Actuators offer lighter weight in automotive resistance spot welding

ServoWeld actuators from Tolomatic are redesigned for higher performance and are lighter weight compared to other screw technologies. Featuring roller screws designed and manufactured by Tolomatic, the ServoWeld actuators are made especially for Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) applications in the automotive industry. The ServoWeld actuators deliver 20 million welds or more, much longer than competing technologies such as ball screws and inverted roller screw actuators, according to Tolomatic.

The ServoWeld Advanced (SWA) actuator is based on the highest level roller screw technology available to deliver the maximum number of welds. The ServoWeld Base (SWB) actuator is built on an alternate roller screw design to provide longer life than typical ball screw and inverted roller screw technology, but at a more economical price than the SWA actuator.

The SWA and SWB ServoWeld models are available in two sizes: a smaller size 3 for lighter-duty weld schedules; and a size 4 for heavier-duty applications. Both sizes are available in a variety of roller screw thread pitches (5 and 10mm), motor voltages (230 & 460VAC) and multiple options for rod ends, feedback and connectors, and water cooling. These models can produce actuator forces at the rod up to 4,000lbf/17.8 kN, lasting 20+ million welds and holding ±3% force repeatability over the life of the actuator. Each model comes equipped as standard with a re-lubrication port to easily service the actuator without disassembly from the weld gun to maximise its life.

Tolomatic has extensive experience in the automotive resistance spot welding industry with its predecessor product, the GSWA ServoWeld actuator. Because of this experience, the ServoWeld SWA and SWB actuators have motor files for seamless robot integration with all the major suppliers including ABB, Comau, Fanuc, Kawasaki, Kuka, Motoman, Nachi and many more.

“We developed the ServoWeld SWA and SWB actuators based on nearly fifteen years of experience in the industry, and we understand what it takes to make actuators and roller screws for resistance spot welding applications,” said Bill Graber, ServoWeld Global Business Director, Tolomatic. “The result of our efforts is the broadest line of 7^th axis RSW actuator products, which allow our customers to select the right ServoWeld product for their application.”