Application setup
Configuring Seam Tracking for a Welding Robot
For process engineers adding through-arc or laser seam tracking to a welding application to compensate for part fit-up variation.
- Step 1.
Confirm sensor communication
Verify the seam tracking sensor and robot controller exchange data correctly, checking sensor status on the teach pendant or its own interface.
- Step 2.
Calibrate the sensor to the tool center point
Run the sensor-to-TCP calibration routine so tracking corrections apply relative to the correct weld point.
- Step 3.
Define the search and tracking window
Set the expected seam location tolerance and the window within which the sensor should search for the joint.
- Step 4.
Enable tracking on the weld path
Turn on seam tracking for the relevant path segments in the program, leaving segments that do not need it in normal taught mode.
- Step 5.
Set correction limits
Configure the maximum position and orientation correction the tracking system is allowed to apply, preventing an erroneous large correction from moving the torch dangerously.
- Step 6.
Test with representative fit-up variation
Run parts with typical gap and misalignment variation and confirm the tracking system follows the joint accurately.
- Step 7.
Verify weld quality
Inspect welds from the tracked path against the acceptance criteria in the welding procedure specification.
- Step 8.
Document the tracking configuration
Record sensor calibration data, correction limits, and test results for future reference.
Common questions
- How long does Configuring Seam Tracking for a Welding Robot take?
- Configuring Seam Tracking for a Welding Robot is rated Advanced and takes about 100 minutes across 8 steps.
- What tools do I need?
- You will need Seam tracking sensor and controller interface, Teach pendant, Test parts with representative fit up variation.
- What should I do before starting?
- Seam tracking sensor installed and communicating with the robot controller. Base weld program already taught.
- What is the first step?
- Confirm sensor communication. Verify the seam tracking sensor and robot controller exchange data correctly, checking sensor status on the teach pendant or its own interface.