Graham Engineering, a UK company specialising in the manufacture of large complex components for high‐tech industries has pioneered the application of 3D laser trimming and welding of stainless steel and other difficult‐to‐process pressings and fabrications. It uses a Prima Optima 3D laser...

This paper reviews the Weldex exhibition held at the NEC in Birmingham in November 2003. Highlights of the show included VirtualArc from ABB, which is able to predict weld conditions using physics of the arc, the hybrid MSG‐laser welding process from Cloos and a new spot weld‐specific...

This paper focuses on some of the presentations given at a technical workshop on “Laser processing of polymer‐based materials”, organised by Association of Industrial Laser Users. Applications in cutting and welding are discussed and specifically how different combinations of polymer...

ABB has launched a new robot controller, the fifth generation IRC5. One of its major features is MultiMove, a function that enables fully coordinated control of up to 36 axes, equal to four six‐axis robots plus work positioners or other servo devices. This opens up new application areas with a...

A review of the MACH machine tool exhibition held at the NEC, Birmingham, and specifically on the robotic exhibits. Although the number of stands demonstrating robots was down on the last MACH in 2002, there were some new product releases from Rexroth Bosch, Fanuc and ABB. Two of the first...

Kuka Robotics – Automation celebrated 30 years of operation in the UK and a new name by holding an Open Week at its UK headquarters in Halesowen, at which a diverse range of products and application solutions were exhibited. On show was the RoboCoaster, the “world's first passenger carrying...

Purpose – To provide a concise briefing on the developments in robotic welding. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the ABB “Open Days” held at its UK operation. Findings – Gives information on the launch of MultiArc; the arc welding application based on its MultiMove...

Purpose – To review presentations on robotics in “less familiar environments” given at a seminar, “The changing face of robotics: inside and outside the factory”, organised by the UK Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE). Design/methodology/approach – This paper covers the second...

Purpose – To review manufacturing automation products and technology on show at Interplas 2005, the UK's premier exhibition of equipment for the plastics and rubber industry. Design/methodology/approach – Some of the automation products on display at the show are highlighted, particularly...

Purpose – To describe the design methodology and human‐centre functionality of the whole arm manipulator (WAM) developed originally at MIT and brought to commercial fruition by Barrett Technology. Design/methodology/approach – The WAM arm is driven by cable‐and‐cylinder transmissions,...