Robots Optimized for Spot Welding Applications

The high-speed MS165 and MS210 robots from Yaskawa Motoman are designed to be 20% faster overall than previous ES-series robots and to deliver high performance and reliability in spot welding applications. "The use of a gas spring and Sigma-5 motor technology result in a lighter weight and a reduced-profile design to allow higher robot density around a car body or a smaller workcell for Tier 1 applications. The MS-series robots use the new DX200 robot controller, which is more energy-efficient and includes several features that optimize robot and servo spot gun performance," said a company spokesperson.

According to the company, to increase cable life, enhance safety and reduce teaching time, the servo gun cables as well as the air and water lines are routed through the robot's base and upper arm to the wrist. The design enables the MS165 and MS210 robots to reach into confined spaces, thus reducing cycle time and improving system productivity. On the MS series, Yaskawa's integrated spot harness technology has been improved on the MS series with an expanded wrist working range of up to 17 percent, and back-integrated control for spot guns with servo motor drives improves weld quality.

The six-axis MS165 and MS210 models feature payloads of 165 kg (363.8 lb) and 210 kg (463 lb) respectively. Both models have a 2,702 mm (106.4") reach with a repeatability of +/-0.2 mm (+/-0.008").

"The high-speed spot and ARM (Advanced Robot Motion) control functions can provide up to 35 percent cycle time reduction and improve quality by providing consistent electrode force with optimum arm and gun motion control," said the spokesperson.

According to the company, the DX200 controller features patented multiple robot control technology to easily handle multiple tasks and control up to eight robots (72 axes), I/O devices and communication protocols. The DX200 has been designed to improve process capability, reduce energy usage and improve maintainability and safety. Digital interfaces for popular weld timers allow weld schedules to be programmed on the robot teach pendant's color touchscreen display. An enhanced Functional Safety Unit (FSU) provides control-reliable zone and tool position monitoring, standstill monitoring and speed limiting. This can reduce costs for safeguarding hardware, and it provides new capabilities such as collaborative tasks. It is compliant to ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012 and other relevant ISO and CSA safety standards.

For more information contact:

Yaskawa America, Inc.

Motoman Robotics Division

100 Automation Way

Miamisburg, OH 45342

937-847-6200

www.motoman.com