Lazerarc Blog

Headstock and Tailstock Sets for Weld Positioning

Overview
Headstock and tailstock sets are essential for positioning and assembling long, heavy components, allowing them to rotate for efficient welding or assembly.

Advantages

1. Improved Ergonomics
  - Reduces the risk of accidents and injuries when working with large, heavy parts.
2. Increased Productivity and Quality
  - Provides optimal welding angles, allowing welders to quickly reposition for successive welds, enhancing overall weld quality.

When used as a weld positioner, headstocks and tailstocks are most often oriented horizontally, or with the axis of rotation parallel to the floor. For shorter weldments of modest weight, it’s sometimes possible to use only a headstock with the weldment clamped to the rotating bed. However, this creates an overhung load. For heavier parts, and particularly parts that are longer, the headstock may be paired with a tailstock. The tailstock picks up some of the weight of the overhung load, ensuring an accident free process and extending the life of the headstock. The headstock has the drives and controls and the tailstock freely rotates along with the headstock. For very heavy parts, rollers may also be placed under the weldment to carry some load.

The TR Series offers a lower cost alternative to applications that require such high standards. Offered in complete head and tail stock standard sets, you have the option to purchase a complete trunnion solution from LazerArc that includes heavy duty constructed base frame, HS/TS riser bases, and fixture backbones.

The low backlash gear heads rotate tooling on a horizontal axis at less than 1 arc minute and are capable of mounting any servo motor or ac motor with encoder. It is equipped with a large thru hole making it capable of running customer required utilities such as pneumatic, hydraulic or electric. The heavy duty welded steel construction has self-aligning sealed tailstock bearings and custom mounting plates per customer requirements.

Key Features of the TR Series

Cost-Effective Solutions: Offers an economical alternative without compromising on quality.
Robust Construction: Features heavy-duty welded steel frames, self-aligning sealed tailstock bearings, and customizable mounting plates.
Precision: Low backlash gear heads ensure rotation accuracy of less than 1 arc minute, accommodating various motor types.
Utility Integration: Large thru holes for utilities like pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric systems.

Available Options

Custom Mounting Plates: Tailored hole patterns to fit specific requirements.
Multiple Operation Modes: Options for clockwise, counter-clockwise, and oscillating movements.
Complete Assembly: Available as a full system, including headstock, tailstock, and base frame.
Gear Ratios: Various ratios to meet different operational needs.
Motor Compatibility: Capable of integrating customer-supplied servo motors.
Safety Features: Includes mechanical homing and safety locking devices for secure maintenance and tooling setup.
Positioning Devices: Variety of encoders or positioning devices available.

Applications

The TR Series is well-suited for industries including:

Aerospace
Automotive
Defense
Construction and Mining Equipment
Alternative Energy
Railroad Transportation

Integration with Robotics

The TR Series can be easily integrated into welding cells and is adaptable to nearly every robot brand, streamlining the implementation process.

Conclusion

For optimal safety, productivity, and durability in welding applications, collaborating with an experienced headstock and tailstock provider is essential. The right company will work with you to help you to select control and drive options as well as any customizations that you may need. Explore the TR Series for a versatile, robust solution tailored to your specific manufacturing needs.