Title: Yoder Laser WeldingDate: 3/30/2004
Author: Formtek Metal Forming, Inc.
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Click here for .pdf documentItasca, Illinois (March 30, 2004): The Formtek Group of companies which includes Cooper-Weymouth, Peterson (CWP), B&K, Dahlstrom, Engel, FMI, Hill Engineering, Iowa Precision Industries, Lockformer, Rowe, and Yoder announced that Yoder has recently commissioned (2) laser welding systems.
The welders are being used on (2) different roll forming systems. The first system uses a 3,200 watt Co2 laser to weld the side rails for SUV roof racks in both galvanized and stainless steel materials. The laser welder was chosen for aesthetic reasons since much of the rack is visible when installed on the vehicle. Laser welders are characterized by having a narrow heat affected zone, which works well for this product.
The second system is a 1,500 watt unit that will weld window muntin spacers continuously in-line. These spacers are made from pre-painted aluminum, and speeds are noticeably higher with this material. The driving factor for the laser welder on this product is related to a notching operation that is performed on the rectangular sections. The pieces "nest" together to form the grid pattern for the muntins in between the thermopane glass. The point where the two pieces intersect have a half-lap joint, which notches half of the sidewall from each piece. The laser-welded part allows the notching head to cut the side from the part and not distort the butt-seam, as was the case with the un-welded section.
Yoder manufacturers both welded tube mills and roll forming systems, and has applied many different types of welders to the metalforming process in the past. Resistance, TIG, Plasma, High Frequency Induction, and High Frequency Contact are some of the welding processes used in the past. The addition of laser welders to the list further emphasizes Yoder's capabilities in merging welding technology to the roll forming process.
For more information, visit the Yoder website at www.yodermfg.com or call 216-292-2898.
