"The basis of this asset is a combination of hardware and specific software that enables welding processes to be carried out easily and intuitively"
TECNALIA is developing iWeld to provide solutions for automated welding and additive manufacturing processes
Industrial manufacturing at a national and European level is at a crossroads with a lack of qualified or skilled personnel to ensure stable production. Social factors, ageing and a low birth rate, along with more attractive occupations, are raising concerns about how to meet the production needs in the coming years. One of the professions most in need of qualified personnel is that of a welder, bringing together technical skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of welding applications. In response to this problem, TECNALIA is developing the iWeld asset which provides solutions in automated welding for different welding processes such as electric arc (GMAW, Plasma, TIG).
The basis of this asset is a combination of hardware (robotic solution, advanced process monitoring) and specific software that allows welding processes to be carried out in an easy and intuitive way. The software combines welding process intelligence and a custom-developed graphical interface for the different applications, with customised displays for the application being run. For the development of the additive manufacturing part, TECNALIA is working with SAMYLABS, integrating the Samystudio lamination software into the additive manufacturing process.
iWeld objectives
It has two clear objectives, firstly to cover this lack of qualified operators and secondly to respond to a short series industry in which product customisation is more important than production volume. TECNALIA's objective is to validate the solution in different case studies as part of its current initiatives with companies from different sectors. The sectors benefiting from this development would be Oil&Gas, Automotive, Railway, Marine, Aeronautics which require high volumes of welding and are highly dependent on qualified personnel.
The iWeld asset is currently being adapted to laser welding and manufacturing processes.
