A new laser guided smart welding camera for robots that aims to improve weld quality and reduce production costs is being introduced into the UK market.
The new Fuji-Cam smart welding camera is being launched in the UK by Cyber-Weld, FANUC’s strategic arc welding systems supplier. The product will be available exclusively to the UK market. Whilst Cyber-Weld will take the market lead, FANUC UK will support its strategic partner in supplying the Fuji-Cam device directly to automotive manufacturers. The real advantage of the Fuji-Cam is that the hardware and software can be integrated seamlessly to FANUC’s Arc Mate welding robot series with minimum effort.
The Fuji-Cam is a non-contact laser vision system that helps the robot to precisely locate the position of welding joints in a fraction of a second. The system can be used on both a machined surface and stainless-steel parts, due to its proven optical sensor and control technology.
The system also aims to offer superior weld quality by ensuring that the welding torch is positioned at the correct angle at all times. The Fuji-Cam uses an adaptive welding function for self-adjustment of welding conditions, constantly adjusting the welding head to ensure optimum positioning. Crucially, the camera is equipped with a unique pressurised nozzle to protect from welding spatter and fumes, and an Optical Anti-Reflection Technology to ensure optimum performance, even with shiny joints.
In addition, the FUJI-CAM functionality has the ability to inspect and detect completed welds to reduce the number of defectives and waste. Multiple weld defects, such as holes, porosity, lack of fusion and undercut, can all be detected. Once the welding process is completed, the Fuji-Cam can store all weld information in a powerful database to aid weld-quality control and traceability.
The Fuji-Cam is billed as an ‘easy-to-use’ system that is mounted on the FANUC robot’s wrist. There is no separate control unit and only a single cable for power and digital communications.
The camera is equipped with a Friendly User Interface Technology (FRUIT™) interface, which provides a simple and efficient method of configuring and programming the Fuji-Cam with easy diagnostic and process monitoring capability. All programming and control is implemented by a robot teach pendant, with no PC required.
Both Cyber-Weld and FANUC UK believe the device is a step change product enhancement that will bring significant benefits to all end-users in both automotive and non-automotive welding applications.
The first system is currently being installed at Cyber-Weld’s manufacturing facility in conjunction with FANUC’s latest Arc welding robot, the ARCMate 100iD. Cyber-Weld already has a purchase commitment to the first system and future business expectations are extremely high.
