Virtual Welding Robotics is available to support trainers of robot programmers.
The system indicates to the user if he or she has correctly programmed the robot and if the welding torch is being correctly guided.
Fronius Virtual Welding Robotics is now available to trainers to support them in their training of robot programmers. "This simulation platform is designed to allow trainees to become more familiar with robotic welding in a targeted manner, without limitations imposed by safety devices or missing welding equipment," said a company spokesperson. The system indicates to the user if he or she has correctly programmed the robot path regarding how the torch is positioned to the welding seam. If the system indicates that the torch is not being optimally positioned, a virtual trainer provides specific instructions regarding the necessary corrective movements. In a subsequent simulation step, the weld seam can be visualized to enable an optical assessment of the welding results. The data collected during the training session can be saved for documentation purposes and for further analysis. "This helps robot programmers to quickly develop a stronger instinct for the effects of their programming operations and robot movements on the welding results," said the spokesperson.
Virtual Welding Robotics offers training facilities designed to provide prospective robot programmers with a basic understanding of the requirements of robot-aided welding, independently of production facilities. "The system means that training sessions can be carried out in the usual seminar environment," said the spokesperson. "The only requirement is a functioning robot. The system also includes a computer-based training device with integrated touchscreen, a lifelike welding torch, and dummy components for the various weld seam profiles and welding positions."
During the training session, the welding simulator continuously determines the position of the welding torch on the robot arm, while the robot carries out the movements taught, according to the spokesperson. "Ghost," the virtual trainer, provides optical and acoustic information about the welding speed, the distance to the component (dummy), and the work angle of the welding torch which is to be maintained. "Deviations from the ideal values are displayed in yellow or red, according to the traffic light system," said the spokesperson.
The complete welding process, including corrective information, is recorded and made available for playback so that trainees can analyze the welding process with the trainer and work on ways to optimize the robot programming. "All results data is automatically saved and archived to avoid loss of data," said the spokesperson. "The saved data can also be accessed at any time for documentation and evidence purposes."
In a second step, the weld seam, including spatters, can be visualized following completion of the programmed positioning of the robotic welding torch with the help of the simulator. The weld volume and the position of the weld seam are displayed on the component. According to the spokesperson, this means that an informed decision can be made in advance as to whether an additional cover weld seam is required - for example, before transfer to a real component.
"Virtual Welding Robotics is the ideal supplement to the Virtual Welding simulator, which has been available for learning manual welding techniques with gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding," said the spokesperson. "The system helps to save substantial quantities of material, energy and training time by recreating the real welding process."
For more information contact:
Fronius USA LLC
6797 Fronius Drive
Portage, IN 46368
877-376-6487
sales.usa@fronius.com
www.fronius.com