Thiévin
The challenge
Programming a Complex Dual-Robot Welding System
Thiévin invested in a new Yaskawa robotic welding system with two synchronized robots operating on very large and complex parts. Programming this 19-axis robotic installation manually would have required several weeks, making traditional teach programming impractical for small production runs and customized manufacturing.
The story
Thiévin is a family-owned manufacturing company specializing in agricultural equipment, public works products, environmental solutions, and industrial welded structures. The company has extensive experience in robotic welding and continuously invests in advanced manufacturing technologies.
The new Yaskawa installation consists of two robots operating on a 26-meter gantry across two workstations. Both robots can weld the same part simultaneously while another part is loaded or unloaded, maximizing production efficiency and reducing overall manufacturing time.
Manual teach programming was not practical for this complex robotic installation. Offline programming allowed Thiévin to program directly from CAD models, simulate synchronized robot movements, optimize welding paths, and significantly reduce programming time while keeping the robots available for production.
The system was implemented through mechanical calibration, software calibration, and comprehensive operator training. Close collaboration between Thiévin, Alma, and Yaskawa ensured accurate synchronization between the virtual programming environment and the physical robotic installation.
By combining advanced robotic welding with offline programming, Thiévin expects major reductions in manufacturing time for large welded parts. The new system enables faster programming, improved production flexibility, and greater utilization of robotic welding resources.
Results
Programming time
Robot availability
Dual-robot coordination
