DEWBOT IX Welding
Welcome to DEW Robitics Welding Team
The welding team is crucial to the success of the robot. We build the frame that literally holds the whole robot together. Our ability to weld robot frames and other parts gives team 1640 a competitive advantage over those teams that can not. Welding the robot frame results in the frame being lighter, stronger and easier to build to precise dimensions. In addition, having competent welders allows us to repair tools or equipment that would otherwise be discarded, saving time and money
As you might expect, such a valuable skill comes at a cost. Welding requires knowledge and practice. There is simply no way around this fact. Therefore, we have developed a program for interested students to get the neccessary training and practice so that the quality of our welding work is as good as it can be when it comes time to build the next robot.
Most of the training and practice is done in the off season by working on welding projects such as building tools, repairing equipment, or making alterations to the robots.
When students feel they are ready, they may take a qualification test that, upon passing it, will qualify them to weld the new robot chassis independently with a minimum of oversight. The document link below describes the complete qualification process and requirements.
Above all we want the welding team to succeed, learn valuable skills, take pride in their work and contribute significantly to the success of DEWBOT IX.
Keith Williams,
Welding Mentor
Important Links:
File:DEW Robotics - Welding Qualification 2012-13 v1 2.doc This document is a complete description of the DEW 1640 welding qualification process. Included are test descriptions, rules, materials, and more. Please read through it, and feel free to ask any questions about this process. We will also go over the requirements together as a team when qualification time is near.
Current Projects:
- Tool Cart Modification - We heavily modified a cart to accept two toolboxes, and have a work table on top. Doug and I did the welding with steel fluxcore wire.
- Welding Table - 2012's summer's project was to build a substantial steel welding table. Various students worked on this project which was a much needed addition to our welding shop.
- Welding Screen - Currently (dec/12) we're working on a screen to protect the eyes of our colleagues working in the machine shop area.
WELDING NEWS
Wednesday, December 5, 2012 Session
Marina, Kira and Patrick finished some of the filet welds (including vertical-up and overhead welds!) on the legs of the welding screen. We ran out of flux core wire, so Patrick helped set the welder up to MIG weld aluminum and got to try out MIG'ing aluminum. Each student needs to cut their test pieces for when they are ready to take the test. There is an appendix in the back of the qualification document above which lists the number and sizes of all pieces you will need.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Replaced 2 missing screws on the spoolgun. Cut some contact tips in preparation for Al welding with .035 wire.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Brad had a good question about the testing process. To paraphrase, Brad asked, "Can we weld multiple test pieces and submit the best one?". My thoughts are these. The test is meant to simulate a real world situation. On the real robot, you can practice as much as you want, but you only get one chance to do a weld on the robot. So the answer is 'No'. The student must identify the piece which will be evaluated (the 'final' one) before any welding begins. The testing process document (above link) has been updated accordingly. Any questions, feel free to ask.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012 Session:
Made excellent progress on the welding screen. The frame is tacked together, ready to finish weld. Good work by Brad, Marina and Kira.
