TITLE:
Improving the Use of Robotic Welding of Aluminum Boats through Modularization
AUTHORS:
Paul Kah, Esa Hiltunen, Jukka Martikainen
KEYWORDS:
Modularization; Modularity; DFMA; Design for Manufacture and Assembly; Aluminum Welding; Robotic Welding; Sub-Assembly; Boat
JOURNAL NAME:
Engineering,
Vol.6 No.1,
January
15,
2014
ABSTRACT: The level of
automation in the manufacture of recreational aluminum boats is very low.
Robotized welding is rarely utilized, although it is commonly considered as the
most effective way to reduce costs and increase competitiveness. A reason for the
under-exploitation of robotics can be found in the construction of aluminum boats;
boat models and their detailed structures are almost without exception
individual pieces. A new stiffener structure for an aluminum recreational boat hull is developed in this
work. Construction of the stiffener as a module allows exploitation of the
advantages of modularization. The number of different parts is reduced and the
structure simplified
improves the applicability of robotic welding and provides benefits accruing
from mass production.
The same module can be used in several boat models. The modularity also makes
it possible to use the same advanced robot welding fixture for a variety of
boat models.