26-07-2012, 10:10 AM
Robotic Arc Welding
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Meet the challenge
Can your robots handle the gear-crunching, velocity-defying requirements
of twenty-four hours-a-day, high-speed processing with limited downtime?
Or handle errors and recover automatically without impacting on production
cycles?
When tasks change, can you make the switch smoothly and still perform
with the same efficiency as in the previous task?
What about path-following accuracy? Without sophisticated softwaredriven
motion control and high-speed acceleration, your robot’s performance,
speed and accuracy are compromised. And your reputation and profitability
with it.
And how quickly and easily do you want your robots to interface with
other processes, external drives, positioners and so on? Or connect to singlecell
systems and large-scale factory automation systems?
In today’s ever faster, cost-squeezed manufacturing environments, you
will be asked to respond to these challenges.
A flexible toolbox
Let’s take a look at a system integrator that utilizes
ABB’s standard solutions for a wide range of
applications.
This particular integrator has a base of customers
consisting of small- to medium-sized automotive
manufacturers in developing countries. These customers
need a solution that is cost-effective and
flexible enough to be used in as many weldingrelated
processes as possible. ABB’s flexible toolbox
was the solution.
Reap the benefits of our technology
Many manufacturers operate in a multi-system
environment where components with different
standards and interfaces have been acquired from
a variety of suppliers. With ABB’s smart solutions,
you can connect your robots to any power sources,
data networks, positioners and other third-party
devices, regardless of standards or interfaces.
Built on an open structure
How do we achieve this? By equipping our robots
with a wide range of universal communications
interfaces, configurable from S4Cplus, your robot’s
controller. You can connect your robot to a PC
for servicing purposes or the factory data network
using one of two Ethernet links.
Plus, your robot’s controller contains the standard
fieldbuses and serial channels for interfaces
with a wide range of power sources and distributed
devices. We’ve deliberately simplified the
cabling systems required for our robots, reducing
the chances of breakdowns and the need for
maintenance requirements.
Flexibility – a whole new meaning
At a very early stage, you face the challenge of
tailoring your applications to meet your specific
manufacturing needs.
To meet these requirements, ABB provides a
powerful suite of easily configurable arc-welding
application software known as ArcWare™. If you
are an advanced user and want to develop your
own specific functionality, RAPID™, ABB’s highlevel
programming language, lets you do so.
Pre-program off line
Even off-line programming, normally a complicated
process, is a snap. You can create, simulate
or pre-program your robots off line, then download
it from your PC into the robot controller,
within seconds.
Plus you’ve got superb handling flexibility. You
can choose from among a wide variety of robots,
from compact to large workhorse robots, suiting
most welding application from bicycle frames
to ship hulls.
Position your robot anywhere
Depending on the robot, you can mount it on
a wall or inverted from gantries, columns with
booms and elevators for heavy-duty welding,
allowing for a wide variety of working range
capabilities. And to this you can also add work
piece positioners with one to two extended axes.