A robot designed for automatic arc welding is known as an arc welding robot.
The composition and operating principles of an arc welding robot are similar to those of a spot welding robot.
System composition
The general arc welding robot consists of the following components: a teaching box, a control panel, a robot body, an automatic wire feeding device, and a welding power source.
Computer control allows for both continuous trajectory control and point control.
Linear interpolation and circular interpolation can be used to weld a space weld made up of straight lines and arcs.
Arc welding robots can be classified into two types based on their welding method: melting electrode welding and non-melting electrode welding. These robots have the advantage of being able to perform long-term welding, with high productivity, quality, and stability.
As technology advances, arc welding robots are becoming increasingly intelligent.
The main components of an arc welding robot system include:
- Robot body
- Control system
- Demonstrator
- Welding power supply
- Welding torch
- Welding fixture
- Safety protection
The composition of the system can selectively expand to include the following devices based on the welding method and the welding process requirements of the workpiece to be welded.
- Wire Feeder
- Clearing wire cutting device
- Cooling water tank
- Flux conveying and recovery unit
- Mobile device
- Welding positioner
- Sensing device
- Dust removal device
Main performance parameters
a) Total number of system axes (including both linked and non-linked axes)
b) Number of linked axes
c) Dimensions and weight specifications
d) Power source specifications and total power output
e) Total number of robot body axes
f) Number and configuration of welding positioners
g) Total number of axes and configuration of mobile devices
h) Rated load capacity of the robot
i) Repeat positioning accuracy of the robot
j) Reach radius of the robot
k) Robot’s idle speed specifications
Characteristics
(1) Stabilize and Improve Welding Quality for Uniformity.
Robot welding ensures stable welding quality as the welding parameters are constant for each weld and are less affected by human factors. The requirement for the operator’s technical skills is also reduced. In contrast, manual welding can lead to uneven quality as the welding speed and dry elongation may vary.
(2) Enhance Worker Conditions.
Robotic welding workers are only responsible for loading and unloading workpieces, keeping them away from hazardous welding arcs and smoke splashes.
(3) Increase Labor Productivity.
Robots can work continuously for 24 hours a day without getting fatigued. The application of high-speed and high-efficiency welding technology in robotic welding further increases efficiency.
(4) Clear Product Cycle and Improved Output Control.
The production cycle of robots is fixed, making it easier to plan and control product output.
(5) Shorten Product Replacement Cycle and Reduce Equipment Investment.
Robotic welding allows for automation of small batch products, shortening the product replacement cycle and reducing equipment investment. Robots can also be programmed to adapt to the production of different workpieces, which sets them apart from specialized machines.
