ABB Robotics in India has
introduced WeldGuide III,
an adaptive sensing system
that performs weld joint
seam tracking during the robot
arc welding process, a company
release said.
The system identifies variations
in the weld joints and
dynamically corrects the robotic
torch path whilst in motion. Utilising
voltage and current sensors,
the system takes real-time
measurements through the
welding arc to make any adjustments
necessary to keep the
robotic welding torch on the
joint path; regardless of the path
programming.
A combination of hardware
and software, specifically
designed for ABB's IRC5 robot
controller, WeldGuide III is half
the price of the Advance Weld
Controller system (available
from ABB since 1994) and is very
much easier to use. WeldGuide
III requires less initial programming
than traditional robotic
seam tracking systems and is
ideal for applications on heavy
weldments.
"WeldGuide III is a direct result
of consistent input from our key
heavy welding integrators and
customers. Welding and metal
fabrication are primary growth
areas for robotics and ABB will
continue to develop best-in-class
robots, control systems and support
tools to serve these markets.
WeldGuide III is so easy to use
and so cost effective that it is
even appropriate for the smallest
welding and fabrication shops,"
said Patric Hed, ABB Product
Manager for Arc Welding.
Primary application areas for
WeldGuide III on ABB robotic
welding systems include offhighway
and agricultural
equipment, transportation,
defence, and other manufacturers
that fabricate large, heavy
metal parts requiring longer,
wider welds.