
Yaskawa Southern Africa has partnered with Aerosud Aviation, a leading aerospace manufacturer, to implement a robotic TIG welding solution tailored to the exacting demands of aerospace production. Aerosud’s need to scale up the production of aluminium track cans for Airbus A320 aircraft was a key driver for the project. “Airbus is ramping up production on its Single Aisle aircraft, requiring us, as a single-source supplier, to increase throughput,” explains Aerosud Welding Engineer, Nico du Toit.
“This welding robot solution allows us to repeatedly produce uniform welds on 1.4mm–1.6mm aluminium while meeting OEM specifications with the highest efficiency.”
Repeatability
The TIG welding process, chosen for its superior quality and precision, delivers clean, consistent welds with minimal distortion, essential for aerospace components. The solution integrates Yaskawa’s high-precision robotic arms, Fronius TIG welding systems, and a Servo-Robot Micro-Trac camera system, ensuring accurate seam tracking and filler wire positioning.
“The camera scans the weld seam before welding, enabling precise alignment,” adds Yaskawa National Project Manager, Devon Prinsloo. “This approach not only ensures repeatability but also reduces waste by minimising errors. Automation in TIG welding enhances safety, precision, and efficiency, all of which are critical in aerospace manufacturing.”
Consistent quality
Using MotoSim simulation software, the welding process was meticulously planned, reducing programming errors and setup time. In addition, Yaskawa’s custom solutions addressed challenges such as variable component geometries and maintaining consistency across diverse materials.
The impact on Aerosud’s operations has been significant. “This technology improves workflow efficiency by reducing rework and increasing yield,” notes Nico. “Automation allows us to maintain consistent quality while scaling up production.”
Push the boundaries
The success of this project underscores Yaskawa’s mission to push the boundaries of automation technology. “This collaboration reflects our dedication to developing solutions that address the most complex manufacturing demands,” says Devon. “Aerospace manufacturing requires precision and reliability, and Yaskawa is proud to contribute to Aerosud’s growth and innovation.”
Looking ahead, the partnership between Yaskawa and Aerosud is set to explore new advancements, including adaptive welding technologies.