Welding and more feature at ABB UK open days

Purpose – To provide a concise briefing on the developments in robotic welding. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on the ABB “Open Days” held at its UK operation. Findings – Gives information on the launch of MultiArc; the arc welding application based on its MultiMove multiple cooperating robot software that runs on the new IRC5 robot controller. Another piece of technology launched was the wireless proximity sensor, which drastically minimises cabling in a manufacturing cell. Some welding software packages were demonstrated, including VirtualArc for off‐line MIG/MAG welding parameter prediction and ArcWeld PowerPac off‐line programming and simulation. Also shown were management software for real time measurement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and SmartSpares, a web‐based tool for managing critical spares. Originality/value – The paper provides information of value to those working or interested in developments in the robotics welding and associated industries.