Case Study

Metal Fabricator Reduces Cycle Time by 95% with FANUC Cobot Welder

Great Lakes Stainless, a Northern Michigan custom metal fabricator, tackled the challenge of fabricating a curved stainless-steel part for an escalator platform, which initially took three hours using manual MIG and TIG welding. By partnering with Serra Laser Center, they implemented a FANUC CRX-25iA cobot with the LightWELD portable laser welding solution. This automation reduced production time by 95%—from three hours to 15 minutes—resulting in a smoother finish and higher throughput.

Results

Able to move hard-to-find skilled welders to other areas
Achieved a 95% faster production time
High quality welding and surface achieved

Story

Great Lakes Stainless is a custom metal fabricator located in Northern Michigan that specializes in solving complex fabrication projects for their customers. Case in point is the fabrication of a curved stainless-steel part needed for an escalator platform. To form the curve, the company had to cut a steel sheet in a triangular shape, weld the edges together via manual MIG and TIG welding and smooth the finish, which took approximately three hours to achieve.

When Great Lakes reached out to Serra Laser Center about streamlining the process, Serra suggested a FANUC CRX-25iA equipped with LightWELD, a portable laser welding solution, to weld the edges together. This automated solution reduced production time to roughly 15 minutes, a 95 percent reduction, and resulted in a seamless weld with a smoother finish. The FANUC CRX cobot performing the laser welding task not only ramped up throughput of the stainless-steel escalator part, but also freed up skilled welders to do other jobs around the shop. Additionally, because of the quick ROI and labor-savings benefits, Great Lakes is looking to add more FANUC robotic automation in the future.

Our goals for the program with the robot and laser welder really were to expand our capacity, keep up with the volume of the customer, and of course, part of that is reducing the cycle time, which was very successful. In addition, we got a lot of other benefits from the project. Combining the FANUC robot with the laser welder gives just much better results on the welds.

Michael DeBruyn

President and Owner, Great Lakes Stainless

FANUC Products Used

CRX-25iA

Meet Serra Laser Store, FANUC Authorized System Integrator

Serra Laser Center is an authorized FANUC integrator specializing in CRX Cobots for laser welding applications. As a leading provider of automation laser solutions, we offer proprietary software to seamlessly control IPG Photonics handheld lasers, wire feeders, and other consumable components. With extensive expertise in laser welding, Serra Laser provides comprehensive support for laser applications and welding procedures, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Our team delivers customized automated laser processing solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients. Founded 31 years ago as a laser cutting provider, Serra Laser has evolved into a trusted industry leader, offering a full suite of laser welding services, including handheld and robotic laser welding, precision laser cutting, and bending services.

Visit Serra Laser Store

About Great Lakes Stainless:

At Great Lakes Stainless, we are the experts at creating solutions for a client’s private and public spaces. Whether stainless, architectural decorative metals, wood or wiring, we know our materials and we know custom fabrication. We have the specialized expertise to deliver the very best. From serving counters and work surfaces to custom cabinets and casework, we can do things no one else can.

Learn More about Great Lakes Stainless