A Lincoln Electric automated welding robot cell, featuring a Lincoln Electric Power Wave(r) i400 welding power source and a FANUC(r) ARC Mate(r) 100iC robotic arm, will co-star in the movie sequel, Iron Man 2. Lincoln Electric's welding equipment and consumables were used by actor Robert Downey Jr.'s characetr, engineering genius Tony Stark, to fabricate his superhero suit in the film.
"Being involved with the film was truly an incredible experience," said Brian Simons, robotic programmer of the Automation Application Group at Lincoln Automation. "Responding to immediate client needs at Lincoln prepared me to react on the studio's set at a moment's notice. This was great exposure for Lincoln to demonstrate the level of technology involved in welding today."
The original film, Iron Man, made more than $117 million at the box office in its first two weeks. Lincoln Electric MIG and TIG welding equipment was also featured in this film. The sequel is anticipated to be another box office success.
As a takeaway, Downey and director of the original film as well as the sequel, Jon Favreau, autographed the Power Wave(r) i400 and the robotic arm used on the Iron Man 2 movie set. The complete automation welding cell is currently on display in the lobby of Lincoln Electric Automation Division in Cleveland.