K4678-100IC/6L - AutoDrive SA Robotic Aluminum Welding Package for Fanuc 100iC/6L

Advanced Robotic Aluminum Welding Solution

The Lincoln Electric AutoDrive® SA One-Pak® (K4678-100IC/6L) represents a significant leap forward in automated welding technology, specifically engineered to address the inherent challenges of robotic aluminum applications. Designed exclusively for integration with the Fanuc 100iC/6L robotic arm, this system combines precision mechanics with advanced software control to deliver a welding process of unmatched stability and quality. At the core of the system is the AutoDrive SA servo torch, which functions not merely as a conduit for current and wire, but as an active participant in the welding process.

The defining feature of the AutoDrive SA is its proprietary touch-retract start technology. In traditional aluminum MIG welding, arc initiation often results in spatter and burnback due to the explosive nature of the fuse. The AutoDrive SA mitigates this by synchronizing with the Lincoln Electric Power Wave® power source to precisely touch the wire to the work piece and then retract it to draw the arc. This mechanical action, controlled by a high-speed servo, ensures a clean, low-energy start every time, virtually eliminating spatter and preventing the wire from fusing to the contact tip. This technology is critical for industries requiring high aesthetic standards and structural integrity, such as automotive and aerospace manufacturing.

Furthermore, the system utilizes a sophisticated push-pull wire feeding architecture. Aluminum wire, being softer and more pliable than steel, is prone to buckling and bird-nesting in standard feeding systems. The AutoDrive SA One-Pak includes both a push feeder and a pull feeder (integrated into the torch) that work in tandem to maintain constant tension and feed speed. This synchronization is managed through the Power Wave’s Waveform Control Technology®, allowing for micro-adjustments in real-time. The result is a consistent deposition rate and weld bead profile, even during complex robotic movements and torch articulations.

This One-Pak configuration is a comprehensive turnkey solution, supplied with all necessary mounting brackets, insulators, and cabling bundles tailored for the Fanuc 100iC/6L. It also features Magnum® PRO Copper Plus™ contact tips, which are engineered with a larger mass and superior heat dissipation properties. These tips are capable of withstanding over 250,000 start/stop cycles, significantly reducing the frequency of consumable changes and maximizing the uptime of the robotic cell.