Intelligent Multi-Arm Robot Welding Systems

For MIG welding aluminum parts, Multi-Arm welding systems from FANUC America Corporation (Rochester Hills, MI) feature ARC Mate 120iD and ARC Mate 100iD/10L arc welding robots, an R-1000iA/80F robot and a Servo-Robot FUJI-CAM seam tracking sensor connected to the robots to track and inspect different welds with coordinated motion between the welding and material handling robots. The ARC Mate robots use a Lincoln Electric Power Wave R450 for high speed and low spatter MIG welding on the aluminum parts and are equipped with the FUJI-CAM for real-time seam finding, tracking, welding and inspection. The R-1000iA/80F is equipped with iRVision® to perform QR code scanning and identify weld programs for three different parts before presenting those parts to the ARC Mate robots.

Designed specifically for arc welding, laser welding, soldering and cutting applications, the ARC Mate 100iD/10L (10 kg payload and 1,636 mm reach) and ARC Mate 120iD (25 kg payload and 1,831 mm reach) robots are rated best-in-class for speed and accuracy. Their sleek and lightweight design features internal cable routing and a curved J2 robot arm, minimizing interference with workpieces and fixtures and allowing more productivity in the work area. They also feature a long reach and stroke, even in the backflip region, making it easier for users to apply the robot while maximizing their available workspace, including larger parts or tooling. Their very rigid arm eliminates motion vibration, even at high speeds. Other robot features include:

• They support FANUC intelligent options, including iRVision, Servo Positioners and iRTorchMate.
• Their smooth surface minimizes spatter collection, reducing maintenance.
• Their fully integrated welding hose pack and cable management system simplifies and speeds up integration, and increases cable life to improve reliability.
• Their large, hollow arm allows seamless integration of weld package dress outs, third-party utilities, and sensor cables.
• An improved wire feeder installation creates a smaller, compact welding cell.
• The latest R-30iB Plus controller features an intuitive iPendant with enhanced screen resolution and more processing capability compared to previous versions.

The compact, intelligent R-1000iA robot offers high speed performance for a wide range of applications, including welding, material handling and palletizing. Its five model variations offer an 80 kg to 130 kg payload capacity and five-to-seven axes of motion. The R-1000iA is more energy efficient than robots with larger payloads. Manufacturers using fewer or smaller work cells requiring less conveyance equipment, sensors, and tooling will realize an additional energy advantage provided by smaller automation systems. This equates to a greener facility using less energy.

FANUC America Corporation, 3900 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309, 248-377-7000, www.fanucamerica.com.