Simulation Mode Setting
Prior to actually executing welding work, it is beneficial to utilize the simulation mode to check that the welding path has been properly created. Activating the simulation mode will prevent commands regarding the welding process (welding start, end, etc.) from being sent to the welder, and only the welding motion can be checked.
On the other hand, sometimes the welder offers a standalone simulation mode. For communication digital welders, the simulation mode signals can be registered under the interface settings and then enabled under welding conditions in order to use the welder’s simulation mode. In this scenario, setting the welding mode in TB/TW will not produce any output from the welder itself, and as the signals related to the welding process and the current/voltage values that occur are output by the robot, the welding popups can be used to check the simulated monitoring values. The below chart compares the functional differences stemming from activation/deactivation of the welder simulation mode, which is input via TB/TW simulation mode and the interface settings.
| TB/TW welding mode | TB/TW simulation mode |
---|---|---|
Welder simulation mode used (Communication interface setting confirmed) | [Simulated welding-simulated sequence] - Communication sequence executed between controller and welder when welding is performed - Welding arcs not produced | [Simulated welding-no sequence] - Communication sequence not executed between controller and welder when welding is performed - Welding arcs not produced |
Welder simulation mode not used (Communication interface setting confirmed) | [Actual welding-normal sequence] - Communication sequence executed between controller and welder when welding is performed - Welding arcs produced | [Simulated welding-no sequence] - Communication sequence not executed between controller and welder when welding is performed - Welding arcs not produced |
- When the simulation mode is set under the communication interface settings, it is possible to use the welder with welding conditions in the simulation mode. This simulation mode is a feature offered by the welder. It can be used to confirm the communication sequences between the controller and welder in addition to the virtual welding data values without actual welding taking place.
- The simulation mode does not have to be set under the communication interface settings to check the welding motion without actual welding; the simulation mode can be activated in TB/TW.