Arc Files for Advanced Welding & Reusability

What are Arc Condition Files

Arc Condition Files give users a way to control a larger set of advanced welding parameters that are otherwise not available when using the basic "inline" welding parameters. Giving more complete control over the entire weld schedule. Arc Files are broken up into two categories:

• Arc Start Files
• Arc End Files

As the name suggests of each, one controls the starting conditions of a weld or welding motion segment where the other controls the end of the welding conditions. The includes the following concepts and more:

• Pre and Post Flow
  Shielding gas flow timing before and after the weld.
• Starting & Main Conditions
  The welding parameters applied at the start and during the main body of the weld.
• Parameter Sloping
  An applied linear gradient of weld parameters and robot speed over a programmed distance.
• Travel Speed
  The speed of the robot during the weld.

In addition, Arc Files allow users to reuse the same welding parameters across multiple welds with a single definition. This reduces the demand of entering similar or same welding parameters across multiple welds or jobs. As well as labeling these parameters for more general identification.

When to Use Arc Files Over Basic Inline Parameters

Due to the higher complexity and requirement for editing using an external Arc Condition File editor it is not always necessary to use Arc Files. The more basic Inline Parameters may often be quicker and easier to build welding programs. However, it may be useful to make use of Arc Files when any one of the following conditions is met:

• Consistently reusing the same welding parameters
• Need for better tracking or versioning of welding parameters
• Need for more advanced weld schedule controls
• Need for direct control of weld parameter at the point of arc off

Creating an Arc File

1. Select Arc Condition Files within the Arc Welding main menu.
   
2. Press [ + New File ] to create a new Arc Condition File.
   

3. Fill out the dialog form by:

   • Providing an optional file label.
   • Select Start or End condition file type.
   • Change or keep the preselected file number.
   • Select the desired weld process.

   

4. Press [ Create File ].
5. Once presented with the Arc File editor, fill out any parameters required by the weld process.
   
6. After assigning any parameters press [ Save ] in the lower right corner.

How to Use Arc Files

The application of Arc Files can be performed by both the use of Weld Builder and the standard INFORM job editor. Below are instructions on how to apply any already created Arc Condition Files.

Use within Weld Builder

1. Create and select a weld instruction.
   
2. Open the instruction details by pressing the selected instruction or pressing the "Instruction Details" panel at the bottom of the screen.
3. Navigate to the General tab.
4. Select the [ Advanced ] parameter type.
   
5. Select an Arc Start Condition file using the provided drop-down. Selecting an Arc End Condition file is optional.
   
6. Press the [ Apply ] or [ Build & Save ] button.
7. The new weld settings will now be displayed within the selected weld instruction.
   

Use outside of Weld Builder

1. Open the desired job to edit using the Smart Pendant Job List.
2. Select or insert the arc instruction to modify.
3. If no existing parameters are set, press the [ ] icon.
   
4. Select the ArcStartFile# or ArcEndFile# option from the available drop-down.
5. Type the File Number that matches the desired Arc Condition File.
6. Then click [ SAVE ALL ].