Software provides offline control of welding
An
ABB Robotics product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Apr 4, 2003
VirtualArc is a powerful software tool that gives robot welding engineers full "offline" control of the MIG/MAG process.
VirtualArc is a powerful software tool that gives robot welding engineers full "offline" control of the MIG/MAG process.
Featuring an easy-to-use software interface, VirtualArc can be operated from a single PC or laptop and provides users with efficient offline welding process tuning to predict a wide range of results including: weld shape and penetration; weld quality; and possible welding defects.
Predicting such results brings substantial benefits including shorter implementation time, better optimised welding productivity and quality, as well as better documented welding procedures.
In turn these considerations contribute to lower product costs.
As well as saving time and money through better production, VirtualArc is also an efficient training tool for robot operators, programmers and production/welding engineers, and an excellent platform for retrieving and storing arc welding process information for future developments.
VirtualArc is also useful for comparing different weld procedures in cost per metre welded.
The technology behind the VirtualArc software is based on the combination of arc physics, welding simulation, arc welding practical experience and experimental measurements.
Weld profile and quality predictions are obtained using Bayesian neural network tools.
Predictions from arc simulations, and heat and mass transfer to the workpiece, are used as input to the neural network to predict weld quality, weld profile and weld defects.
The accuracy of predictions and robustness of VirtualArc software has been verified by applying the methodology to a large number of welds.
It was found that the system consistently reproduced arc dependent properties as well as final weld penetration profile and quality.
Mark Oxlade of ABB, comments: "ABB strongly believes that the need for production enhancing tools like VirtualArc will become more and more important as the number of skilled welding engineers and welders are decreasing on the market.
ABB's development of VirtualArc software and technology is an important step forward in helping arc welding customers to automate their production in an efficient manner".
The Mild Steel Edition of VirtualArc will be officially launched at ABB's arc welding customer days on 20th May 2003.
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Contact ABB Robotics
Tel +44 1908 350300
Other ABB Robotics stories
-
Flexpicker robots improve pancake production line
ABB's robotic technology has helped transform the production of pancakes at the Honeytop Speciality Food plant by the installation of four Flexpicker IRB 360 robots. -
Seminar to address robotics in rail sector
ABB Robotics is to hold a rail manufacturing technology seminar in Milton Keynes on 4 June 2009. -
Versatile robots handle heavy loads
As IRB 6640 robots can bend fully backward, their working range is greatly extended, ensuring that they fit well into even the most densely packed production cells. -
Drum filling robot offers new flexibility
One leading Danish enzyme manufacturer has started filling its products using an automated robotic line developed by Feige using ABB Robots. -
Robots improve tile making efficiency
ABB's FlexPicker delta robot is the optimal, flexible robot solution for high-speed pick and place.
Browse by category
- Consultancy and Services (906)
- Machine Building (4,549)
-
Engineering Design Software (6,217)
- Engineering Design Software (13)
- 2D CAD software (201)
- 3D CAD software (1,160)
- FEA and structural analysis software (373)
- Fluid, thermal, noise, vibration software (334)
- Simulation, modelling, validation software (922)
- Rendering, visualisation, styling software (200)
- Materials design and moulding design software (152)
- Process, instrumentation, automation software (260)
- Electrical design software (165)
- Publishing and documentation software (230)
- Maths, charting, statistics, QA software (318)
- Data, document management software (312)
- CAM, CNC, production management software (571)
- File conversion software, data capture (355)
- PLM and collaboration software (651)
-
Drives, Motors and Controls (3,384)
- Drives, Motors and Controls (1)
- Precision Motors and Gears (416)
- Industrial Drives/Controls (1,280)
- Linear Drives and Motors (115)
- Industrial Motors (499)
- Stepper and Servo Drives, Motors, Controls (1,071)
- Small Mechanical Components, Joining, Tools (1,983)
-
Control and Instrumentation (5,049)
- Control and Instrumentation (1)
- Plantwide control (1,332)
- Plant- and Machine-Wide Communications (1,180)
- Smaller-Sized PLCs (388)
- CNC and Motion Controllers (185)
- Mid-range and Large PLCs (202)
- Power Supplies, Uninterruptible Power (563)
- HMIs/Operator Interfaces (295)
- Logic Controllers, Timers and Relays (96)
- Cabling, Conduit, Signal Conditioning (807)
-
Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (5,506)
- Monitoring, Measurement and Quality (1)
- Data acquisition Software and Communications (497)
- Data Acquisition Hardware and PC I/O Boards (476)
- Electrical and Electronic Testing, PAT Equipment (633)
- Form/co-ordinate, optical, vision instruments (726)
- Gauges, Indicators and Instruments (442)
- Data loggers (421)
- Materials testing equipment (419)
- Telecomms/network test equipment, software etc (154)
- Testing and Calibration Services and Information (508)
- Testing, analysing and monitoring equipment (1,229)
-
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Design (4,188)
- Batteries, chargers and circuit protection (556)
- Connectors, Terminals, Busbars, Slip Rings (688)
- Enclosures and Equipment Cooling Fans (710)
- Knobs, Handles and Enclosure Hardware (425)
- PCs and Embedded Systems (805)
- Electrical and Electronic Subassemblies (370)
- Electrical and Electronic Components (634)
-
Materials and Processing (2,977)
- Materials and Processing (5)
- Materials and components (2,227)
- Rapid Prototyping (457)
- Materials processing and testing (288)
-
Engineering Industry News, Resources (6,107)
- Engineering Industry News, Resources (4)
- Engineering Business News, Views (388)
- Engineering Exhibitions, Events (564)
- Engineering Conferences (425)
- Engineering Seminars (401)
- Engineering Industry Developments, Awards (633)
- Engineering Guides, Newsletters (351)
- Engineering Recruitment, Employment (219)
- Engineering Training Courses (437)
- Engineering Education, Resources, Standards (842)
- Engineering Industry Reports, Surveys (597)
- Electronic Resources for Engineers (278)
- Health and Safety Legislation (402)
- Health and Safety Strategy, Risk Assessment (113)
- Health and Safety Consultancy, Software (175)
- Health and Safety Events, Training, News (278)
-
Powertrain Design (3,635)
- Powertrain Design (2)
- Bearings (953)
- Chains and belts (328)
- Gears, brakes, couplings and engines (1,450)
- Hydraulic Components (471)
- Lubricants (430)
-
Capital Equipment (3,406)
- Capital Equipment (1)
- Manufacturing Machinery and Plant Equipment (467)
- Production line blowers and fans (64)
- Compressors and Air Treatment (515)
- Electronics Manufacturing, Tools, Instruments (192)
- Electrical hardware (131)
- Machinery and Production Equipment (1,101)
- Robotics, Handling and Storage (935)
-
Sensors (7,125)
- Sensors (8)
- Accelerometers and Vibration Sensors (430)
- Loadcells, Force Sensors, Torque Sensors (706)
- Pressure sensors (625)
- Flowmeters and Flow Sensors (621)
- Level Sensors and Leak Detectors (529)
- Linear Position Sensors (405)
- Rotary Position, Tilt and Angular Sensors (551)
- Proximity Sensors (707)
- Gas, Chemical, Radiation, Magnetic Sensors (285)
- Humidity and Environmental Sensors (154)
- Temperature sensors (613)
- Vision and Colour Sensors (1,388)
- Barcode Sensors (103)
- Valves, Pumps, Process Hardware (3,649)
