Sunstone Adds Ethernet Connectivity to CDDP-A Welders

Sunstone’s CDDP-A welding system, using CD dual pulse technology, has just become smarter. We’re proud to announce that CDDP-A welders can now be controlled through Modbus software applications via an Ethernet connection. Using this connectivity, manufacturers can place our CDDP-A welders in a fully automated production environment wherein all aspects of the production process is controlled by the computer. Currently, all functionality can be controlled and programmed remotely.

Commands are entered into a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) via the ethernet connection and processed. The programming triggers the right outputs based on the specific parameters. Using PLC welding, companies are seeing a more accurate and efficient welding process as well as reduced costs. Additionally, ethernet welding reduces the likelihood of rework, a costly, time-consuming, and productivity hindering activity.

Additional benefits of PLC welding include:

• Increased quality and productivity.
• Greater control over the entire welding process.
• Faster identification of potential problems or errors.
• Identify and resolve maintenance needs more quickly.
• Assurance that weld operators are using the correct welding parameters.
• More accurate and shorter training.

A combination of these benefits is a higher quality weld, a streamlined workflow, and reduced costs.

Says Larin Dodgen, Director of Engineering at Sunstone: “Communicating with your CDDP-A through Modbus has opened the world of automation to the capacitive discharge line-up at Sunstone Engineering. Every CDDP-A has the hardware needed for this feature, it just requires an update to software which can be done through Wi-Fi or a USB jump drive. Once the update is complete, you’ll be up and running in less than 30 minutes.”

When Capacitive Discharge Welders are connected to your internal network, you’ll have access to real-time data like raw weld data, temperatures, warnings, and alarms. Should a potential problem arise, you’ll be alerted immediately, allowing welders to quickly remedy the problem before moving on to the next weld.

The CDDP-A can either be programmed in advance or on the fly using the Ethernet connection with different weld settings. These settings can then be locked remotely so further manipulation of the settings cannot occur. Again, this helps to ensure that every weld is accurate and efficient, increasing production and reducing errors.

The Sunstone family of CDDP-A welders are capacitive discharge welders that are available in four different power models: 200 Ws, 400 Ws, 600 Ws, and the new 1200 Ws. The 1200 Ws model is the perfect tool for those working with thicker, highly-resistive, or conductive materials such as copper. Each of our models are automation-ready for any production floor so you can get to work more quickly.

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can incorporate Sunstone’s capacitive discharge welders into your manufacturing process, contact a Sunstone welding consultant today by calling or texting +1 801-658-0015.