Vecoplan and Valk Welding automate rotor production

Valk Welding impresses as a partner

As part of the “Rotor Production with a Robotic Welding System” project, an intensive and comprehensive market analysis was carried out to shortlist suitable suppliers. Five potential candidates were identified and evaluated in detail.

To ensure a well-founded decision, the project team conducted a utility analysis based on criteria such as technical performance, service quality, level of innovation, cost-effectiveness, and implementation expertise. Two suppliers achieved almost identical overall scores, making the final decision challenging.
To validate the internal analysis, an independent review was commissioned from an external institute. At the same time, in-depth discussions were held with the two shortlisted suppliers to include additional qualitative aspects.

After completing all evaluations and discussions, the decision was made in favour of Valk Welding. Key factors included the company’s professional and competent approach, as well as its convincing presentation of technical solutions and project workflows.

The implementation phase fully confirmed this decision. Valk Welding proved to be an extremely reliable and high-performing partner. The collaboration was – and continues to be – efficient, solution-oriented, and focused, clearly demonstrating that the choice was the right one.

Software as the key: QPC programming based on design data

A decisive success factor was software integration. Valk Welding implemented its proprietary QPC – Quick Programming Configurator, a parametric offline programming solution that automatically generates welding programs based on design drawings.

Instead of manually teaching every robot point, geometry data is interpreted directly from the CAD drawing. This saves enormous time – especially for new variants, series changes, or different rotor dimensions. The flexibility of this solution allows Vecoplan to efficiently automate even small batches or one-off production.

Safety and ergonomics: workplace protection built in

Modern automation goes beyond robotics. Safety and environmental requirements were integrated into the system design from the outset. The Vecoplan installation includes a large-scale extraction system, integrated torch extraction, and a high-performance exhaust hood. Welding fumes, particles, and gases are captured directly at the source – an important contribution to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Glückauf* – here’s to new opportunities and innovations!” says Klaus Weinbrenner, Head of Welding at Vecoplan. “This project was one of last year’s technological highlights and amazed many visitors to our facility. It also demonstrated impressively what is possible when two partners work openly, honestly, and as equals – in the spirit of our motto: The Strong Connection.” adds Christian Hüser, Sales Director at Valk Welding Germany.

*Glückauf” is a traditional German miners’ greeting, meaning good luck or may you come back up safely. It expresses hope for success and a safe return.