Automation for arc welding with KUKA

MIG/MAG welding is an arc welding process in which an arc is ignited between a welding wire and the component, fusing the workpiece and the filler metal. To protect the weld pool from the reactive oxygen in the environment, a shielding gas is supplied with the welding wire. This displaces the oxygen at the welding point and thus prevents oxidation of the weld pool.

In metal active gas welding (MAG), an active gas, such as CO2 or a CO2 mixture, is used. The active gas reacts with the weld pool and stabilizes the arc.

Metal inert gas welding (MIG) uses an inert – i.e. non-reactive – gas such as argon or nitrogen.

Advantages

• High welding speed

• High deposition efficiency

• Inexpensive

Application

• MIG: alloyed and unalloyed steel

• MAG: precious metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium or copper

In tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), the welding current is supplied through a tungsten electrode, which is temperature-resistant and does not melt. As in MIG welding, inert shielding gases (such as argon or helium) are used to prevent a reaction with the oxygen in the air. If a filler metal is required for a specific application, it is fed separately via an external wire feeder.

Advantages

• Excellent seam quality and appearance

• Suitable for all welding positions

Application

• All weldable metals

• Thin-walled workpieces

Plasma welding is a variant of TIG welding in which the arc is constricted by a water-cooled nozzle. In addition, a plasma gas, usually argon, is introduced to create a plasma that has a greater power density than the arc alone.

Advantages

• Greater power density

• Higher welding speed

• Low distortion

• Can be combined with external wire feed

Application

• Micro-plasma welding (0.1 - 1 mm workpiece thickness)

• Plasma welding with keyhole (3 - 9 mm)

• Plasma MIG welding (3 - >10 mm)