AZ Automotive Weld Tooling & Assembly Equipment Standards Revision 1.12     22Dec2004

PRINTED COPIES ARE UNCONTROLLED

Deviations that improve safety, quality, or cost ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.


SECTION 6

6.        Welding

6.1.            General

 

6.1.1.                                             

Weld guns shall be obtained from an AZ Automotive approved weld gun source.

 

6.1.2.                                             

The supplier  is responsible for the design of weld guns. Weld gun assembly. drawings and related details shall be completed by an AZ Automotive approved weld gun design supplier. All original drawings and/or CAD files shall become the property of AZ Automotive.

 

6.1.3.                                             

The supplier shall work to the current AZ Automotive Process Standard to determine weld force requirements. AZ Automotive Standard Weld forces for sheet metal are available in chart form, see sidebar index to the left, or
click here for the Spot Weld Lobe form.
click here for the Spot Weld instuctions.
click here click here for the Projection Weld Lobe form.
click here click here for the Projection Weld instuctions.

Note that these forces apply to all applications; Mild steel , HSLA, DP, TRIP and AHSS, coated and bare, and are to be achieved at 80 psi.
GMT or Governing Metal Thickness is the thinner of the two in a 2-layer stackup, or the second thinnest in a 3-layer stackup.


The supplier must insure that a weld lobe study has been performed for each weld type performed by the weld tooling.
One weld lobe study will suffice for each unique stackup, no matter how many times this same stackup is welded in the tooling.
Please contact AZ Automotive to see if a weld study for this stackup has been performed, and, if so, a copy of this study will be sufficient.
See the separate section "AZ Weld Lobe Study" for an example weld lobe chart, from the index bar on the left.
Contact your AZ Weld & Assembly Manager, David Bacon at 586 880 2050 for the interactive eXcel spreadsheet, and the materials to perform this study.

 

6.1.4.                                             

Representative weld gun designs are available in CATIA to the supplier.

 

6.1.5.                                             

The O.E.M. shall select and/or develop the specific gun for each application. The weld gun selection shall be determined by the geometry of the parts to be welded and the weld schedules required. An existing weld gun design should be utilized for any new application. However, if an improvement in the operation can be accomplished with a new design, then the design may be new or modified.

 

6.1.6.                                             

All weld gun designs (new and existing) shall be considered prior to the design of the tooling.

 

6.1.7.                                             

Design approval for weld guns shall follow the following guidelines:

A.      The supplier shall submit to the AZ Automotive Process Engineer a complete design proposal package for approval. This package shall include a layout drawing of the weld gun in which the mounting bracket, welding transformer location, composite part sections, and the relative position of the robots’ gear train is shown.

B.       Upon approval of this proposal the supplier shall submit to the AZ Automotive Weld Gun Standards Group a preliminary drawing (2 copies) which includes all known detail part numbers. If new detail components are required, they are indicated as "new design" on the drawing. Every effort shall be made to use existing details to keep the number of new designs to a minimum. Components shall be dimensioned to coincide with established AZ Automotive standards.

C.       This preliminary drawing shall be returned to the supplier with AZ Automotive standard numbers added along with any requests for modifications. Only AZ Automotive Weld personnel shall assign new weld gun numbers and detail part numbers. The supplier  shall update and verify the final weld gun drawing. The AZ Automotive Weld Engineer must approve any additional changes made to the weld gun.

D.      The final documentation of the weld gun assembly and all new details shall be delivered to AZ Automotive no later than 60 days following the official vehicle launch date. In addition to the CATIA requirements this documentation shall include two (2) Xerox copies of the following:

 

Portable: Robotic and Manual

 

Size

Weld Gun Assemblies

11x17

Movable Yokes

11x17

Stationary Gun Bodies

11x17

Hangers

11x17

Holders

8.5x11

Cap Adaptors

8.5x11

Cylinders

8.5x11

Miscellaneous

8.5x11

Fixture mounted, and Pedestal Weld Guns:

 

Size

Weld Gun Assemblies

11x17

Yokes: Cylinder and Rod Side

11x17

Cradles

11x17

Holders

8.5x11

Cap Adaptors

8.5x11

Cylinders

8.5x11

Miscellaneous

8.5x11

 

E.  Full sized print of the weld gun assembly shall be shipped to the user plant with the weld gun. New prints shall be furnished to the user plant as changes occur during launch.

