Schweißanlage von KUKA Systems bei Gestamp

Fully automatic arc welding line from KUKA Systems at Gestamp

The metal-forming and chassis specialists at Gestamp manufacture ladder frames for the VW plant in Hanover. The Gestamp plant in Bielefeld is now using a fully automatic arc welding system from KUKA Systems to ensure the highest quality, proven process reliability and high output with minimal manpower requirements.

The initial situation

The VW Amarok is popular all over the world. The vehicle’s ladder frame plays a major role in ensuring safe off-road driving. As the central component between the body and the chassis, it guarantees the necessary stability. In the past, Volkswagen AG Commercial Vehicles contracted a competitor of Gestamp in Argentina to produce the frames, which were largely manufactured manually. In June 2014, to accommodate growing demand while ensuring product quality, Gestamp Umformtechnik Bielefeld took over fully automated production of the ladder frame for the VW production facility in Hanover, which serves Europe and neighboring markets.

The task

The finished Amarok ladder frame weighs 230 kilograms, is almost five meters long and nearly one and a half meters wide, making it the largest part ever produced at the Gestamp plant in Bielefeld. Well over 200 individual steel parts are used to produce it.

The very tight deadlines and space restrictions presented a special challenge during the planning stage. Every last bit of the 3,000 square meters had to be used efficiently for production and logistics.

Optimum use of the entire production and logistics area. (Source: KUKA Systems GmbH)

The solution

The subassemblies of the ladder frame (side members, cross members and add-on parts) are manufactured in 14 highly standardized welding stations, each with one component loading station and two fixtures. KUKA dual turnover positioners are used to place all components in the best position with regard to ergonomics or processes. This way, operators or robots have optimal access to the components at all times. The finished side members and cross members are then picked up by fully automated linear gantries.

The subassemblies of the ladder frame are manufactured using standardized welding stations. (Source: KUKA Systems GmbH)

The experts at KUKA combined professional project management with creative solutions – the perfect choice for us. All of the agreed measures were implemented promptly and systematically.

Harald Becker, Lead Project Manager for Amarok production at Gestamp

Systems expertise from KUKA Systems for top quality, proven process reliability and high output

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