A positioner is a machine that rotates a workpiece at a constant speed and controlled range of positions, making continuous manufacturing processes easier. Weld positioners eliminate the need for vertical welding and improve safety. They come in various sizes and can handle workpieces weighing many tons.
A positioner is a machine used to rotate a workpiece at a constant speed and through a controlled range of positions to enable continuous processes to be performed with ease. A good example of this is the weld positioner, which allows a welder to stand in one position and weld a continuous seam around pipe without having to move or weld vertically. Most positioners have a round rotary table on which the workpiece is mounted. An electric motor then spins the workpiece at a user-selected speed. A wide range of positioner designs are available, some smaller types being suitable for light engineering whilst others are capable of handling workpieces weighing many tonnes (tonnes).
Continuous manufacturing processes, such as weld seams on round or cylindrical parts, can be difficult to get right, especially when done manually. Staff must work in awkward positions and move constantly, often dragging welding cables with them, no practice is conducive to precise and consistent work. Safety also often becomes an issue when this type of working condition is met with stress, fatigue and loss of concentration, leading to potentially dangerous situations. One of the most effective methods of eliminating these undesirable conditions is to use a positioner to turn the work piece rather than making the craftsman move.
The positioner is basically a workpiece support structure equipped with a motorized rotary table. The work piece is mounted on this rotary table and is rotated 360° at a speed controlled by the operator. In the case of weld positioners, this speed can be adjusted to produce optimum penetration of weld paths and eliminates the need to weld vertically, which is always a difficult practice to do correctly. The speed at which the positioner rotates the workpiece is set on control units of varying levels of sophistication, with some models capable of extremely precise adjustments. While welding is by far the most common application for positioners, it is not the only manufacturing process that benefits from their use, with several automated machining and manufacturing applications using them.
The size and complexity of the positioner used in any specific application depends on the type of work being performed. Some smaller units are suitable for light engineering or even hobby applications. Heavy-duty positioners, on the other hand, are worlds removed from small units, often capable of effectively handling loads of many tons (tons).
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