To increase performance and quality in welding, welders need methods that will cater to the specific needs of each weld type.
At Smooth Robotics, we aim to give welders the software they need to achieve the best weld quality. This is possible by continuously improving our software. We are happy to introduce the latest feature of SmoothTool, “Crescent”.
Crescent is a new weaving pattern we offer in the SmoothTool software package. Weld patterns are the different ways you weave a weld into the joint to spread it out and add or subtract heat from certain points of the bead. Crescent is a new type of pattern that will greatly benefit welders.
One of the most appealing parts of the crescent weaving pattern is the ease of use. We have separated the travel speed and the pattern parameters. This ensures that speed and pattern parameters are not dependent on each other. You can define the shape with the pattern parameters and afterward set the actual speed you want the robot to execute the pattern.
We think this is the best way to set up a program using the crescent weaving pattern and while testing with welders they also confirmed this to be very intuitive. By organizing the parameters this way we are still depending on the welder’s expertise to use their experience, and this is the essence of SmoothTool. A bridge between welder-robot collaboration!
The shape of the crescent pattern can be altered by changing the arc depth parameter. By doing so, you can create three different types of weld patterns:
Convex
A convex shape will be achieved with the arc depth parameter set to a positive value. In the example above it is set to 100.
A convex pattern is useful in overhead positions, as well as flat positions when there isn’t too much space to fill.
Zigzag
A zigzag shape can be achieved with the arc depth parameter set to 0.
The zigzag pattern is already implemented in SmoothTool as a separate pattern, but with this tweak of the crescent pattern you can gain access to other parameters which will be useful for specific welding tasks.
Concave
A concave shape can be achieved by setting the arc depth parameter to a negative value. In the example above it is set to -100.
A concave pattern is best for vertical up and vertical down welding. Further, concave patterns allow you to fill large gaps effectively.
At Smooth Robotics we are continuously improving and updating the SmoothTool software with new releases. We add features based on feedback from the actual welders and industry partners. Make sure you don’t miss a new software release by following us on our social media channels.
If you want to learn more about weaving patterns in welding, check out our comprehensive guide to weaving in welding.
