An addition to the range of arc-welding robots from Coventry-based Fanuc UK Ltd (www.fanuc.eu) is set to make automated welding more viable for manufacturers with large workpieces but restricted floor space.

The ArcMate 100iD/10L can be used to boost the productivity of high-volume manufacturing lines, particularly those working with parts more than 1,500mm in diameter.

To cope with increased production demands, the ArcMate 100iD/10L also has capacity for 10kg of additional tooling, such as welding torches.

Despite its large workpiece capacity, the robot’s footprint is just 343 x 343mm, and it features a compact articulated design for easy reach into narrow spaces within machine tools or jigs.

The robot can also be mounted either upside-down or at an angle, and all cables and welding hoses are routed internally.

Fanuc’s R-30iB Plus controller guides operators through set-up and programming. Furthermore, manufacturers can maintain the productive capacity of the robot through the use of Zero Downtime, an intelligent maintenance scheduling
and status prediction tool.

A number of optional extras are available. For example, Dual Check Safety reduces the space requirements of robot cells even further, and minimises the risk of injury or damage to workers, workpieces and other machinery.

Meanwhile, operators can install WeldPro, an application-specific addition to the RoboGuide software that allows operators to define arc-welding parameters via a part’s CAD file.