Welding Robot Offers Improved Welding Speed

The new 6-axis MA1440 arc welding robot from Yaskawa Motoman features a 6 kg payload, up from 3 kg on the MA1400 model. "Compared to the MA1400, the new MA1440 features a 23% larger wrist hole for utilities and is up to 15% faster," said a company spokesperson. The MA1440 robot has been introduced with the new DX200 robot controller which, according to the company, is more energy efficient and designed for improved maintainability.

The MA1440 features a new contoured arm structure that is designed to reduce interference by enlarging the close-range motion area of the robot, making it suitable for welding large workpieces and reaching over jigs. The upper arm shape also provides an improved mounting area that is built to allow more room for the feeder. "Available in floor-, wall- or ceiling-mounted configurations and ideal for high-density layouts, the space-saving MA1440 robot increases productivity due to its Sigma-5 motor control technology," said the spokesperson.

The MA1440 robot has a 1,440 mm (56.7") horizontal reach, 2,511 mm (98.9") vertical reach and +/-0.08 mm (+/-0.003") repeatability. Its integrated through-the-arm torch cabling is designed to eliminate cable interference, simplify programming and reduce cable wear. The enlarged 50 mm through-hole can allow signal cables for sensors, higher current cables and water-cooling lines. The higher payload allows motorized torches and cameras to be mounted on the wrist for welding applications. Additionally, a material handling version of the robot with a 12 kg payload is available (MH12).

According to the company, the MA1440 robot uses the new Yaskawa Motoman DX200 controller that 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. Its I/O suite includes integral PLC and HMI pendant displays, high-speed Ethernet communication, 4,096 I/O addresses and a graphical ladder editor that can provide system level control. "The DX200 has been designed to improve process capability, reduce energy usage, and improve maintainability and safety," said the spokesperson. "An enhanced Functional Safety Unit (FSU) provides control reliable zone and tool position monitoring, stand still monitoring and speed limiting. This can reduce costs for safeguarding hardware and 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