articulated robot / 7-axis / arc welding / industrial by igm Robotersysteme AG

The working radii of igm welding robots are between 1500 mm and 1900 mm, depending on type. This is the length of the swivel arms (550 mm or 750 mm each) plus the usual eccentricity of the first main axis, 400 mm. Extending this by lengthening the arm isn't always effective, since both reach and accessibility are essential when welding complex work pieces.
The ability to plunge inside the component is therefore a significant criterion. Long robot arms obstruct such movements since they make large compensatory movements over external travel axes necessary. Improved movement is always achieved when more axes are used.
The priorities are accessibility, reach-over of components, the joining crashing and overlapping of working ranges by multiple robots in one system. Additional priorities include the prevention of compensatory travel over floor track systems, i.e. shorter floor track systems. This also results in significant space savings, smaller footprint and thus lower investment costs.
Since the rotating base can swivel ± 180°, any number of positions within working range can be approached from different directions. When using 2 robots on one station, the additional axes enable the dangers of collision to be more easily prevented. This means that both robots can weld seams which are in close proximity, or even that their working ranges overlap. For example, one of the robots is able to weld the inside of a U-shaped component, whilst the other is welding the outside.