Application of welding robot to manufacturing of shield cutter head components

According to the features of shield cutter head components such as diversity,complicated structure,a large number of welds and prominent size difference,a robotic welding system was specially developed. The robotic welding system can observably improve programming and welding efficiency,because of configuration of double-station,welding database,and a 3 D off-line programming software. Welding tests of central head beam and cutter frame were carried out,and welding process specifications obtained from which were applied successfully in practical production,which shows not only a stable and efficient welding process but also welds with good appearance and consistency. The results show that because the robotic welding system can largely reduce labour strength,improve work environment,improve weld quality,and increase welding production efficiency,which will play a key role in many cases in manufacturing cutter head components such as central head beam,cutter frame,and corbel,and also in manufacture segment erector.