams for swimming pool roofs. This cell features a hollow-arm welding robot paired with an H reverser equipped with two vertical turntables, allowing simultaneous loading and unloading of parts. This innovative design minimizes cycle time and enhances production efficiency.

Focus on Skilled Labor
According to Mechatronics Engineer Matheus Borborema, the goal is to allocate the company’s best welders to high-value projects, while the robotic welding cell efficiently handles smaller series parts. The user-friendly design allows trained operators to manage component handling without requiring advanced welding expertise.

Advantages of Cold Metal Transfer
The cold metal transfer process, employed in the robotic welding cell, offers numerous benefits, including minimal heat input and reduced heat-affected zones, which minimizes material deformation. This method ensures high arc stability, increased welding speeds, and low spattering, ultimately lowering rework costs and consumable expenses.