ESAB has introduced three high-performance collaborative robot (cobot) welding systems to reduce programming times, increase productivity and offer consistent, high-quality welds in high-mix and low- to medium-volume applications. ESAB cobot packages use the most common robotic communication protocols and are tailored to meet the needs of fabricators, manufacturers and automation integrators, whether they need only a basic welding set-up or a complete turnkey cobot solution.
Tom Van Dooren, ESAB global product manager of integrated robotic systems and mechanised solutions, said: “ESAB cobot packages empower companies to easily automate simple welding jobs to increase productivity, repeatability and quality. Cobots enable skilled welders to focus on more value-added work and raise the skill sets and productivity of workers with less experience. With the proven performance of ESAB welding systems and cobot options from industry leaders, users have the confidence of high uptime backed by deep welding application and automation experience.”
All cobot packages feature ESAB’s Aristo 500ix power source and the RobustFeed U82. The Aristo power source has a maximum welding output of 500A and offers premium MIG and pulsed MIG welding performance and proven reliability in harsh environments. Aristo systems can be upgraded to connect to InduSuite WeldCloud software applications for fleet management and greater productivity.
The RobustFeed platform won the prestigious
2021 Red Dot Award for product design and its PreciDrive wire drive system delivers precision wire feeding performance to promote consistent weld quality. An IP44 level of protection reduces risk of dust, metal shavings and other contaminants that hinder feeding performance.
The feeder handles bobbins up to 300mm and is also compatible with bulk drums such as ESAB’s Marathon® Pac. RobustFeed U82 enables users to create custom synergic lines or to choose from 68 factory-programmed synergic lines for steel, stainless steel, aluminium and NiCrMo alloys. Data associated with each synergic line can be fine-tuned and subsequently stored, and the RobustFeed U82 can store up to 255 welding schedules.
The Cobot Advanced Robust Pack is perfect for more demanding welding tasks, or where more flexibility is required, in medium- and heavy-duty applications. The complete welding package, with Aristo 500ix water-cooled power source and RobustFeed U82 wire feeder, offers spray, pulse and SuperPulse modes, productivity and quality data and reporting.
For users that want to explore the full potential of Cobot welding and achieve the best possible results, the Teach Tool UR Package is a ready-to-integrate solution specifically designed to integrate with cobots supplied by
Universal Robots. The ESAB Teach Tool is compatible with both Universal’s CB- and e-series robots, as well as the new UR20, guaranteeing seamless operation across all UR robot types.
The ESAB Teach Tool features an easy-to-use, no-code program structure, allowing for effortless incorporation of weaving patterns (trapezoid, zigzag, and crescent, stitch welds and multi-pass welding). An angle system easily and precisely sets the desired work and travel angles; precise manual angle programming is no longer required, and it handles complex tasks (such as corners) without complex programming. An offset feature enables simple copy and paste of the weld path and precise control over offset adjustments. The 3-D Universe function helps prevent errors through weld path visualisation, while a “touch up” function enables moving points in the 3-D space and modifying torch angles.
The ESAB Teach Tool UR Package comes with the Aristo 500ix water-cooled power-source, RobustFeed U82 wire feeder, Teach Tool with license and software, RT-82 water-cooled torch, Aristo W82 robotic interface, torch and interface mounts, cables and accessories.
ESAB cobot GoFa is delivered as a turnkey, ready-to-weld package. The cell features a six-axis ABB CRB 15000 cobot arm with a reach of 1,050mm at the torch flange, an ESAB Aristo 500ix power source and a 1,600 x 1,600mm modular welding table. This CE approved Cobot is lightweight and moveable, yet rugged and reliable for use in the most demanding fabrication environments.
The ABB cobot features a ‘no code’ programming design that enables first-time robot users to weld without needing specific robotic or programming skills, and its Easy Teach Device incorporates an auto-generated programming feature that can reduce programming time by up to 70%.