Novarc Technologies Inc., a full-stack robotics company specializing in the design and commercialization of collaborative robots (cobots) and AI systems for robotic welding applications, recently demonstrated its Spool Welding Robot (SWR), collaborative welding robot and the SWR+HyperFill at FABTECH.
Novarc's Spool Welding Robot features a floating long reach manipulator, with a three-axis robotic arm at the end, which works with a human operator to increase their dexterity and flexibility. It is designed specifically for pipe, small pressure vessels and other types of roll welding, and it is capable of welding flanges, tees, elbows and reducers.
"Implementation of the SWR has shown a 3-5x increase in pipe welding productivity in carbon steel and up to 12x for stainless steel projects, potentially allowing the collaborative robot's capital cost to be recovered in an average of six to 18 months," said Rick Campbell, Novarc's VP of Sales and Marketing.
The SWR also lowers the repair rate to less than 1% as Novarc's welding robot works collaboratively with the human operator. For example, if a fabrication shop is currently producing 6,000 welds per year with a 3% repair rate, they are likely spending around $180,000/year in repairs. By reducing the repair rate to less than 1%, they can put those repair costs back onto their bottom line.
The SWR+HyperFill is a dual torch system that increases heavy fabrication productivity to 350-500 Factored Diameter Inches (FDI) per shift by increasing weld deposition rates, all while delivering excellent weld quality.
The SWR+HyperFill uses the Lincoln STT GMAW process on the root, and twin wire GMAW-P (HyperFill) on fill and cap passes. SWR+HyperFill utilizes Lincoln Electric's patented twin-wire GMAW solution, HyperFill, to maximize productivity and profitability.
"Novarc's automation technology addresses the increasingly competitive market in the contract manufacturing and fabrication industry, constantly under pressure to decrease bid rates and project timeframes. Our technology also helps solve the ominous welder shortage, allowing skilled welders to extend their careers, and less-skilled welders working alongside the robot to do the job that previously only highly skilled welders could perform," added Campbell.
Novarc recently announced the successful completion of a Series A fundraising round with Caterpillar Venture Capital Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc., a manufacturer of construction and mining equipment). Caterpillar has joined Graham Partners, Export Development Canada (EDC) and other syndicate investors, to provide strategic support to Novarc's vision to accelerate the development of its AI-powered robotics platform.
For more information contact:
Novarc Technologies Inc.
604-240-3196
www.novarctech.com