 

6.1.8.                                             

All new weld gun drawings shall be delivered to AZ Automotive Weld Engineer in CATIA format. The drawings shall meet the following requirements:

A.      All new Assembly and Detail drawings to be supplied in CATIA by the OEM.

B.       One (1) complete drawing shall reside in one (1) model and shall adhere to the following Model Naming Convention:

1.              supplier. name (DCT, Lamb, PICO, Utica, Valiant)

2.              supplierTracking Number

3.              Weld gun supplier (Center Line, Grossel, Milco, Savair, PICO)

4.              Weld gun manufacturer number.

5.              Phone number of gun manufacturer contact.

6.              DRAW or SOLID, indicating whether the model is a drawing or a solid model.

7.              Revision level

o        Example: Valiant - VLT95678 - Milco - XX-XXX-XXX - (810) 123-4567 DRAW rel.

C.   Models may consist of "draw" or "space" vector elements. No scanned data.

D.   Models may be translated from other CAD systems, provided no data is lost due to the translation process.

E.    Store model with a draw window, displaying complete drawing.

F.    All models shall be shipped via electronic data transfer. Contact AZ Automotive CAD Department at (810) 759-2200 regarding questions concerning the CATIA drawing deliverable.

 

6.1.9.                                             

Any new weld gun designs, which are solid modeled in CATIA per platform requirement, shall be delivered to AZ Automotive no later than 60 days following the official vehicle launch date. The solid model shall be drawn to the latest revision level of the assembly drawing with the following requirements :

 

A.      Solid model to be supplied by the OEM.

B.       Geometry to be in layer 158.

C.       Model to show the entire outline of the weld gun as shown on the assembly drawing, including water fittings. Internal components are not required.

D.      Show mounting holes on the hanger / cradle.

E.       The weld point of the weld gun to be located on the origin (axis1) of the CATIA model. Relate the weld gun to the axis as follows:

"X" - positive direction towards the fulcrum

"Y" - resultant

"Z" - "normal" to weld spot, with the positive direction toward the movable gun body.

F.       For robot applications, show axis 2 where the robot mounts to the adaptor plate.

G.       Show open and retract position of weld tips, gun bodies, and cylinder in phantom.

H.      Store model with default isometric window displayed with the weld gun being in the weld position.

I.         Use the model naming convention shown in 6.1.8 for the model name.

J.        All models shall be shipped via electronic data transfer. Contact AZ Automotive CAD Department at (810) 759-2200 regarding questions concerning the CATIA solid model deliverable.

 

6.1.10.                                          

All existing weld gun designs shall be re-evaluated by the AZ Automotive Weld  Engineer before re-ordering or being ordered for new tooling.

 

6.1.10.1

Solid models that are retrieved from the MDM database must be checked for accuracy prior to re-use. Use the assembly drawing to verify accuracy.

 

6.1.11.                                          

Firing of open weld guns shall not be permitted without written approval from an AZ Automotive Weld Engineer.

 

6.1.12.                                          

Weld guns shall be positioned with serviceability in mind. (See Illustration 6-2.0 and  6-2.1)

 

6.1.13.                                          

No air over oil weld gun cylinders shall be allowed without prior approval from an AZ Automotive Weld Engineer.

 

6.1.14.                                          

When increasing the piston area of the welding cylinder on a weld gun, the strength of the weld gun components must be verified using an approved stress analysis program.

 

6.1.15.                                          

Cylinder area, bore and stroke, and weld force information shall be noted on the assembly drawing, located on the weld cylinder.

 

Example for portable guns :

3" Bore X 3" stroke (7.07 sq. in. area) - 565 lbs. @ 80 p.s.i. (Air)

 

Examples for machine type guns:

3" Bore X 3" stroke (7.07 sq. in. area) - 425 lbs. @ 60 p.s.i (Air)

1 3/8" Bore X 3" Stroke (1.5 sq. in area) - 600lbs. @ 400 p.s.i. (Hydraulic)

 

6.1.16.                                          

Use 1 1/4" diameter shoulder bolts at the main pivot, where possible, for any new weld gun designs and show a section through the pivot area on all weld gun assembly drawings.

