Lightweight robots designed for arc welding

Posted to News on 3rd Mar 2008, 20:05

Lightweight robots designed for arc welding

KUKA Automation + Robotics is launching a pair of small-payload, lightweight robots that have been specially designed to perform a wide variety of arc welding applications. These will be shown for the first time at MACH 2008.

The compact KR5 arc robot not only features high continuous path accuracy, but also boasts a working envelope of more than 1400mm. Its modular design means that it can be easily integrated into almost any cell concept and mounted either on the floor or inverted from the ceiling.

Thanks to a payload of 5kg and a supplementary load capability of 12kg, KUKA's new robot is suitable for a range of welding and soldering tasks as well as gluing or handling applications.

KUKA has also launched a more specialised arc welding robot, the KR5 HW (Hollow Wrist), which is designed to undertake complex welding tasks in harsh working conditions. The new variant offers better component accessibility and incorporates a fluid supply system integrated in the robot arm.

Paul Richards, general sales manager at KUKA Automation + Robotics, explains: "This protected routing of the dress package allows infinite rotation of axis 6 without the need to re-orientate the robot wrist during the work cycle. For the customer, this means not only improved component accessibility and optimum protection of the dress package, but also simplified offline programming."

Visitors to MACH 2008 will be able to see the new KR5 arc welding robot in action on the Wilkinson Star stand 4897/4899 in hall 4, where it will be demonstrating Wilkinson Star's new Cebora range of robotic welding equipment.

KUKA's neighbouring stand, 4895, will feature a rare UK appearance by the Robocoaster, a passenger-carrying robot that creates a thrilling white-knuckle ride unlike any traditional rollercoaster experience.