Meetings were held with representatives from Reis, Cloos, ABB, Motoman, FANUC, OTC, Kuka, Panasonic, Fronius, Air Liquide and more.

Visiting Essen Messe Schweissen and Schneiden brought many new technologies and techniques to light. Furthermore, it allowed Argon Technology to interact with engineers at the cutting edge of robotic welding and cutting technology. The resulting relationships have further extended our communication capabilities with industry leaders on technical issues and developed close ties with suppliers. This results in prompt supply of the latest services and products to Industry.

New welding techniques such as Laser/MIG Hybrid, Plasma/MIG Hybrid and friction stir welding were observed. Welding equipment such as this TBI cold wire fed TIG torch was also very interesting.

The improved collaboration abilities and new avenues for sharing knowledge and skills, have already lead to new techniques that have been put to use in the local manufacture industry. New programming techniques were achieved by talks with American colleagues at Panasonic. They suggested a new technique of shift programming—calculating the point data in advanced. The new technique led to a programming time reduction of approximately 30%, the client was more than happy with the outcome. This trip has strengthened and further enhanced our technical skills and capabilities.

Through continuous improvement of our knowledgebase we hope to service Australian industry with new ideologies and technologies. The Essen fair ensures the capacity to deliver the latest techniques in automated production welding and cutting systems for the next four years. It has opened the door to new processes and systems, which will drive Australian industry into the next millennium and keep Argon Technology at the Cutting edge.