DAYTON, Ohio – Yaskawa Motoman this week launched three new products in the robotic welding space that includes an extended-reach industrial robot, a new easy-to-use pendant application for arc welding, and an updated work cell for demanding production environments.
The new products include:
- The AR3120, a six-axis arc welding robot that has a 3,124-mm horizontal reach and 5,622-mm vertical reach.
- The Universal Weldcom Interface (UWI), a pendant application that enables full utilization of the advanced capabilities of select Miller and Lincoln Electric digital welding power supplies.
- The ArcWorld 50 series work cell, an affordable, wire-to-weld system that comes pre-assembled on a common base.
Robot offers long reach
The AR3120 robot provides long reach for welding. Image: Yaskawa Motoman
The AR3120 joins recently released arc welding robots that include the AR700, AR900, AR1440, AR1730 and AR2010, Yaskawa said. With its long reach, 20 kg payload capacity, fast axis speed and top wrist allowable moment in its class, the AR3120 is ideal for agriculture equipment, construction machinery or automotive frames, the company said.
The robot’s slim profile features a streamlined arm design for reduced interference, giving it access to parts in tight spaces, and capable for use in high-density layouts with multiple robots working in close proximity, the company added. The payload capacity supports several motorized torches and sensors, and a symmetric wrist profile provides equal torch access to both sides of the part. In addition, an optimized feeder mounting area on the arm helps reduce equipment interference, Yaskawa said.
Other features of the AR3120 include:
- Through-arm routing for cables, hoses and sensor wires through a 50-mm through-hole.
- Minimal protrusion from the U-axis, along with internal S-axis routing, helps prolong cable life and maximize part access.
- A new robot harness design to improve diagnostics and maintenance, with a single cable that connects the manipulator to the controller.
The robot can be floor-, wall-, tilt- or ceiling-mounted, and is controlled by the YRC1000 controller, which doesn’t require a transformer for input voltages ranging from 380VAC to 480VAC. The YRC1000 includes a lightweight teach pendant with intuitive programming, fitting into a compact cabinet (598 by 490 by 427 mm).
About the UWI
The UWI offers easy control of any weld process or parameter, including voltage, amperage, and wire feed speed through a common user interface for the Miller or Lincoln Electric brands, Yaskawa said.
The new Dual Pulse feature on the UWI allows alternating between MIG weld parameters and settings. Image: Yaskawa Motoman
The UWI can filter weld modes based on process type, wire size, wire type and gas type. Up to 16 unique processes from the power source library can be defined for easy access wiothin the interface, and up to 1,000 custom arc files with specific processes and parameters are available for use in motion programming.
Up to six weld process parameters in a weld sequence – such as Pre-Flow, Start, Main, Crater and Finish Condition – can be easily set, the company added. A new Dual Pulse function allows alternating between MIG weld parameters and settings for aesthetically pleasing, TIG-like cosmetics.
The UWI can be used on up to four AR-series arc welding robots with the YRC1000 controller (YAS2.81.00-00 firmware or higher), and is compatible with the Miller Auto-Continuum 350 or 500, or the Lincoln Power Wave with ArcLink XT. The company said a networking utility enables easy setup between the robots and the welders. Additional features and global power source compatibility are planned for the future, Yaskawa added.
About the ArcWorld 50 work cell
Available in single or dual-station configurations, the ArcWorld 50 Series “are equipped with all the automation needed for arc welding,” Yaskawa said.
The ARC50 Series work cell features a compact design for robotic welding uses. Image: Yaskawa Motoman
Each ArcWorld 50 includes an AR1440 welding robot, the YRC1000 controller with menu-driven arc welding application software, integrated welding package, operator station, one or two powered roll-up door(s), and a “total safety environment.” Several configurations are available, including:
- Single station with integrated tooling riser (ArcWorld 50)
- Single station with servo-driven MH185 headstock (ArcWorld 50S)
- Dual station with fixed tooling (ArcWorld 52)
- Dual station with two MH185 headstocks (ArcWorld 52S)
The AR1440 is a high-speed, six-axis robot with a 12 kg payload capacity that supports several torches and sensors. The YRC1000 robot controller coordinates motion between devices, and the MH185 headstock positioner has a 185 kg payload, overhung 250 mm from the faceplate.
Safety features include powered roll-up doors interlocked with robot operation to safeguard the operator during part load/unload, as well as dual-channel light curtains and E-stop functionality, safety interlocked gates, integrated speed monitoring, and manual brake release for the robot.
Several value-added options are available, including isolation transformers, second enabling switch, tip change box, bulk wire delivery, low wire sensor, gas flow sensor, exhaust hood, and a stack light, Yaskawa said.
The work cell design can fit into a standard 110-inch trailer, and the robot, positioner and safety fence all ship on a common platform. The controller and power switch are shipped attached to the cell base, and can be separated for maintenance, Yaskawa said.
For more details on the new systems, head to the Yaskawa Motoman website.
