Netherlands-based AWL-Techniek, a specialist in resistance welding and system integration for joining techniques, is enjoying a steady growth in business thanks to robotic technology and expertise from ABB. Providing automated systems for metal fabrication applications, AWL has so far sold over 500 ABB robots for various automation projects, with more orders underway.
AWL-Techniek’s serves customers primarily within the automotive sector, which accounts for around 80 per cent of its business. However, its expertise spans not just automotive tier1 and tier2 suppliers, but also steel furniture manufacturers, building systems and packaging industries as well as sheet metal, wire and pipe processing companies.
AWL Techniek used its first ABB robot, an IRB90, in the mid-1980s. Since that time, AWL-Techniek has continued to expand its range of ABB robots, implementing the IRB 1400, 1600 and 6600 into its automated welding solutions.
Ralf Daggers, Marketing Manager for AWL-Techniek, comments, “Working with ABB has always given us the reassurance that we can provide reliable technology that integrates well with the other components we use within our solutions. Our customers love ABB robots and whilst we always offer our clients a choice, 90 per cent of the robots we sell are ABB.”
Mr. Daggers continues, “It is a real achievement to have placed over 500 ABB robots in successful solutions. The technology is a great match for some the other products we use, like Fronius International – the European market leader in arc-welding technology. ABB has worked closely with Fronius to develop a process interface to make programming and using the machinery together a straightforward process. The result is exactly that, and ensures we can use different suppliers to create the best solution for our customers.”
One of AWL-Techniek’s own developments is the expansion of different types of basic modules, whereby only the underlying philosophy is fixed in advance, namely that the robot and the operator must be able to work simultaneously, reducing cycle time to a minimum. Using ABB’s robots, AWL-Techniek’s developments include arc welding, spot welding and laser welding concepts which are functional, attractively priced and offer the maximum tool size in the smallest possible floor area. AWL also provides its own service packages. AWL specialists are on-hand, ready to assist with instructions on how to operate the machines, whilst a special service team is available during and after working hours for fast and skilled maintenance and repairs.
Haayo Terpstra, Business Development Manager for ABB’s Robotics division in Benelux, comments, “AWL has always been a valued ABB partner and it’s great to work with a company not only integrating our technology, but helping to develop new technology for the sector. AWL-Techniek is well established within the metal fabrication sector, and by working with AWL we have been able to ensure that its customers get the most suitable robotic solutions for their needs, whilst giving the company the opportunities to develop and expand its own brand.”
Terpstra continues, “We congratulate AWL for their success in placing over 500 robots in different applications, and look forward to the future opportunities resulting from this partnership.”
AWL-Techniek is one of the latest companies to benefit from the tools and information provided by ABB’s Global Partner Program to succeed in an expanding market for robot-based automation, including sales, marketing, technical and service support as well as software training for all employees.