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Preparation
SYSTEM CHECK
•
Remove the brass gas cone and check the length/condition of the electrode . The electrode
should extend past the steel collet nut approximately ½” . Make sure the tip is free of build-up and
sharpened according to the weld application . Replace the brass gas cone .
•
Open up the valve on the argon tank and set the regulator between 10-15psi . A read-out on the
upper right corner of the i2 screen will help verify that argon is reaching the unit .
FIXTURE
•
Attach any fixture plates/base plates to the Robot “Y” axis mount plate as needed for the weld
application . Note: be sure the selected base/fixture is able to keep the workpiece stable during rapid
movement, and that it accounts for weld heat (a plastic base placed below two thin sheets can often
melt due to the heat of the weld) .
•
Place workpiece in/on fixtures and double check stability .
POSITIONING
•
Use the Robot Teach Pendant to jog the weld head until the brass gas cone is directly above the
intended weld area (refer to Robot User Manual for directions) .
•
Jog the Z axis down until the tip of the Gas Cone is resting about an 1/8” above the workpiece and
use the Pendant to set the start height .
•
Make sure the i2 is not in “Play” mode . Jog the Z axis down until the tip of the gas cone touches the
part . Continue jogging down and use the scale on the right side of the unit to determine the amount
of force being applied . The more depth from the Z axis, the more force the unit will apply to the part .
Typically, about half force will be sufficient . Note: do not exceed a Z depth of 7/8” as it could create
an “over-force” situation that could damage the workpiece or weld head .
•
Create a weld path program following the “Robot Programming Guide” section . Note: it can often be
a good idea to do a dry run of the program without a part loaded to ensure correctness .
•
Load the workpieces to be welded onto the “Y” axis slide plate .
Test Settings
•
Typical applications will be performed in “Triangle Weld Mode” on the i2 screen . Note: Usually, it is a
good idea to set the length to max and start with a low power setting (refer to the Orion 250i2 user
interface section for more information on each setting) . Increase the power in small increments until
the “ideal” setting can be determined .
