Operation Overview - ABB SmarTac Applications Manual

1 Introduction

1.2 Operation overview

1.2 Operation overview
General
With SmarTac™ a part feature may be "searched" using part of the torch. Typically
the welding wire or the gas cup is used as the sensing portion of the torch. Searches
are programmed into a weld sequence. Each search consists of two robtargets;
one for the start location and one for the expected location of the part feature.
While searching the torch feature (gas cup or wire) is energized with about 38 VDC.
When the torch feature makes contact with the part (at ground potential) an input
is set in the robot controller. When the input is detected, robot location is stored
and motion stops.
Search instructions
The search instructions included in the SmarTac™ software are designed to return
offset information. In other words, the result of a search is the distance between
where the original search location was programmed and where the robot has now
found the part.
Why use SmarTac?
Using SmarTac™ effectively can dramatically reduce fixture costs. It can also help
account for part variability that can not otherwise be controlled.
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Application manual - SmarTac
3HAC024845-001 Revision: A