Radiator Maker Modernizes Operations to Meet Rising Demand
Trantech boosted throughput 30% while improving weld repeatability and strength by modernizing automation with WeldBot and FANUC.
Challenges
- Existing welding process required routine, time-consuming repairs
- Complicated welding couldn’t previously be automated
- Outdated operations required simplification to stay competitive
Results
Increased throughput of approximately 30%
Stronger welding bond ensures product’s high quality
Process repair reduction of 50-80%
Simplified repair process takes less time and reduces the need for operator skillset
Story
For nearly two decades, Trantech Radiator Products in Edgefield, South Carolina, has been running FANUC robots for 2-3 shifts a day for 6-7 days a week. As the largest transformer radiator manufacturer in North America, they once again turned to automation—this time to modernize a complicated and outdated brazing process that was hindering their business’s ability to remain competitive.
After vetting several potential automation partners, Trantech turned to FANUC Authorized System Integrator WeldBot to design and deliver a solution that would allow them to achieve increased throughput and repeatability while still allowing for necessary, slight inconsistencies in parts.
Using MIG wire, the FANUC ARC Mate robot welds radiator joints together creating a stronger bond between the two pieces of metal than existed with the previously used brazing method.
Equipped with a Servo Robot laser, the WeldBot system accommodates bow and deflection that results from resistance welding while reducing repairs a significant 50-80 percent. Without as much rework, three upstream processes were eliminated. This is all in addition to an increased throughput of approximately 30 percent, which allows the company to keep up with increasing market demand.
Today, Trantech has two WeldBot systems in place, and has modernized operations, realized significant operational savings and strengthened the quality of their products.
“It’s a great advantage for us to have this,” says John Mathis, Trantech material manager,” and I’m looking forward to it helping the plant continue to grow.”
We expect to increase throughput for around thirty percent, and that's huge for us, to keep up with what the market is and what our customer base are requiring.
Aaron Cockrell Continuous Improvement Manager – Trantech Radiator ProductsFANUC Products Used
ARC Mate 120iD/12L
Long-arm model of the ARC Mate 100iD series featuring outstanding axes speed and ultimate precision with extra reach.
- Max Payload:
- 12 kg
- Reach:
- 2272 mm
Meet Weldbot, FANUC Authorized System Integrator
WeldBot is a FANUC exclusive integrator located in Akron, Ohio, focusing on the most challenging application in Robotics—Arc-Welding. With this focus, we are better able to meet the challenges associated with welding. Robotics and welding each require their own expertise, and when combined, a new and unique subset of skills are required to be successful. With being brand exclusive to FANUC, we truly understand the FANUC controller and can push the limits as needed.
About Trantech Radiator Products
Trantech is the most customer-oriented and largest manufacturer of transformer radiators in North America. Today, Trantech offers engineering, or re-engineering, for any type of transformer cooling system solution internationally. We provide cooling products and services to a wide range of global industries including transformer manufacturers, fossil fuel & nuclear power generating facilities, as well as petrochemical sites.
