Turnout manufacturer commissions welding robot

CZECH REPUBLIC: Turnout manufacturer DT Výhybkárna a Strojírna is now using a robotic welding cell to manufacture small components used to secure rails to sleepers. DTVS said international orders now account for 40% of its production, and often involve one-off or small-batch production tailored to a particular rail network, technical standards and customer requirements. This means scope for widespread automation in turnout manufacturing is more limited than in industries built around high-volume production.

The robotic welding system was supplied by Dutch company Valk Welding, with the robot provided by Panasonic and the clamping fixtures by PEŠEK Machinery.

‘Turnout production differs considerably from industries such as automotive manufacturing in terms of production volumes’, said DTVS CEO Marek Smolka. ‘Much of the manufacturing and assembly work therefore continues to rely on skilled employees. We want to expand the use of robotics primarily in repetitive production operations, where automation can deliver consistent quality and higher productivity while relieving employees of repetitive or physically demanding work.’

Petr Očko, Director General of the Confederation of Industry of the Czech Republic, said the use of robots is not an end in itself, but ‘makes sense where it improves production quality and efficiency while relieving employees of routine or physically demanding tasks. The new cell at DTVS shows that even manufacturers with a high proportion of customised products can deploy robots in a targeted way and achieve tangible benefits.’

This story was originally published by Railway Gazette. Read the full story at Railway Gazette →