Total energy estimation model for remote laser welding process

The issues in the energy-efficiency process have much interest in the automotive industry. The energy criteria are also important in machine selection as well as productivity when new equipment is introduced on a shop floor. Remote laser welding having benefits for productivity and for energy saving is receiving attention in automotive assembly lines, but introducing this innovative equipment is a significant decision because of high initial cost in spite of the advantages. This paper specifically provides an estimation model of the total energy which is consumed by a robot arm, laser source, and cooling system. It considers the energy determined by robot operation parameters, arm path, and welding parts instead of the one for the laser melting phenomenon. Operational parameters and kinematic models are adjusted by comparison with experimental data of a car door assembly process. By developing an estimation model the major factors and devices determining consumed energy were found. This model will contribute to finding the effective process which will be improved by applying remote laser welding robot to legacy welding processes. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Selection and peer-review under responsibility of Professor Pedro Filipe do Carmo Cunha