Latest Welding Technology
Dean Steel Boosts Production with LORCH Cobot Welding System
With a keen interest in welding tech, Dean Steel identified the LORCH Cobot Package as the ideal welding system to spark a boost in production of their more repetitive work.
Dean Steel has been using the LORCH Cobot welding system for just shy of 12 months, at the time of writing. Justin Goldsmith, Commercial Manager at Dean Steel, reports that the welding automation afforded by the LORCH Cobot welding package is not a replacement for a skilled welder, but improves the welder’s output as well as job satisfaction.
“We are now able to produce a 100% consistent quality product in roughly half the time it would take doing things manually,” explains Justin.
Despite some initial resistance from the guys on the shop floor, they very quickly came to appreciate how the Cobot welding system can be a huge benefit to them. “Once they saw that the Cobot was doing some of the horrible welding jobs, they loved it!” reveals Justin.
“The programming was a bit to get your head around, like any new tech, but after a month or two it just becomes second nature.”
The initial programming of a welding task is a challenge well worth taking on for Dean Steel. “It is rewarding to watch the Cobot continuously weld a product which was initially difficult to programme, and if we had to weld it manually, it would have taken twice the amount of time,” Justin continues.
The LORCH Cobot welding package has been so successful that it has opened up new opportunities for Dean Steel. “We are currently doing a marketing run to try and source more work for the Cobot.”
We are now able to produce a 100% consistent quality product in roughly half the time it would take doing things manually.
Justin Goldsmith, Commercial Manager – Dean Steel
Automated repetition of welding tasks
The LORCH S-RoboMIG XT welding machine is paired with a small robotic welding arm known as a Cobot (collaborative robot). Consistent and high-quality repetition of welding tasks is where the LORCH Cobot system shines. Built to increase productivity and reduce labour costs, the welding Cobot allows technicians to oversee and focus on tasks which need their expertise, while the robotic welding arm precisely welds to your specifications.
Dean Steel saw an opportunity to use welding robotics to help with the fabrication of various structural steel components, specifically for the construction industry.
Established in 2001, Dean Steel has forged a reputation for their highly skilled and very productive welding operation. Two decades on, and always with an interest in what’s new in the world of welding technology, Dean Steel approached Welding Engineers to learn more about the LORCH Cobot welding system.
With a well equipped workshop in Papakura, Dean Steel fabricate structural steel, concrete formwork and other construction-related steel work. They predominantly fabricate structural steel for larger construction companies for use in commercial buildings, multi-storey apartments and office buildings.
Cobot Welding Supply & Install
“Derek and Phil of WENZL are both knowledgeable, helpful and proactive when it comes to anything welding. They sell great products and stand by what they sell,” says Justin Goldsmith.
To continue the collaborative theme, WENZL provides the welding machine, welding wire and welding expertise, while Design Energy provides the robotics know-how. Together with the team at Design Energy, we install the Cobot welding system and provide onsite training for your technicians. We want to see you make Cobot welding a success story of your own, long term; we’re always on hand to help ensure the LORCH Cobot system becomes your welders’ best friend!