The extension of the Finnish company Dometal’s shop floor facilities by an additional 1,400m2 has been completed. The new shop was specially built for the production of Multiva tractor trailers. In conjunction with the expansion investment, Dometal made a far-reaching strategic decision to choose robotic welding as the production method for trailer bodies and frames. Before, these parts were welded manually. The objective is to further improve their already good productivity and quality.

Pemamek therefore designed and delivered a heavy robot welding gantry which incorporates two identical workstations. In the stations, workpieces are automatically handled with two headstock-tailstock positioner pairs which are connected with rails.

The loading capacity of the gantry is 5,000kg, and it accommodates workpieces up to 17m in length. The welding robot is remotely programmed by means of 3D models from the customer’s product design department. The welding process is single MIG/MAG.

Pemamek’s turnkey delivery included complete robot welding equipment with gantry structures, positioners, rails, robot programs, installation, operator training and commissioning.