Wise Welding

Robotic welding introduces many advantages to the manufacturing process: smooth movement, speed, precision, reputability, flexibility, and resistance to hazardous environments ... jet the paramount prerequisite for any successful advanced application is mastering of welding technology.

Main motivation for solution is the fact that part geometries in welding production commonly vary to some extent. Consequently actual robotic welding paths have to be corrected for each specific part. Correction can be done manually for each path point using robotic Tool Center Point (TCP) and operator subjective judgement. Such approach is time consuming, repetitive thus human error prone.

Automatic welding path correction is achieved using add-on vision module for non-contact sensing of actual path points. Correction is commonly 10 times faster, precise and repeatable when compared to manual operation.

Application description

First step to adaptive welding is a seamless upgrade of robotic platform with vision system followed by teaching of manufactured part's master geometry using machine vision sensing. Teaching takes place once only and is generally much faster due to its non-contact nature.

Teaching master geometry begins by its splitting into arbitrary number of welding paths based on customer's expertise. Path points are then sensed at strategic joint positions. Each path is assigned a "joint type" and complete process is done using robot's teach pendant only. From this point on automatic series welding can take place.

Within "joint type" parameter all standard joint topologies are covered: butt, V-shaped butt, overlapping, and corner joint, whereas beginning and end of the welding path can appear in many "flavours". In addition any new special joint topologies can be adapted to.

 

 

 

Consecutive or simultaneous sensing with welding is possible to suite given production strategy. Each having its advantages choosing the best approach is usually an open technological issue.

State-of-the art vision module guarantees superior resolution, speed, sensitivity and enables extraction of key surface properties with one ultimate purpose: robust and fast performance in all conditions ranging from black metal to stainless steel, mate or brushed, regardless of scratches, irregularities, ambient conditions, etc.

Operation in any industrial environment certainly calls for adequate protection. Mechanical spare parts like exchangeable protection glass are normally provided. Electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection class even for TIG welding is guaranteed.

Prior to integration reference part complexity is normally assessed and user requirements are taken into consideration. Vision system is then tailored in terms of speed, precision, working range, space constraints ... to provide optimal price-performance and best meet the application goal. Modular hardware and software concept and high level development tools make such customizations swift.

Rapid new geometry adaptation combined with ease of use maximizes equipment flexibility, up-time, increasing productivity and return of investment.

Products/

• Wise Scan
• Wise Print
• Wise Welding
• Wise Bed Manager
• Wise Coach
• Wise Timetable