 

6.1.17.                                          

Do not tolerance reamed or bored holes. Use the terms "slip fit" (S.F.) or" press fit" (P.F.).

 

6.1.18.                                          

Do not use limit-type dimensioning (ex. .626/.625 ). Use basic dimension with

tolerance                               +.001)

                               (ex. .625 -.000).

 

6.1.19.                                          

All machined electrical contact surfaces shall have a maximum roughness of 32 micro-inches (R.M.S.).

 

6.1.20.                                          

Drum locks with screws smaller than 5/16"-18 are not permitted.

 

6.1.21.                                          

Heli-coil type inserts shall be used when mounting details to non-ferrous and/or cast components.

 

6.1.22.                                          

Deflector tubes:
For 5/8" diameter cap adapters do not use a deflector tube larger than .210 O.D.
Tube material other than brass or copper requires approval of the AZ Welding Engineer.
System must allow at least one-half GPM water flow per electrode with no more than 10 PSI differential pressure at the manifold.

 

6.1.23.                                          

All contact surfaces of details carrying secondary weld current shall be portable electroplated using Royal Silver Plating Solution #11971 or equivalent.

 

6.1.24.                                          

Grade 8 bolts, screws, nuts and zinc-plated washers shall be used for coppers, jack screws, cables, shunts and all non-magnetic details in secondary fields. On weld guns, all secondary connections shall use supertanium bolts, nuts and washers to attach the cables to the weld guns and to the transformers (Torque to 90 ft/lbs).

 

6.1.25.                                          

Design shall provide a minimum of 1/2" over travel on weld guns.

 

6.1.26.                                          

AZ Automotive standard male electrode caps shall be used wherever possible, titanium-coated tips preferred.
For tip life considerations, the largest standard cap size feasable is the preferred size.
The use of the 1/2" diameter cap is allowed only where both the weld schedule is less than 10 cycles of heat, and the duty cycle is less than 5%.
Generally this is for bare steel of 1mm or less. The AZ Welding Engineer must approve of any application exceeding this.

 

6.1.27.                                          

A spare cutter assembly shall be provided by the OEM for each tip dresser used for robotic application.

 

6.1.28.                                          

Series welding shall not be permitted, except with prior approval from AZ Automotive Weld Engineer.

 

6.1.29.                                          

Steel piston rods, hardened, and chrome plated are to be used in all cylinders.

 

6.1.30.                                          

Provide a protector on the inner & outer most leaf of all leaf style shunts.

 

6.1.31.                                          

Weld gun assembly drawings shall show all fittings (air, water, oil).

 

6.1.32.                                          

Provide a flash shield to protect the pivot assembly (fulcrum area) on all weld gun assemblies.

 

6.1.33.                                          

Adhere to the following weld gun design preferences:

 

1.Pinch type

2.Scissors type

3.C-type

 

6.1.34.                                          

Weld gun suppliers, weld line integrators, Commodity Distributors and AZ Automotive User Plants shall notify the AZ Automotive Weld Engineer of all revisions made to any AZ Automotive standard weld gun assembly or weld gun component. The AZ Automotive Weld Gun Group shall be furnished with the documentation in CATIA format as soon as the changes are implemented.

 

6.1.35.                                          

The maximum stress level on any wrought component shall not exceed 35k.s.i.. The maximum stress on any cast component shall not exceed 16 k.s.i.. The weld gun designer must verify that stress calculations have been performed to the satisfaction of the AZ Automotive Weld Engineer .

 

6.1.36.                                          

All weld guns shall have pre-lubed cylinders.

 

6.1.37.                                          

All weld guns shall be checked by a the AZ Automotive Plant Manufacturing Engineer before the gun is shipped to the Weld line integrator.  It is the responsibility of the weld line integrator  to assure that this procedure is followed.

 

6.1.38.                                          

All weld gun electrodes must be aligned within .020".

 

6.1.39.                                          

All weld guns shall be perpendicular to the surface of the material being welded (+/- 3 degrees off normal allowed only with the approval of AZ Automotive).

