Robots Optimized for Spot-Welding Applications

Yaskawa Motoman’s MS165 and MS 210 six-axis robots are designed for faster performance and increased reliability in spot-welding applications over the previous ES series. A gas spring and Signma-5 motor enable a lighter weight and reduced profile designed for greater robot density within a work cell for Tier 1 applications.

The MS165 model offers a payload ranging to 165 kg (363.8 lbs), while the MS210 model ranges to 210 kg (463 lbs). Both models feature a 2,702-mm (106.4") reach with repeatability of ±0.2 mm (±0.008"). High-speed spot and advanced robot motion (ARM) control functions help to reduce cycle time and improve quality by providing consistent electrode force with optimum arm and gun motion control. The robots offer an expanded wrist working range with back-integrated control for spot guns with servomotor drives to improve weld quality. The servo gun cables, air lines and water lines are routed through the robots’ base and upper arm to the wrist, increasing cable life, enhancing safety and reducing teaching time. The streamlined design enables the robots to reach into confined spaces, the company says.

The robots are equipped with the new DX200 robot controller, which is said to be more energy efficient while optimizing robot and servo spot gun performance. The controller can handle multiple tasks and control as many as eight robots (72 axes). It is designed to improve process capability, reduce energy usage, and enhance maintainability and safety. Digital interfaces for popular weld timers enable weld schedules to be programmed on the teach pendant’s color touchscreen display. An enhanced functional safety unit (FSU) provides control-reliable zone and tool-position monitoring, standstill monitoring, and speed limiting to safeguard hardware and enable other capabilities such as collaborative tasks.