Yaskawa Americas, Inc. has released the latest models of the ArcWorld® family of pre-engineered robotic arc welding workcells. Specifically, the ArcWorld RS and ArcWorld HS, deliver a highly flexible, compact and cost-effective option for integrating robotics into current weld processes.

Each solution is designed for optimizing small- to medium-size part production for medium volume fabrication. This feature makes them ideal for replacing or supplementing manual welding, such as pre-assembly before welding in larger robotic workcells.

Extremely Compact Design

In particular, the ArcWorld RS model utilizes a rotating station (RS) design that is manually indexed by the operator. The RS features two fixture tables with a 100kg payload capacity per side. Thus, this model only requires 2.3sq meters of floorspace. This facilitates quick changeover, allowing parts to be safely loaded and unloaded while the opposite station part is welded. It can process parts up to 425 × 700 × 990mm.

Meanwhile, the ArcWorld HS model is more compact and needs only 1.4sqm floorspace. It offers a hinged station (HS) design, allowing easy access for loading and unloading of parts. The workcell features a single fixture table with a 100kg payload capacity and can process parts up to 550 × 500 × 1,050mm in size. This cell is ideal for R&D and educational use as well as smaller production runs.

Integrates AR900 Arc Welding Robot

Each ArcWorld features a single high-speed, six-axis AR900 arc welding robot with YRC1000 controller. It includes an intuitive digital weld interface for all power source brands. Also, an integrated weld package includes either a Miller® Auto-Continuum™ 350 or Lincoln Electric Power Wave® R450 power source, wire feeder, wire spool holder and a variety of available torch options. Yaskawa’s easy-to-use digital Universal Weldcom Interface (UWI) can access processes from the power supply, giving full control of welding parameters and settings from the robot programming pendant.

Individual solution offers overhead LED lighting and is enclosed with sheet metal and light-reducing polycarbonate for arc and spatter protection. A built-in extraction hood for fume filtration and four-button operator panel with E-stop also come as standard.

The ArcWorld RS and ArcWorld HS models are safeguarded and have a completed risk assessment compliant with ANSI/RIA R15.06-2012, and other relevant ISO and CSA standards. The robot controller’s Functional Safety Unit (FSU) uses “stand still” monitoring for the robot and safety signals. All workcell doors are safety monitored.

Each workstation, including the robot and safety fencing, come attached on a common base with integrated cable management for easy shipping and installation. Moreover, easy-open, safety-interlocked side panels allow for easier robot programming and equipment access.

Additional optional features are also available. They include light beacon (3 color), Digital TouchSense, gas flow rate meter (CWT) gas flow sensor (SMC), and torch cleaning station (with or without wire cutter).