ArcTool

FANUC ArcTool provides precise control of the robot’s weld path, allowing it to follow exact trajectories along joints, seams, and complex geometries. It ensures smooth, continuous motion that is critical for high-quality welds, maintaining consistent speed, orientation, and positioning throughout the process so that the weld bead remains uniform.
In addition to motion control, ArcTool coordinates the welding process itself with the robot’s movement. It manages signals for arc start and stop, wire feed, and welding parameters such as voltage and current. This tight synchronization ensures that the welding arc engages and disengages at exactly the right moments, preventing defects and improving overall weld quality.
ArcTool can also incorporate touch sensing capabilities, where the robot uses the welding wire to detect the actual position of a part before welding begins. This allows it to compensate for part-to-part variation or fixture inconsistencies, automatically adjusting the weld path to maintain accuracy despite minor misalignments.
To enhance weld quality, ArcTool includes programmable weaving and weld patterns such as zig-zag, triangular, or circular motions. These patterns can be customized in terms of width, frequency, and dwell time, helping control bead shape, penetration, and heat distribution across the joint.
For thicker materials, ArcTool supports multi-pass welding, enabling the robot to perform layered welds. Each pass can be automatically offset and adjusted, ensuring proper buildup and strength while maintaining consistent spacing between layers.
ArcTool can also support advanced tracking methods such as Through-Arc Seam Tracking (TAST), which uses real-time feedback from the welding current to detect and follow the joint as it shifts during the process. This allows the robot to make continuous adjustments to its path, keeping the weld centered even when conditions change.
Finally, ArcTool includes features like crater fill and burnback control, which improve how the weld is finished. These functions help prevent defects such as craters or excess wire sticking by carefully controlling how the arc is terminated, resulting in cleaner, more reliable weld endpoints.