Robotic Welding for Structural Steel Fabrication | PeddiAssembler

Peddinghaus machines are the world leaders in structural steel fabrication technology. Steel fabricators that own Peddinghaus machines uphold an advantage in the steel industry and have the ability to optimize tonnage capacity. The PeddiAssembler, powered by Zeman, is the absolute solution for steel beam assembly. This fabrication shop super charger has been designed specifically to speed up one of the most time consuming areas of the fabrication process.

The design of the PeddiAssembler begins with an ABB tacking and welding robot paired with a handling and parts scanning robot. Forging an unbeatable combination. Assemble beams, tubes and channels all on one machine. The whole robotics system rests on a single rail design which maintains a small machine footprint. The compact design only occupies the space of one fitter station. Plug this robotic steel beam assembler into a fabrication shop and it’s ready to roll.

Most important is the design for operator safety. The hazards of fitters and welders continuously rotating material is eliminated. Load and unload with a forktruck while safely monitoring processes from a distance. Far above the design of the PeddiAssembler lies its incredible functionality. This machine was made to process large amounts of steel accurately and efficiently. The torch mounted laser measurement allows the tacking and welding robot to identify the profile’s dimensions as well as the dimensions of existing tacked parts for perfect positioning.

The crux of the PeddiAssembler is robotic welding of structural steel. This machine has the ability to place parts up to 440 pounds onto a profile as big as 30 inches wide, 16 inches tall and up to 60 feet long. Tack and weld with single or multi-pass options up to .86 inch.

The PeddiAssembler parts handling robot assists with scanning parts placed on the table, then switching over to the magnetic attachment. The parts handling robot is able to fit parts on all 4 sides of the profile with unimaginable accuracy. In order to tack on the opposite side, the PeddiAssembler automatically rotates the material. Operating up to a maximum profile weight of 11,000 pounds, material is rotated with ease and results in an overall increased project speed. Seamless shop fabrication.

The control on the PeddiAssembler is outfitted with Zeman’s ProFit software. This intuitive software makes robotic beam assembly simple and streamlined. Compatible with all common 3D BIM software, ProFit assists the operator throughout the entire process. From importing to creating to editing, produce a completely finished product every time.

The PeddiAssembler gives us the opportunity to fit beams put them in a stack and pile and give them to the welders. While they're welding 3, 4 or 5 welders we're able to continue to preassemble beams that are right on the number. The welders love that. They're not chasing soap stone lines and their not flipping beams. The most impressive aspect of the machine is the quality of the weld and the speed of the assembly. It can take a heavy plate and grab it really fast with the handling arm and put it accurately where it goes. And it's right on the money. We had a big job for that thing. The first thing it did was fitting columns. I wanted to say 14 x 257s, but they were big huge columns. Heavy. The building had cold form girts, so it had a clip inside those flanges like every six inches. So that thing would just go in so smooth, get in there and weld those. Every one just perfect. You know you look down there and you go, "Holy smokes!"

The PeddiAssembler was designed to free up crane usage, help speed upstream CNC processes and tackle high volume beam, column and tube projects. Robotic welding for steel beam assembly benefits the entire fabrication.

The PeddiAssembler on average processes at a speed of 1.5 minutes per part with an accuracy of 1/24th inch over a 60 foot profile. That momentum, paired with a simple loading and unloading process will leave fitters and welders free to handle the more complex projects. No more pulling tape. No more drawing chalk lines. Load the material and hit go.

The success of the steel industry is Peddinghaus’ top priority. That is why our service and support is unmatched. Request a demo, quote, visit or call to learn more about the toughest steel fabrication machinery in the world.

This is Peddinghaus. And we are stronger than steel.