Welding Robots eliminate cable interference.
Press Release Summary:
Operated via NX100 robot controller, Expert Arc robots EA1400N and EA1900N feature internal cabling design that allows them to work in tight spaces or on workpieces positioned close to manipulator arm. T-axis can rotate torch ±200° without cable interference. With repeatability of 0.003 in., 6-axis EA1400N has 54.7 in. horizontal and 95.6 in. vertical reach, while EA1900N features 75 in. horizontal and 134.6 in. vertical reach.
Original Press Release:
Motoman's New EA1400N AND EA1900N
Dayton, Ohio - Motoman's EA1400N and EA1900N "Expert Arc" welding robots feature a patented internal cabling design that provides high flexibility and also streamlines the robot profile, allowing access into confined spaces. The new design improves cable life by reducing wear against the arm, part, or fixture, and also reduces cycle time by minimizing the motion required for torch reorientation. Additionally, the EA1400N and EA1900 reduce programming time by eliminating cable interference issues that general-purpose robots have. Plus, Motoman offers the industry's first one-year torch cable warranty. The high-performance six-axis EA1400N features a 1,390 mm (54.7") horizontal reach and 2,427 mm (95.6") vertical reach. The EA1900N features a 1,904 mm (75") horizontal reach and 3,418 mm (134.6") vertical reach. The repeatability of both models is ±0.08 mm (0.003"). Both models can work in very tight spaces or on workpieces positioned close to the manipulator arm. The expanded range of motion on the B-axis provides improved circumferential welding on cylindrical workpieces and also eliminates possible cable interference on long, continuous welds. The T-axis can rotate the torch ±200 degrees without cable interference. Motoman's "Expert Arc" EA-series welding robots change the paradigm of "working envelope" (i.e. robot reach without process equipment) to a "process envelope" as the restrictions imposed by process equipment are removed, interference with the weld cable and torch is eliminated. Regardless of torch orientation or part size or shape, the new design prevents bent, pinched or stretched cables that can lead to wire feed problems and imperfect welds due to binding by torch cable slack. The hollow upper arm maintains the optimum bend radius of the welding torch cable, maximizing weld performance and extending cable life. The new torch cable is up to 25 times more durable than the old style of cable. Replacing the torch cable takes only five to 10 minutes. Replacing the torch barrel is also quick and easy, requiring just one minute to complete disassembly and reassembly. The torch barrel mounts to the arm with an integrated shock sensor that minimizes damage in the event of a crash with a part or tooling. The EA1400N and EA1900N are controlled by Motoman's new, high-performance NX100 robot controller that features a Windows® CE programming pendant, fast processing, easy-to-use INFORM III programming language, and robust PC architecture. Many advanced welding features are built in to the programming pendant that features a color touch-screen display that can be configured as a custom HMI with buttons and status indicators. The NX100 controller offers integrated "soft" PLC functions, built-in password protection, dual-channel safety features, and unmatched connectivity through standard Ethernet and other network options: DeviceNet, ControlNet, Profibus-DP, and EtherNet/IP. The Multiple Robot Control capability of the NX100 allows the ability to operate up to four robots from a single controller - offering a patented method of multiple robot control, as well as a single point of control from one programming pendant to maximize productivity. Multiple Robot Control reduces the risk of collision. Using a single controller versus four separate controllers also reduces integration costs due to less I/O and safety hardware, fewer wiring points, and reduced wiring and engineering labor. For more information on Motoman products and services, call 937.847.6200, write to Motoman Inc., 805 Liberty Lane, West Carrollton, Ohio, USA 45449, or visit the corporate website at www.motoman.com.
