FANUC Robotics demonstrates new ARC Mate 100iC intelligent welding robo

Citation

(2008), "FANUC Robotics demonstrates new ARC Mate 100iC intelligent welding robo", Industrial Robot, Vol. 35 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ir.2008.04935cad.002

FANUC Robotics demonstrates new ARC Mate 100iC intelligent welding robo

Article Type: New products From: Industrial Robot: An International Journal, Volume 35, Issue 3.

FANUC Robotics America, Inc., has demonstrated the high-performance capabilities of its new ARC Mate 100iC intelligent welding robot equipped with iRVision (Figure 2).

The six-axis ARC Mate 100iC features a compact design, and offers an integrated welding solution with class-leading operation efficiency, speed, load capacity, and enhanced performance for welding parts of all shapes and sizes.

Figure 2 The new ARC Mate 100iC intelligent welding robot from FANUC Robotics America, equipped with iRVision

Compared to traditional dress packages, which are mounted externally on the robot's arm, the ARC Mate 100iC's internal routing allows the dress package to follow the motion range of the robot, simplifying programming and eliminating the worries of bending, snagging or breaking cables.

“The ARC Mate 100iC is the highest performance arc welding robot in its class,” said Mike Sharpe, FANUC Robotics' Director of Engineering for Materials Joining. “The internal dress package also makes it extremely easy to operate and maintain, and ensures a longer cable life”.

The ARC Mate 100iC and R-30iA controller can be integrated in a welding system that includes the weld torch cable, wire feeder, and welding power supply.

A variety of design enhancements include:

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  cantilevered forearm is inherently rigid, simplifying cable management and maintenance;

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  integrated wire feed control cable, with shielding gas hose and welding power cables;

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  a 15 per cent increase in acceleration for higher motion performance;

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  a 10kg payload, which represents a 67 per cent increase over the previous model, supports traditional welding dress-out packages;

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  slimmer forearm and a 15 per cent size reduction of the robot base maximizes reach in confined areas, allowing manufacturers to install multiple robots in close proximity, and save valuable floor space;

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  multiple mounting positions include floor, invert and angle; and

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  higher motion range including “best in class” reach versus stroke.

The ARC Mate 100iC also supports a wide range of intelligent functions such as:

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  iRVision, a ready-to-use built-in robotic vision package.

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  ROBOGUIDE-WeldPRO simulation package easily models the ARC Mate 100iC dress-out, and downloads programs to the robot, which run without touch-up.

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  Vision shift eliminates the usual touch-ups and verifications associated with off-line programming or fixture and tool changes.

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  Collision guard detects robot collisions with external objects, minimizing damage to the part, robot, and torch.

ArcLink XTe the industry's first Ethernet-based welding network is another feature that provides a high- performing welding interface. It is a flexible and powerful welding network that allows the R-30iA Controller to handle up to four welding power supplies, said Sharpe.

ArcLink XT developed in partnership with Lincoln Electric, is the next generation in arc welding network communications offering improved performance over existing welding communication methods. The connection to the welder is over the standard R-30iA Ethernet connection.