ABB develops new generation of robotic arc welding power sources

ABB develops new generation of robotic arc welding power sources

ABB develops new generation of robotic arc welding power sources

Keywords: ABB, Welding, Robots

ABB, the global power and automation technology group and leader in robot-based automation, has developed ARCITEC II, a new generation of IGBT inverter power sources designed specifically for the robotic MIG/Mag welding of all materials used in metal fabrication.

The ARCITEC II system, which is available in an integrated unit for floor-space saving or as a stand-alone version, uses highly integrated digital communication (CANBUS) between the power source and the robot controller guaranteeing a streamlined and rapid welding process with closed-loop control. The ARCITEC II has also been designed to allow the entire welding process to be handled from the robot teach pendant giving the user complete control (Plate 2).

Offering more than 300 material type, wire diameter and shielding gas combinations, ARCITEC II gives full synergic functionality. The system allows the quick and easy setting of the welding parameters for short, spray, pulsed and high speed arc welding. ARCITEC II also offers the user the facility to individually tune all welding parameters and offers piece of mind with a self-diagnostic system that detects any errors in thepower source.

Plate 2 The ARCITEC II system uses highly integrated digital communication between the power source and robot controller

The power sources for the ARCITEC II system provides excellent welding properties for different materials with a minimum of spatter even at high welding speeds, resulting in significantly less post-weld treatment of the workpiece. The power source, when used together with wire feeders, welding guns and work piece positioners will give guaranteed, high quality welding.

ABB has also extended its range of work piece positioners for arc welding. The IRBP C INDEX positioner has four stations and can be used with up to four robots and can be installed as part of a flow line or for batch production. It is used for manipulating workpieces during arc welding, thermal cutting and other applications. Even if each robot is performing different operations there is no need for fixtures to be changed. The positioner uses the same driver systems and software as the robot and the software (High Performance Positioner, HPP) will automatically compensate for the effects of gravity, inertia and friction to provide fast movements and an accurate following of the programmed path.