Welding robots are essential tools in modern industrial automation, significantly enhancing welding quality and production efficiency with their flexibility and precision. The "six axes" design is a common structural feature of welding robots, giving them human-arm-like flexibility to handle complex welding tasks. What are the functions of each axis in a welding robot? This article provides a detailed explanation.
Axis 1: Base Rotation Axis
Axis 1 connects the robot to the ground and allows the base to rotate. Its primary function is to enable the robotic arm to swing left and right, expanding the working range. This functionality is the foundation for completing complex welding paths.
Axis 2: Shoulder Swing Axis
Axis 2 controls the up-and-down motion of the robotic arm, often referred to as the "upper arm swing axis." By adjusting the height of the arm, the robot can accommodate workpieces of varying heights, achieving precise vertical positioning.
Axis 3: Elbow Swing Axis
Axis 3 governs the forward and backward swing of the robotic arm. Working in coordination with Axis 2, it ensures accurate movement of the welding torch in the forward and backward directions, making it critical for welding in deep or confined areas.
Axis 4: Wrist Rotation Axis
Axis 4 is the wrist rotation axis, responsible for adjusting the lateral angle of the welding torch. It allows the torch to rotate to specific positions, meeting the requirements of different welding angles, especially for curved or intricate weld seams.
Axis 5: Wrist Bend Axis
Axis 5 controls the up-and-down bending motion of the wrist. By adjusting this axis, the welding torch can reach more complex positions, effectively addressing welding tasks in spatially constrained areas, such as executing precise welds in narrow gaps.
Axis 6: Wrist Swing Axis
Axis 6 manages the lateral swing (horizontal deflection) of the wrist. Positioned between Axis 5 and the robot’s end effector, this axis enables 360° horizontal rotation, allowing the welding torch to flexibly adjust its orientation to maintain the correct angle with the weld seam throughout the welding process.
Applications of Six-Axis Welding Robots
Six-axis welding robots are widely used in industries such as automotive manufacturing, construction machinery, shipbuilding, and pressure vessels.
- Automotive Manufacturing: Six-axis welding robots efficiently handle spot welding and arc welding of car body components.
- Construction Machinery: The flexibility of six axes is crucial for welding large, complex components.
- Pressure Vessels: The ability to make precise adjustments is particularly important when welding curved surfaces and arcs.
The six-axis structure plays a vital role in the widespread adoption of welding robots in industrial applications. Each axis performs a specific function while working in harmony, providing unmatched flexibility and adaptability. With advancements in welding automation, six-axis welding robots integrated with ATINY’s intelligent laser seam tracking and molten pool monitoring cameras continue to enhance production efficiency and welding quality for enterprises.
