Smooth Robotics
DISCOVER
SMOOTHTOOL
Automation made easy without a robot programmer
SmoothTool is a URCap, an app that runs inside the Universal Robots interface. Your welders guide the torch along the joint by hand, and SmoothTool records every segment and welds it the same way on every part.
Welding automation usually asks the wrong person to program it
Conventional robot welding puts a programmer between the welder and the weld. The welder knows the joint, the material and where the part will distort. The programmer knows the robot. Getting a good weld means those two people go back and forth, and every new part number starts that loop again.
That only pays off on long runs, and most shops do not have long runs.
Freedrive. Teach. Weld.
1
Freedrive. Guide the cobot along the joint by hand, the way you would position the torch yourself.
2
Teach. Mark start, end and path. SmoothTool records each weld segment as you go, with a live 3D view of the arm, torch and weld path on screen.
3
Weld. Set your parameters, run the program and repeat the same weld across the batch.
“The Smooth Robotics Software has hands down been epic in quick programming. I have found that if we have to weld more than 12″ in length, it’s more effective to use the robot. Even for just 1 part. This is a game changer.”
Everything between the joint and the finished weld
Each feature has its own page with parameters and examples. Available features depend on platform and licence, and your partner confirms the configuration for your cell.
Teaching and Visualisation
3D Universe
See the arm, the torch and the full weld path on screen before an arc strikes, and touch up any point.
Touch Sense
Locate the actual position of the part and shift the path to match, so a part that is not exactly where it was last time still welds correctly.
*Option on SmoothTool X
Weld Path and Geometry
Weaving
Weaving patterns on linear and circular paths, configurable to joint geometry and material.
Multipass
Build up a multi-pass weld from a single taught path instead of teaching each pass.
*Option on SmoothTool X
Stitching
Set stitch parameters directly for distortion control and material savings.
Tacking
Consistent parameterised tacks before the full pass.
Offset
Copy a taught weld and offset it in any direction or rotation, for repeated features on the same part.
*Option on SmoothTool X
Surfacing
Hardfacing and cladding passes for wear surfaces and repair work.
*Option on SmoothTool X
Pipe Welding
Full-circumference welds around a pipe, including positions that are impractical by hand.
Control and Consistency
Angle System
Type in work and travel angles and have them applied the same way across the whole program.
Profile System
Save welding parameters as profiles and reuse them across parts, operators and shifts.
Seam Tracking
Through-the-arc tracking adjusts the path during the weld. Available with selected power sources.
*Option on SmoothTool X
Reach
External Axis*
Add a rotary positioner or a linear rail and control it from the same program. The Proarc PT-200 positioner is plug and play. Other positioners and rails are integrated by your partner through the SmoothTool interface.
*Option on SmoothTool X
Everything between the joint and the finished weld
Each feature has its own page with parameters and examples. Available features depend on platform and licence, and your partner confirms the configuration for your cell.
Teaching and Visualisation
Weld Path and Geometry
Control and Consistency
Reach
External Axis*
Start with the core. Add what your production needs.
SmoothTool for PolyScope X is built as a core welding application with optional features. The core covers hand-guided teaching, the 3D Universe, weaving, stitching and tacking, the angle system, the profile system and a pipe welding template. Seam Tracking, Touch Sense, Multipass, Offset, Surfacing and External Axis are options you add when your parts call for them. You can add them later with a software update, so you start with what you need today instead of paying for everything from day one.
Core
Hand-guided teaching, 3D Universe, Weaving, Stitching, Tacking, Angle System, Profile System, Pipe Welding
Options
Seam Tracking, Touch Sense, Multipass, Offset, Surfacing, External Axis
Your partner configures the licence for your cell.
On PolyScope 5, SmoothTool comes with the complete feature set, with Seam Tracking and External Axis as add-ons.
MIG/MAG, TIG and laser from the same software
MIG/MAG welding across the full feature set above.
TIG welding, for example with Fronius iWave.
Laser welding with IPG Lightweld, Theo and Megmeet.
Nine power source brands, controlled from the teach pendant.
SmoothTool is pre-integrated with Kemppi, Miller, ESAB, OTC, Fronius, Lorch, EWM, Megmeet and Lincoln Electric. Every brand is controlled from the teach pendant, so parameters are set in the same place the path is taught, and your shop keeps the brand it already stocks spare parts for and knows how to set up.
Machines with a standard Euro, Miller or Lincoln connector connect through the RetroFit Kit.
Runs on the Universal Robots arm you choose
On g-Series robots. SmoothTool for PolyScope X is built native for the platform rather than ported onto it. You have the option to use UR’s Smart Panel on the arm, so freedrive, waypoint capture and weld-point teaching happen on the panel already on the robot, and the torch mounts straight to the tool flange. The SmoothTool programming flange is available for shops that prefer it.
On PolyScope 5. SmoothTool is available for new e-Series and UR series cells as well as robots already on the floor. It runs with the SmoothTool programming flange, which puts the teaching buttons within reach of the seam.
e-Series and UR series robots with the CB 5.6 control box can run either PolyScope 5 or PolyScope X. Robots with older control boxes need a new control box to run PolyScope X, and moving to PolyScope X also needs a PolyScope X licence, so most shops choose the platform when they buy the robot.
Cutting as well as welding? SmoothCut adds robotic plasma cutting and weld-ready bevels to the same arm on PolyScope 5.
Every welder on the floor, not just the one there on install day.
The interface runs in 18 languages. Your partner trains your welders at installation and supports the cell afterwards, and SmoothTool Academy gives your team access to video training when new people join.
Bought and supported through a partner near you.
Smooth Robotics makes the software. More than 1,000 cobot welding solutions have been sold through our network of 75+ partners in 42 countries. Your partner specifies the complete station, installs it and supports it in your country and your language.