 

6.1.40.                                          

All projection weld applications shall allow the part to float free during the projection weld. Any clamps that hold the part must be released to accomplish this. Welding of multiple projection welds is discouraged also, they must not interfere with each other by one gun holding the part during the weld on the other gun.

 

6.1.41.                                          

All spot weld applications shall be run with standard tips. In no case shall the tip be cut to size for production welding operations, as any deviations in the surface profile cause deviations in the current density, and will produce expulsion or cold welds. An exception to this is made for tip dressers, but each application of tip dressers must be approved.

 

6.2.            Weld Guns-Robot and Portable

 

6.2.1.                                             

Portable and Robot weld guns shall be sized at 80 p.s.i. All related components shall be able to withstand the force incurred at 100 p.s.i. during production operations. Do not design weld guns to operate under 40 p.s.i. on multiple weld schedules.

 

6.2.2.                                             

The mounting of the welding gun to the robot shall provide for the minimum robot cycle time and the smoothest robot operational path.

 

6.2.3.                                             

All weld guns including spares shall be supplied as a complete assembly with all the necessary hangers, kickless welding cables, air and water hoses, fittings, etc.

 

6.2.4.                                             

Spare robot and portable Welding Guns, per design, shall be supplied based upon the following:

 

QUANTITY

QUANTITY

Active Guns

Spare Guns

1 to 4

1

5 to 8

2

9 & up

3

Note: Spare quantities are based on the number of active guns of the same design. Each separate design would require additional spares accordingly.

 

6.2.5.                                             

The supplier shall furnish (12) spare sets of all electrodes, caps, adaptors, and (2) spare holder/adaptor combination per welding gun and ship them with each robot and/or portable weld gun.

 

6.2.6.                                             

Robot mounted weld guns shall include the complete installation package to be used between the weld gun and the robot face plate including socket head cap screws (class 12.9), metal back-up washers, lock washers, insulation washers, bushings, and insulation pad (pre-drilled). One (1) complete set of installation parts to be used as spares shipped with each weld gun.

 

6.2.7.                                             

The supplier shall pay strict attention to the routing of the secondary welding cable, air and water hoses so as to eliminate any rubbing and/or pinching as the robot performs its assigned program.

 

6.2.8.                                             

The supplier shall determine the size and length of the secondary cable.

 

6.2.9.                                             

All manual weld guns without a retraction feature shall have a minimum point opening of 3/4".

 

6.2.10.                                          

All robotic & manual welding applications shall utilize grounding reactors on the secondaries of welding transformers.

 

6.2.11.                                          

All robot guns shall be installed to the robot with an adaptor plate, utilizing two (2) dowels from adapter plate to robot face.

 

6.2.12.                                          

Self-equalizing cylinder must be called out separately on the weld gun assembly drawing.

 

6.2.13.                                          

All robot weld guns shall have a minimum weld stroke tip opening of 1 1/4" and a maximum of 1 3/4"(not including retract stroke). The stationary jaw shall have a minimum of 3/4" equalizing movement to enhance auto tip dress.

 

6.2.14.                                          

Aluminum weld gun castings are not to be used unless no other alternative is possible.

 

6.2.15.                                          

All electrodes requiring restrictive side motion are to be keyed in position. Key slots must be long enough to allow for adjustment.

 

6.2.16.                                          

Hardened wear plates and bumpers are to be used on all hanger brackets where self-equalizing cylinders are employed.

 

6.2.17.                                          

Double bend cap adaptors on "C" type weld guns should be 7/8" minimum diameter.

 

6.2.18.                                          

Electrode holders or electrode holder/adaptor combinations shall not exceed 6" stickout from the casting, without approval.

 

6.2.19.                                          

All components requiring maintenance (cylinders, shunts, etc.) must be readily accessible.

 

 

6.3.            Weld Guns-Machine Type

 

6.3.1.                                             

Air operated machine type weld guns shall be sized at 80 p.s.i. All related components shall be able to withstand the force incurred at 100 p.s.i. during production operations

 

6.3.2.                                             

Hydraulically operated machine type weld guns shall be sized at 400 p.s.i. All related weld gun components shall be able to withstand the force incurred at 525 p.s.i. during production operations.

