Arc welding with industrial robots

Automatic arc‐welding machines have been used in manufacturing plant for a number of years now. They are special machines for a special purpose. But one of the main problems for automatic arc‐welding machines is presented by assembly element inaccuracies. These inaccuracies arise even when the parts are being stamped in the press. What is no problem for the manual welder, for he sees the discrepancies and is able to bridge the gap, may only be solved by automatic arc‐welding machines if powerful clamping tools are used. The same problem is also present in principle when programmable inddustrial robots are used for arc welding instead of conventional automatic machines. However, initial successes have been recorded in bridging assembly element inaccuracies with an automatic program shift and pendulum movements for the welding torch attached to the industrial robot. In recent times, these features have been supplemented by the welding power source being equipped with a parameter selection unit.