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radiator manufacturer in North America, they once again turned to automation—this time to modernize a complicated and outdated brazing process that was hindering their business’s ability to remain competitive.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.

With the WeldBot system in place, Trantech 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.”

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radiator manufacturer in North America, they once again turned to automation—this time to modernize a complicated and outdated brazing process that was hindering their business’s ability to remain competitive.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.

With the WeldBot system in place, Trantech 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.”