Last week, Nicholas Augustine needed an aluminum encoder adaptor for an automated ultrasonic inspection system he was rebuilding*. It was late on a Friday, and the ARC Specialties machine shop was busy. To keep his project on schedule Nick needed the part to test his machine on Monday.
When you install a single tool on a robot’s wrist, you limit your ‘bot to just one function. Multiple tools allow robots to do more. Automatic tool changers are the enabling technology. To show you how I’m showcasing one of John Martin‘s latest projects, this is a double robot bolting system with many unique challenges.
This video shows off a heavy-duty material handling job using two large KUKA robots (600kg and 300kg capacity).
All of the indicators that I watch are pointing towards a strong year-end and a great 2022. Our backlog is up 5X, we are hiring, and as you can see from the photos below, the ARC Specialties First Friday Lunch is BACK in a big way. Today we had 15 guests from all over the industry, spirits were high, and the conversation was positive.
ARC Specialties has built automatic hotwire tig cladding systems for 30 years. These machines apply a welded coating to the inside of valves, fittings, and pipes
Right now is a great time to consider starting a robotics company with the market offering a range of resources such as open-source code, a competent workforce, and more affordable components than ever before.
I’m a long time advocate of narrow gap welding. The advantages are tremendous, but the challenges are too.
In manufacturing, these are your only choices. Fortunately, there is still a place in the world for people. Some things humans do best.
This month, members of the ARC Specialties Technical Services Division programmed a robotic arm with a plasma torch on the end for a timelapse photography project.
