Overall production cell control

Control systems software

For production systems that use robots, a control system is of major importance. Kranendonk has such a control system which is called ARAC. (ARAC = Arithmetic Robot Application Control). ARAC is the software application for offline programming and online controlling of robot systems. With ARAC a continuous one piece production with industrial robots can be established. ARAC not only generates the necessary robot programs, but can also acts as a product configuration tool for the work preparation department. Kranendonk uses the ARAC system in robotic production systems for welding and cutting.

The ARAC software system combines the following functionalities:
• Fully automated operation of the production line;
• Integration of all production tasks in the production line;
• Easy operation with limited operator action;
• Integration with production control-, logistics- and CAD/CAM systems.

Automatic production

Daily production with the ARAC system is fully automated; besides operating ARAC the operator can perform tasks like loading and unloading, work preparation and small maintenance. Basically only supervision of the production line is required, even in absence of the operator, the production continues.

The distributed architecture of the control system ensures that each station in the robotic production line can operate independently from other stations. In the control system automatic self-checks are built in that constantly monitor and log the operation of main components.

Equipment and process control

The actual production line and process control is supervised by the operator on a graphical touch screen. This screen is located in the operator console from where the operator can control actions (processes) that are performed. Also the operator coordinates the independent subsystems in the production line.

ARAC operator interface

Kranendonk robotic production lines are equipped with a fully graphical operator interface. The operator interface is flexible; it can be customized to the end-user’s wishes. The simple and logical pictogramm style menu structure of the operator interface, intuitively guides the operator to the commands needed to perform a certain task.

Through the graphical interface the operator has full control over the welding or cutting application. The production process can be continously monitored and the operator can interfere in the automatic process at any moment.

Adaptive

Dynamic Flexible Production (DFP) is an optional feature in the ARAC system. DFP automatically adapts robot programs to influences from outside, e.g. variations in actual product size and tolerances. This is done with a special 3D sensor system, which is an integral part of the robot program generation process. DFP makes it possible to create very accurate end-cuts that have been shaped according to the actual dimensions of the base material.

 Arac brochure 710.82 Kb

 

Macro programming

A macro describes the processing steps for a specific product (cut or weld). By means of macros ARAC generates the robot programs. Each macro is designed for a product family; it requires parameters to generate the processing path of the tool. For each product a number of dedicated macros are available. In welding applications a macro describes the joint between two parts (a welding seam) and in cutting applications the macro describes end cuts and intermediate cuts. The ARAC system environment is open to enable end-users to create their own macros.