New robot arc welding system ­ increased functionality in a single cabinet

Citation

(1998), "New robot arc welding system ­ increased functionality in a single cabinet", Industrial Robot, Vol. 25 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.1998.04925dad.006

New robot arc welding system ­ increased functionality in a single cabinet

New robot arc welding system ­ increased functionality in a single cabinet

Keywords ABB, ARCITEC, Robots, Welding

ARCITEC ­ an integrated robot welding system, claims to be able to deliver performance in terms of the bottom line in profitability. The single cabinet concept from ABB Flexible Automation comes with a range of options covering all applications, from simple stand-alone cells to large gantry system and flexible manufacturing facilities.

ARCITEC's most significant advance claimed is in the integration of the welding power source within a single cabinet robot control station. This has enabled compact cell layouts to be produced, often saving square metres of valuable floor space. It also simplifies cabling and avoids the need for constructing expensive mezzanine floors, enabling manufacturers to optimise plant layout for maximum efficiency.

The power source is fully integrated with common software for communication with the operator control panel. A digital link between the robot controller, the power source and wire feeder, known as CAN-bus, ensures optimal welding performance by ensuring faster communication with greater precision of the welding parameters.

Advanced features include built-in process monitoring such as arc data feedback, enabling users to optimise weld quality and speed. Full diagnostic routines are also provided. While performance data and alarms are displayed normally at the robot control panel, this information can also be transmitted to a higher level plant management information system.

Based on proven ABB robots, pre-programmed "synergic" welding technology and the highly successful S4 robot controller, the ARCITEC development has focused on productivity and low operating costs. Additional functionality has been introduced to make robot welding easier to implement and with fewer components, the equipment itself offers greater reliability and easy maintenance and servicing.

Programming of the welding task is undertaken from a single position incorporating the robot teach pendant and display. Information on actual weld current and voltages and error codes, which frequently are only accessible at the power source, is shown on the programming unit's display. Variable features such as the type of wire and shielding gas or adjustments to the pulse parameters can be set up with the help of an easy to follow, menu-driven presentation.

Another important advantage of the introduction of a common interface is that the power source units are calibrated and can be replaced without the need for weld trimming. The self diagnostic system provides additional assistance in trouble shooting. Error messages are presented in plain language with explanations which makes it easy to trace faults and make the necessary remedial actions.

ABB Flexible Automation is part of the ABB Group, a global electrical engineering group comprising 1,000 companies in 140 countries. The group employs some 213,000 people worldwide with orders in 1997 of over US$34 billion.

For further information contact: Jane Attwood, ABB Flexible Automation Limited, Auriga House, Precedent Drive, Rooksley, Milton Keynes MK13 8PQ, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 1908 350300; Fax: +44 (0) 1908 350301.