EMAG ELC 6i

The EMAG ELC 6i is a laser welding cell that strings several joining processes together for parts up to 300 mm (12 in) in external diameter and 300 mm (12 in) high. Its integrated processes are laser cleaning, inductive preheating (with a 2-stage version as an option), joining/pressing, laser welding and, optionally, marking. Up to 6 process steps can be combined, and the cell runs on Siemens Sinumerik One.

The figures that set it apart are the production ones. With a fixed transfer system the cycle time is under 20 seconds, up to 18 workpiece carriers circulate through the cell, and changeover to another part takes less than 20 minutes. Loading is handled at 2 raw-part and 2 finished-part stations, so parts can go in and come out without the cell waiting on a single position.

That makes the ELC 6i a line machine rather than a job-shop welder. The sub-20-second cycle is quoted for the fixed transfer system, so a cell configured differently should be quoted on its own cycle. The approximate footprint of 21.5 m² (231 sq ft) also has to be planned in, along with the access needed around the loading stations.

Against the ELC 600, which takes parts up to 600 mm (23.5 in) in diameter, the ELC 6i covers half that diameter. What it adds is the chain of cleaning, preheating, pressing, welding and marking in one cell. The ELC 600 and ELC 6 are listed with a SINUMERIK 840D sl control; the ELC 6i moves to Sinumerik One.