Choosing the correct size and stroke for a welding column and boom manipulator is crucial for maximizing efficiency, quality, and safety in your welding operations. It essentially comes down to understanding the dimensions of your workpieces and the required welding processes.
How to choose welding column boom size and stroke
1. Understand the Terminology:
Column (Vertical Travel/Lift): This refers to the vertical height the boom can extend up and down. It’s often expressed as the “vertical reach” or “column stroke.”
Boom (Horizontal Travel/Reach): This refers to the horizontal distance the welding head can extend outwards from the column. It’s often expressed as the “boom reach” or “horizontal stroke.”
Load Capacity: The maximum weight the end of the boom can safely support, including the welding head, wire feeder, flux recovery unit, camera systems, and any other accessories. This is critical for safety and operational stability.
2. Key Factors to Consider for Sizing and Stroke:
Workpiece Dimensions (Length, Diameter, Height):
Maximum Length of Longitudinal Welds: The boom’s horizontal stroke needs to be at least as long as the longest longitudinal weld you’ll be performing. If you’re welding very long components, you might consider a column and boom mounted on a travel car or even a gantry system for extended reach.
Maximum Diameter/Height of Circumferential Welds: The column’s vertical stroke needs to accommodate the height of your largest workpiece when mounted on a positioner or turning rolls. The boom also needs to be able to reach the top and bottom of the circumference. Consider the “minimum height under boom” and “maximum height under boom” specifications.
Minimum Diameter/Height of Workpieces: Ensure the column and boom can retract sufficiently to work on smaller pieces without interference.
Welding Process and Equipment:
Weight of Welding Head and Accessories: Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) heads with flux hoppers and recovery systems are typically heavier than MIG or TIG setups. Factor in the weight of all attachments when considering the boom’s load capacity.
Additional Equipment: If you’re adding cross-slides, seam trackers, laser pointers, or operator platforms, these will add weight and potentially affect the required reach.
Shop Layout and Space Constraints:
Overhead Clearance: Ensure there’s enough vertical space in your facility for the column to extend to its full height.
Floor Space: Consider the footprint of the column and boom, especially if it’s a movable unit on rails.
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For more detailed information on how to choose the welding column arm size and stroke, please click here: https://www.bota-weld.com/en/a/news/how-to-choose-welding-column-boom-size-and-stroke.html
