Robot Technology and Flexible Fabrication of Large-Sized Components in Structural-Steel Manufacture.

The fabrication of heavy plant, machinery and structural-steel buildings is synonymous with extremely large components, required in relatively small numbers. This does not lend itself to the utilization of automatic fit-up and welding stations. In order to achieve progress toward the automation of fit-up and welding, five companies with this type of production formed a project group and included two research institutes in the development of a fit-up station for large components. The fit-up station is of modular concept and consists of four elements. Each element functions individually or in any combination with any of the other three. This facilitates a graduated automation according to demand and investment capital available, thus responding to the specific needs of a particular company's production program.