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KUKA.ArcTech
The products from the KUKA.ArcTech family turn the KUKA robot into a welding expert. KUKA.ArcTech software provides all the required functions for extremely easy operation and programming.
The KUKA.ArcTech family has a modular design in order to flexibly provide the required functions for the welding task to be accomplished.
The product family includes the following software options:
KUKA.ArcTech Basic
KUKA.ArcTech Advanced
KUKA.ArcSense
and KUKA.MultiLayer.
KUKA.ArcTech Basic software
KUKA.ArcTech Basic is the basic module of the product family. It comprises all the necessary functions to perform all standard welding tasks. It makes no difference whether the power source to be controlled is a MIG/MAG, TIG or plasma device.
The functions of the basic variant:
KUKA.ArcTech Basic enables arc welding with control of power sources in job mode (program number selection) or characteristic mode (reference value specification). As a result, KUKA.ArcTech can be used flexibly and easily – regardless of customer requirements or the power source used.
The application softwareKUKA.ArcTech Basic turns the KUKA robot into a welding robot. It expands the command set of the KUKA KR C4 robot controller to include extra instructions for programming welding processes.
For simple and convenient operation, several practical status keys are added to the conventional KUKA smartPAD user interface to control the welding process and the power source.
Arc inline form on the KUKA smartPAD.
The ArcTech Basic scope of supply includes the following additional tools and functions:
Management of the weld parameter data set for ignition, weld and end crater parameters to implement WPSs.
Editor for online optimization of weld parameters
Editor for online optimization of weld parameters in application programs
Freely definable production display
Display of web pages for the visualization of power source websites, e.g. for the configuration and programming of weld parameters (Kemppi A7 welder. for instance)
Manual TCP check
ArcTech web browser with Kemppi A7 welder page.
ArcTech Basic also includes necessary automatic fault reactions in the event of ignition or welding faults. This enables the robot to solve welding problems independently as far as possible.
The KR C4 controller communicates with the power source via the field bus, e.g. with the standard EtherCAT or with all other typical systems. KUKA.ArcTech Basic also supports the specific ArcLink XT protocol from Lincoln Electric ®.
With a single mouse click, the control signal configuration is conveniently created with KUKA.WorkVisual and the predefined configuration for the power source (e.g. for Fronius, Kemppi, Miller, Lorch, ESAB,SKS and EWM). Of course, it is also possible to create an individual configuration.
KUKA offers special robots for arc welding.
KUKA.ArcTech Advanced software
The KUKA.ArcTech Advanced expansion supplements the KUKA.ArcTech Basic software option with additional functions for demanding welding tasks. It is thus possible to expand the range of functions for ArcTech at any time in order to respond to changes in the requirements for the robot system and its production tasks.
Additional functions of KUKA.ArcTech Advanced:
Welding with KUKA.RoboTeam software for synchronized welding on a single part using up to four robots
Advanced Error Recovery
Programmable weld-specific error recovery
Various thick-plate welding functions
Weld parameter ramps
Support of SKS Synchroweld™ and Fronius Dynamic Power Control
PLC interface for weld seam sequence control
Engineering interface for user-specific expansions
KUKA.ArcSense additional option
KUKA.ArcSense is a KUKA technology package that offers an additional option for ArcTech Advanced. The welding robot can thus perform seam tracking during welding through evaluation of the actual weld parameters. This technology is also known by the name through-the-arc sensor. It enables the robot to automatically compensate for deviations (resulting from workpiece tolerances or heat distortion) in the weld seam position.
The functions of KUKA.ArcSense:
KUKA.ArcSense analyzes a checkback signal (actual weld parameters) which is made available by the robot controller directly on the field bus interface or through the KUKA measuring shunt.
This permits various areas of application:
Horizontal and vertical control during MIG/MAG welding, e.g. for fillets and V welds
Horizontal and vertical control for MIG/MAG welding with constant torch distance (stick-out)
Horizontal and vertical control for TIG welding, plasma welding and plasma cutting
In the event of faults during seam tracking, KUKA.ArcSense offers a unique function which enables the welding torch (TCP) to be repositioned on the seam and the seam tracking to be restarted. Beyond this, the built-in diagnostic functions can graphically analyze the sensor control and save all parameter settings for every weld seam in the KUKA logbook.
KUKA.MultiLayer software option
KUKA.MultiLayer is installed on the KR C4 controller in order to provide a functional expansion of KUKA.ArcTech Advanced. This enables multi-layer weld seams to be simply and quickly programmed and then executed by the robot.
The functions of the KUKA.MultiLayer software:
Simple but flexible programming of multi-layer weld seams
KUKA.MultiLayer makes the programming of multi-layer weld seams easier since only the root position needs to be taught into a predefined program structure.
The offset values for the filler and cover layers can be conveniently recorded in a database so that these data can be easily accessed from several welding programs.
Every weld seam of a multi-layer weld can be assigned individual welding parameters – which have been predefined in the ArcTech welding parameter data administration.
PathMemorization
When using seam tracking sensors, the PathMemorization function saves the effective actual position. This detected tolerance information can thus be used to weld the filler and cover layers in the correct position as well.
System requirements for KUKA.ArcTech
KUKA System Software 8.2
KUKA.WorkVisual
KUKA robot controller KR C4
Field bus system (DeviceNet, Interbus, Profibus, ProfiNet, EtherCAT, Ethernet IP) or Ethernet connection for the Lincoln ArcLink XT interface
Power source, controlled in characteristic mode or job mode (provided by customer) – a suitable power source (for example, FRONIUS) is available from KUKA
