FANUC demonstrated a range of CNC and robotic welding systems, along with automated solutions for painting and coating, at FABTECH 2023, Sept. 11-14.
FANUC’s CRX collaborative robot series was among the highlighted technologies. Interactive programming allows operators to teach points using hand guidance or a Tablet TP with drag and drop icons. The series supports FANUC features including iRVision, Touch Sensing, Servo Torch, Thru Arc Seam Tracking (TAST and Multi Pass (MP).
The CRX-25iA welding cobot (pictured above), offers a 30kg payload and 1,889mm reach, and demonstrated welding joints on a mower deck. Attendees were able to teach points using hand guidance or the Tablet TP interface with drag and drop icons.
A FANUC CRX-10iA/L welding cobot with a long 1418mm reach showcased live aluminum arc welding with the FANUC Servo Torch. Attendees could teach weld joints using hand guidance or the Tablet TP with drag and drop icons. The demonstration included FANUC’s aluminum MIG weld process control demonstrating low frequency pulse and heat wave, utilizing a Lincoln Electric PowerWave R450 weld power supply.
Lincoln Electric’s Cooper mobile welding cart featuring FANUC’s CRX-10iA/L offered a hands-on experience programming with the Cooper App. The Cooper robotic welding system can be programmed and used with the FANUC Tablet TP and the ability to teach at the torch by hand. Lincoln Electric’s Power Wave R450 robotic welding platform provides the same industry-leading performance found in traditional robotic welding.
An APT ModWeld Cobot MAC Cart featuring FANUC’s CRX-10iA and a Miller Auto-Continuum 350 offer a modular solution that can be expanded. Visitors had a hands-on experience programming with the APT Clever Torch teach buttons.
A CRX-10iA with the Power Motion i-Model A (PMi-A) simulated brake rotor assembly. The PMi-A moves parts into position for the CRX, presses a simulated rivet into the part, and performs quality inspection of the rivet press.
The PMi-A, which offers CNC-style motion control for automated assembly and other applications, integrates into any production system using ethernet connection for communication between robots and machines.
On the painting and coating side, FANUC showcased its paint-specific robot lineup and several robotic coating applications using vision guidance and coordinated motion.
Also, a FANUC CRX-10iA collaborative robot utilized a BYK-mac i end of arm tool to measure and collect colour data on painted test panels. This automated process can help manufacturers determine if the final colour meets specifications. While cobots have not traditionally been used for automotive coating, the demonstration illustrates how companies can use cobots for paint inspection.
FANUC has also recently announced the production of its one millionth robot.
