Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0
PiotrK

Fanuc external axis

4 posts in this topic

I'm new to this forum so first of all hello everyone! We have currently two robots - Fanuc ArcMate 125 with R-J3iB controller and Fanuc 420iW with R-J2 controller. The first one is mounted on an external axis allowing it to move between two rotatable welding stations, so altogether it has 3 external axis. We need to set up a new welding station, but our funds are limited, therefore our idea is to buy a second hand welding robot with controller R-J3 or higher (to be able to controll external servo drives) and build our own positioner - we specialise in metal constructions so mechanically this kind of positioner should not be a problem. My experience with robots is not very big, I learned quite a lot while setting up the above robots to work, but that's mainly programming and only a little bit of external digital I/O. I have very limited knowledge about the hardware part of the controllers or software setup, but I'm eager to learn both of these aspects. I've checked the ArcMate and it's controller and learned that it has an expandable architecture and it's possible to set up additional external axis. I saw that there are some add-on servo amplifiers that serve also as servo controllers (at least that's what I think - I saw power cables and control cables coming out from this unit and plugged to the servo motor). I've tried to find some info on the internet, but failed, so maybe you will help me in finding some answers: 1. What do I need to add an external axis? Servo amplifier + servo? 2. How to connect the cables inside the controller cabinet? 3. How to set up the controller software? Our ArcMate has the two welding stations set up as Group 1 and Group 2 and the robot transport axis as EXT, is it configurable? 4. Is each controller's software ready for adding of external axis or I have to update the whole software first? If you can help me with the questions above - I'll be grateful. Also if you have any documents or links where I could find some stuff to read and expand my knowledge please provide them.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Someone may be able to answer some of this but your most efficient way to get accurate information is to take your robot's serial number to your local Fanuc Robot supplier and have them quote what you need.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
Yes, that would be the most efficient way. But except for the welding station I want to gain some knowledge on robot hardware, software and setup, and I'm afraid local Fanuc supplier won't be happy to share their knowledge with me. So anyone can point me where to find the answers? Some links, pdfs etc.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites
They will be happy to share it with you, so long as you are happy to pay them for it. :)

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!


Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.


Sign In Now
Sign in to follow this  
Followers 0