 

6.3.3.                                             

A weld gun search shall be conducted utilizing existing weld gun databases before designing any new weld guns.

 

6.3.4.                                             

Spare machine Welding Guns, per design, shall be supplied based upon the following:

 

QUANTITY

QUANTITY

Active Guns

Spare Guns

1 to 6

1

7 to12

2

13 & up

3

Note: Spare quantities are based on the number of active guns of the same design. Each separate design would require additional spares accordingly.

 

6.3.5.                                             

The supplier shall furnish (12) spare sets of all electrodes, caps, adaptors, and (2) spare holder/adaptor combination per welding gun and ship them with each machine type weld gun.

 

6.3.6.                                             

Interchangeability shall be considered for all weld gun standard components.

 

6.3.7.                                             

All weld guns shall be perpendicular to the surface of the material being welded (+/- 3 degrees off normal allowed only with the approval of the AZ Automotive Design Coordinator and the Process Engineer).

 

6.3.8.                                             

Weld gun assemblies shall be designed with the cylinder side grounded and the rod side insulated (double insulated weld guns are not acceptable).

 

6.3.9.                                             

On long-stroke dump units that position the weld guns, the welding transformers shall move with the weld guns.

 

6.3.10.                                          

Rear hairpin mount is the preferred mounting for weld cylinders using straight gun applications. Stud mount to be used only with the approval of AZ Automotive.

 

6.3.11.                                          

All weld guns shall have cable crosshole connectors wherever possible. This allows choices when attaching jumpers.

 

6.3.12.                                          

Removed

 

6.3.13.                                          

Removed

 

6.3.14.                                          

Removed

 

6.3.15.                                          

Removed

 

6.3.16.                                          

Removed

 

6.3.17.                                          

Use at least two mounting holes per cylinder trunnion mounting plate.

 

6.3.18.                                          

Spotface adjusting screw mounting surface.

 

6.3.19.                                          

Removed

 

6.3.20.                                          

All machine type equalizing weld guns shall have (3)- way adjustment (See Illustration 6-1.0, 6-1.1 and 6-1.2).

 

6.3.21.                                          

Weld cable conditions/design considerations. (See Illustration 6-3.0, 6-3.1 and 6-3.2)

 

6.3.22.                                          

Weld cable conditions and transformer service/design considerations (See Illustration 6-4.0)

 

6.3.23.                                          

Weld transformer and cable access/design considerations. (See Illustration 6-5.0, 6-5.1 & 6-5.2)

 

6.3.24.                                          

Provide adequate clearance for welding cables when designing lugs. (See Illustration 6-1.3)

 

6.3.25.                                          

Weld guns with tip opening of 3" or greater must incorporate a retract cylinder.
Robot controlled weld guns with retract shall incorporate a device that would electrically indicate, to the robot, that the weld gun is in the fully retracted position. Cylindicators can be used only with AZ Automotive approval.

 

6.3.26.                                          

All weld gun cylinders for machine type guns to have rod scrapers.

 

 

6.4.            Weld Guns-Pedestal

 

6.4.1.                                             

Pedestal type weld guns shall be sized at 80 p.s.i. All related weld gun components shall be able to withstand the force incurred at 100 p.s.i. during production operations.

 

6.4.2.                                             

In Pedestal welding applications the weld guns used shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

A. Retract feature with a four (4) port welding air cylinder.

B. Cylinder actuated equalizing, when needed.

C. 0.5 gallon per minute cooling water flow per tip/gun arm.

 

 

6.5.            Weld Guns-Air Over Oil

 

6.5.1.                                             

Air over Oil weld guns to be used only with approval.

 

6.5.2.                                             

Air over oil type weld guns shall follow the recommended sizing and installation procedures from the weld gun manufacturer.

 

 

6.6.            Weld Guns-Opposing

 

6.6.1.                                             

Machines or fixtures that use opposing weld guns shall have the guns mounted in line in the machine or fixture such that the metal part being welded shall be centered between the weld gun points, being equidistant and symmetrical from either point.

 

6.6.2.                                             

Removed

 

 

6.7.            Pedestal Seam Welders

 

6.7.1.                                             

Pedestal (stationary) seam welders shall NOT use needle bearings in the head assembly where weld current is involved but shall have a wiper bar or plate arrangement in the current carrying area. Utilize caster oil lubrication.

