If youā€™re an Australian manufacturer considering welding automation, youā€™ve likely stumbled across FANUC welding robots at some point. But do you truly know what these robots offer for your operations?
FANUC is one of the most recognised brands in industrial robotics globally, but we understand that brand recognition alone does not answer the questions that matter to a manufacturer. This article will answer these questions, from who FANUC are and what their welding robots offer to which manufacturing environments they are suited to and why a fully integrated system is essential.
Who is FANUC
FANUC is a global leader in factory automation, industrial robotics, and computer numerical control (CNC) systems. They produce a wide range of industrial robots, cobots, and automated machinery to help streamline manufacturing processes.
FANUC arc welding robots are among the most widely deployed welding automation platforms in the world. In Australia, they are widely used in heavy fabrication, structural steel, agricultural equipment, mining, energy, and general manufacturing environments.
Itā€™s important to note that, while FANUC makes the robot, the robot is not the entire system, the welding power source, torch selection, fixtures, safety and integration all impact the results. FANUC partners, such as our team at Infinite Robotics, have the expertise to integrate FANUC welding robots with existing infrastructure and advanced set-ups to deliver a complete, turn-key system.
What Are FANUC Welding Robots
FANUC welding robots are high-precision automated robotic systems designed to perform industrial metal-joining tasks like arc, MIG, TIG, and spot welding. These autonomous systems deliver high speed, precision, and consistency to help manufacturers improve build quality and productivity.
The FANUC Arc Welding Robot Range
FANUC offers a comprehensive range of robotic welding systems to suit different applications and environments, including:
- ARC Mate Series: The FANUC ARC Mate series is designed specifically for arc welding processes, delivering high precision, efficiency, and repeatability in a small footprint. At Infinite Robotics, we specifically offer integrations for the ARC Mate 120š¯‘–D/12L.
- CRX Series: CRX series collaborative welding robots are designed to be safe, versatile, and simple to implement and program, offering superior reliability and productivity. Our specialists offer integrations for both the CRX-30š¯‘–A and CRX-10š¯‘–A/L.
- M-710 Series: FANUC M-710 Series welding robots feature extra-long reach, slim wrists, rigid arms and small footprints to enhance productivity and efficiency for diverse production requirements. We offer integrations for the M-710š¯‘–C/12L.
What Makes FANUC Welding Robots Suitable for Welding Automation
FANUC robotic welding systems are perfect for streamlining manufacturing processes and freeing up experienced human operators to focus on more complex tasks. These advanced welding robots offer a range of technical capabilities to handle diverse welding applications, including:
- Large Payloads and Reach: High-strength robotic welding arms are designed to handle heavy payloads and offer extended reach to handle large or complex welding applications with ease.
- Precision and Repeatability: The robotic welding arm delivers precise and repeatable results every time. It always returns to the exact same position, approaches from the same direction and with the same orientation on every cycle, ensuring high-quality, exact results every time.
- Path Accuracy: Robotic welders feature motion control technology that maintains torch position, heat output, and travel speed along the full weld path for consistent results.
- Speed and Arc-On Efficiency: Intelligent path planning and integrated axis and positioners minimise the travel time between weld joints and allows for higher arc-on time.
- Reliability and Uptime: FANUC welding robots are designed and tested to deliver unmatched reliability with minimal disruptions or errors.
- Intelligent Controller: The R-30iB Plus controller enables user-friendly operation, coordinating welding commands with the welding power source, managing safety systems, and storing programs in a single system.
How FANUC Welding Robots Are Used in Australian Manufacturing
Integrated FANUC welding robots are used throughout Australiaā€™s manufacturing industry to assist with diverse needs. These autonomous systems offer enhanced efficiency, repeatable precision, and unmatched uptime, helping manufacturers scale effectively without increasing headcount.
In a time where the industry is facing skilled workforce shortages, welding robots provide a powerful solution, working alongside skilled teams to boost productivity and output without compromising quality or team morale. These robots are designed to tackle the high-volume, low-mix and repetitive tasks, allowing your skilled workforce to focus on more complex, higher-impact tasks.
FANUC robotic welding systems are frequently deployed to assist manufacturing across:
- Heavy fabrication and structural steel
- Agricultural equipment Ā
- Mining equipment
- Automotive and transport systems
- Gas and energy infrastructure
- Renewable energy infrastructure
- Defence and aerospace
- Food-grade equipment
- General fabrication
Why the FANUC Robot Is Only Part of the Answer
FANUC welding robots are a great solution for streamlining production processes, however, they require the right supporting system. The robotic welding arm is only a single part of a larger system. Each component plays a critical role in the outcome, including:
- Welding Power Source
- Torch Selection and Cable Management
- Fixturing and Positioners
- Safety Systems
- Programming and Simulation
- Training and Ongoing Support
At Infinite Robotics, we partner with FANUC to deliver fully integrated custom robotic welding systems backed by leading robotics. We combine high-quality FANUC robotic welding arms with reliable power sources, torches, positioners, and other components to design and deliver complete, turn-key systems. We also provide full commissioning, onsite installation, and dedicated operator training and support to ensure operators can make the most of their system from day one and for many years to come.
Streamline Your Processes With Fully Integrated FANUC Robotic Welders
At Infinite Robotics, we provide fully integrated welding solutions to meet your manufacturing needs. Contact us today to discuss your welding needs and find out how an integrated FANUC welding robot could fit into your team.
