Flexible control for welding robots
The single limiting characteristic of robot welding applications that typically impairs the success and functionality of a robot welding work cell is workpiece or process-specific variances. Nearly as problematic for most robot arc welding applications in the near term, and potentially a larger problem in the future, is the compatibility of control systems utilized with industrial robots. The robot industry has developed over time in a manner that is significantly different than a related capital equipment genre, metal cutting machine tools. The robot industry, impacted by the overwhelming dominance of Japanese and European producers, have tended toward proprietary control systems that utilized application software that is nonstandard in nature and nontransportable from one robot product to another. This presentation discusses the use of standard platform controls with transportable welding software written in C or C++ code that can greatly increase the flexibility of robot welding operations. The presentation discusses the use of an Adept 1, Allen Bradley and Giddings and Lewis control system interchangeably with the same 6-axis arm robot for arc welding purposes. The flexibility of pin compatible control systems and software that is transportable from one robot line to another will greatly improve robot system performance. The long term maintenance cost and ultimately the financial viability of job shop, small parts robotic arc welding applications will also be enhanced.
- OSTI ID:
- 115529
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9404233-; TRN: 95:002927-0109
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: 75. American Welding Society (AWS) annual meeting, Philadelphia, PA (United States), 10-15 Apr 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of 75th Diamond anniversary American Welding Society annual meeting; PB: 273 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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