 

6.7.2.                                             

Knurled cutters, wheel dressers, or knurled wheel drives used on seam welders shall utilize needle bearings.

 

6.7.3.                                             

Both upper and lower heads on a seam welder shall be driven mechanically; either direct coupled, gear driven, chain driven, or with an extension shaft directly coupled to a remote transmission.

 

6.8.            Welding Transformers

 

6.8.1.                                             

All transformers must be sized on second highest tap, at 65% - 70% heat. Any that fall outside this specification must have a signed deviation by the appropriate AZ Automotive representatives.

At AZ, it is customary to use 100KVA as a minimum standard for MFDC transformers, to allow for future applications. Any sized below this must be approved by the Plant Manufacturing Engineer.

 

6.8.2.                                             

Suppliers shall provide the calculations used for selecting and sizing transformers on all resistance spot welding applications.

 

6.8.3.                                             

AZ Automotive shall approve cable and transformer sizing for remote transformer applications.

 

6.8.4.                                             

Balancing of secondary welding current shall be held within 5 %.

 

6.8.5.                                             

All secondary-welding cables used on 70 KVA and 100 KVA transformers shall be minimum 1200 MCM and 16" maximum in length.

 

6.8.6.                                             

Extensions or 90-degree adapters shall not be used in the transformer secondary loops on machine type weld guns unless approved by a AZ Automotive.

 

6.8.7.                                             

Grounding of welding transformer secondaries shall use the same ground potential (negative) throughout the system or tool, with applicable sized ground cable.

 

6.8.8.                                             

All MFDC welding transformers shall have a built-in transformer overtemp switch, to be wired into the logic similar to the water flow switch.

 

 

6.9.             Welding Cables

 

6.9.1.                                             

Kickless (low reactance) portable gun cables shall be 400 MCM minimum.

A.      Maximum length on robot and manual guns is:

                400 MCM 10 Feet.

B.       Maximum length on machine remote transformers is:

                400 MCM 3-5 Feet

                500 MCM 5-8 Feet

                800 MCM 8-12 Feet

 

6.9.2.                                             

All welding cables shall be held together with straps. Any deviation shall be approved by a AZ Automotive.

 

6.9.3.                                             

When using a welding gun (robot or manual type) the kickless cable bolt assembly shall be torqued down securely.

 

6.9.4.                                             

Robot kickless cable applications that are at, or exceed, 180 degrees gun rotation must utilize high flex Water Edge or Flex-Cable only cables.

 

 

6.10.        Robotic GMAW & FCAW Production Lines

 

General

 

6.10.1.                                          

Documentation and pictorials for welding sequence, operation number, weld length, and parameters will be provided by supplier at 50% design review. Changes will be documented as needed. Final documentation will be provided to AZ Automotive at buy off.

 

Tooling

 

6.10.2.                                          

Removed

 

6.10.3.                                          

By request in the purchase order, a manufacturing date stamp will be provided on each part for tracking and identification.

 

6.10.4.                                          

Avoid multiple geometry fixtures. If multiple geometry fixtures are necessary, the AZ Automotive program manager must approve the application.

 

6.10.5.                                          

Spatter free areas and weld nuts will be protected from debris and weld spatter throughout the entire process.

 

6.10.6.                                          

Tooling and equipment in spatter prone areas will be protected.

 

Maintenance

 

6.10.7.                                          

Weld line must have adequate zoning for maintenance during incidental down time.

 

6.10.8.                                          

Maintenance personnel must have protected access to each zone. This access must not interfere with the cycle of adjacent zones.

Adequate accessibility for programming, preventative maintenance, etc. will be provided for each zone.

 

6.10.9.                                          

Ability to change contact tips from the outside of the system will be provided where possible.

 

Welding

 

6.10.10.                                       

Keep weld joint positions in proper orientations for welding. Flat welds with minimum torch movement offer the best chance for quality welds.

 

6.10.11.                                       

Torch studies must be performed by supplier, and approved by an AZ Automotive weld engineer at 50% design review.

 

6.10.12.                                       

Torch angles must be able to move +/- 10 degrees off of optimum with clearance for robot arm and cables.

