Ask the Experts
Published on: 12/25/2008
Last Reply on: 03/20/2009
Category: Welding, Arc
Technology: AI, Motion Control, Robotics
Where does one start to learn about welding-robot programming? What is the language--Python, C++, or what? I have searched the Internet and State of IL libraries, and found nothing that gets into programming. One book dealt with metaprogramming, but gave no specifics.
Walt, Robot manufacturers each use their own proprietary language for programming tasks. While languages often follow a similar structure, there is not a common a language that can be used on all welding robots. Feel free to contact me directly at 937.287.5060 and I can explain further. Also see www.motoman.com to review our controller and INFORM language. Best regards, Erik Nieves - Technology Director
Erik Nieves from Plus One Robotics | 01/05/2009
In my experience, all robot manufacturers use proprietary welding programming languages for their robots--but there are things to learn that can help you on your way. Robot manufacturer's use their own languages because it is faster to send signals to and from the welder than if you were to use straight IO. These signals (such as arc start, wire feed start, arc established, wire speed, current, gas on, and arc end) are all used to set up a weld schedule, which informs the robot how to weld. That means it is important to know how to weld by hand before welding with robots. The next step is to learn how to move robots into weld positions, and how to move them in and out of weld locations. Also, research robot welding training courses--companies such as Epoch Robotics will travel to your facility to provide customized need-based training. --Steve Hamilton, Master Certified Robot Service Engineer, www.epochrobotics.com, phone: 616-820-3380
Brette Christe from JR Automation – A Hitachi Group Company | 03/20/2009