Robotic Automation: Arc Welding

In arc welding, the intense heat needed to melt metal is produced by an electric arc. The arc is formed between the actual work and an electrode (stick or wire) that is manually or mechanically guided along the joint. The electrode can either be a rod with the purpose of carrying the current between the tip and the work or a specially prepared rod or wire that not only conducts the current but also melts and supplies filler metal to the joint. The latter is typically used with steel product manufacturing. There are many advantages to automating arc welding. Not only does it improve the finished weld, but it is one of the most cost-effective steps a company can take to improve productivity.

Arc welding is one of several fusion processes for joining metals. It involves applying intense heat to metal at a joint between two parts so that the parts melt and intermix. This is either done directly, or more commonly, with an intermediate molten filler metal. Since the joining is an intermixture of metals, the final weldment potentially has the same strength properties as the metal of the parts. Because of this intermixture of metals arc welding is a great deal different from non-fusion processes of joining in which the mechanical and physical properties of the base materials cannot be duplicated at the joint.

From arc welding to spot welding, welding applications are ideal candidates for automation because they are repetitive and require high-quality and consistent results. Welding is a fundamental process for most manufacturing projects, so robotic welding is becoming a common sight in industrial facilities. The advantages to robot welding:

Quality - Welds are more consistent and thorough when performed by robots. Productivity - Robots produce effectively because they can work inexhaustibly and consistently. Speed - Robots move from one weld to the next very quickly, making the entire process much faster. Less Waste - Robotic welding uses fewer consumables than its human counterparts. Material is saved and more products produced because of this exact welding. Reduced Costs - Investing in robotic welding saves money. One robotic welding cell has the potential to complete the work of four human welders.

Arc Welding Robots 1. Fanuc Arc Welding Robots

Fanuc ArcMate 120iC/10L Reach: 2009mm Payload: 10kg Fanuc ArcMate 100iC/6L Reach: 1632mm Payload: 6kg 2. Kuka Arc Welding Robots

Kuka KR 16 L6 Reach: 1811mm Payload: 6kg Kuka KR 16 S Reach: 1611mm Payload: 16kg

3.Motoman Arc Welding Robots

Motoman SK16X Reach: 1555mm Payload: 16kg Motoman MH6S Reach: 997mm Payload: 6kg

Online data advantages of robots welding accessed at< http://www.robots.com/faq/57/whatare-the-advantages-of-robot-welding-over-manual-welding> on 13 Mar. 12 Online data-RobortWorx arc welding accessed at< http://www.robots.com/applications/arcwelding/2 > on 13 Mar. 12 Online data-arc welding robots accessed at< http://www.robots.com/applications/arcwelding/robots/2> on 13 Mar. 12