 

6.10.13.                                       

Torch contact tip must be able to extend one inch from proper work distance with clearance for robot arm and cables.

 

6.10.14.                                       

Mechanical lugs required for ground cables.

 

6.10.15.                                       

Proper ground path required. (P.L.P. blocks, back-ups, etc. are not acceptable.)

 

6.10.16.                                       

Ground cables will be adequately sized and routed so as not to create a trip hazard.

 

6.10.17.                                       

Torch cables must be free from strain and interference.

 

6.10.18.                                       

Wire feed conduits must be free from obstruction.

 

6.10.19.                                       

Adequate guarding will be provided to protect operators from weld flash.

 

6.10.20.                                       

The supplier will provide a program and necessary equipment for Tool Center Point check for each weld robot.

 

Equipment

 

6.10.21.                                       

Welding power source will be sized for adequate duty cycle.

 

6.10.22.                                       

Torch will be properly sized for required workload.

 

6.10.23.                                       

The use of a water or air cooled torch will be by the direction of the AZ Automotive weld engineer.

 

Perishables and Consumables

 

6.10.24.                                       

The build vender will supply all welding consumables for tryout and buy off.

 

6.10.25.                                       

Welding equipment and perishables must be industry standard (off the shelf items).

 

6.11.        Construction/Installation

 

6.11.1.                                          

The cable used for the primary wiring of weld control panels shall be  a minimum of 4/0 cable.

 

6.11.2.                                          

(2) conductor type W cable sized properly shall be used to connect primary side of weld transformers to 4/0 leads from weld controllers. Provide cord grips with basket weave for flexing applications.

 

6.11.3.                                          

For welding transformer primary connections use AZ Automotive approved distribution panels in all installations readily accessible from floor level. Locations are to be approved by AZ Automotive. T-taps are not approved for welding transformer primary connections in lay in duct or in areas readily accessible from floor level. Where flexible cable is used for platen movement the cable shall be supported vertically at both ends. Flexible conduit shall NOT be allowed.

 

6.11.4.                                          

Supplier shall take and record the tip forces, transformer tap settings, gun supply pressures, line voltages, and secondary current readings for machine weld certification. Two copies shall be supplied to a AZ Automotive Launch Technician.

 

6.11.5.                                          

On PUSH-PULL welding applications the Supplier shall install AWG #4 wire to insure proper grounding of secondary welding circuits. (See Illustration 6-6.0)

 

6.11.6.                                          

Dual weld guns shall use two (2) separate transformers except with prior approval.

 

6.11.7.                                          

Primary electrical cable size for trans-guns shall be three (3) conductor #2 Type W cable for single weld gun and four (4) conductor Type W cable #2 for dual weld gun.

 

6.11.8.                                          

Welding power conductors passing through metal openings shall pass through in pairs with no magnetic material between the conductors.

 

6.11.9.                                          

Each weld gun control firing circuit shall control a unique weld gun circuit to ensure weld guns are retracted immediately after firing. Each timer and phase of a three-phase weld control shall be considered a unique circuit.

 

 

6.12.        Identification

 

6.12.1.                                          

Supplier shall stencil identification in a contrasting color on the Welding Transformers - The call out A1-A2-A3-A4, B1-B2-B3-B4, etc., with 2" high letters on transformer visible from the floor on the service side of the line where possible. All welding transformers shall also be numbered on the mechanical layout sequencing schematics.

 

6.12.2.                                          

For Weld cylinder identification procedures see "Section 3", Mechanical, item 3.2.1

 

6.12.3.                                          

All weld guns shall have a weld gun identification tag mounted on the weld gun in an area where it is accessible after the weld gun has been mounted. A duplicate tag shall be provided and wired loosely to the gun so that it may be affixed to the fixture by the OEM at the direction of a weld gun group representative. This tag shall be white with 3/16" high letters. (See Illustration 6-7.0)

 

6.12.4.                                          

Weld gun supplier shall stencil or stamp AZ Automotive Standard Number on the body of all weld gun cylinders.

 

6.12.5.                                          

Pre-lubed cylinders shall be identified as such with a 3/4 inch wide gold band on its periphery.