No programming per part
A part with a model is ready to weld once it is loaded. There is no teach pendant work and no robot programmer.
From 3D model to weld path
Teachless Welding Robot Programming
A conventional welding robot has to be taught point by point for every new part — which rarely pays off for one-off structural steel. Our software reads your 3D model instead: it finds the welds, plans the path and checks it for collisions.
Software and robot controller are developed in-house, with 3D vision developed for our stations.
Why Teachless Matters
Made for one-off steel
Mixed beams, columns and plates can be welded in batches of one, because nothing has to be taught.
Operators, not programmers
Operators load parts and start jobs. They learn to run the station in 1–5 days, and one operator runs 3–6 stations.
Checked before it welds
Every path is simulated in a 1:1 3D model of the station and checked for collisions before it reaches the robot.
How Teachless Welding Works
- 1
Import the model
Load a STEP or IFC model, or scan the QR code on the part label to fetch it.
- 2
Extract the welds
The software finds the welds and takes parameters from a structural steel process library.
- 3
Plan and simulate
Paths are planned and checked for collisions in a 1:1 simulation, which also estimates cycle time.
- 4
Locate the part
A laser line scan finds the part on the station, so welding can typically begin 2–3 minutes after loading.
- 5
Weld and record
Each seam is scanned before welding and followed with arc tracking; the welded length is logged.
Model-Based Welding
The main route for parts with a 3D model — the model already holds the geometry the robot needs.
- Formats: STEP and IFC, for example exported from Tekla Structures or other detailing software.
- Batch export: we supply a tool that exports IFC models for a whole project at once.
- Job loading: scan the QR code on the part label and the station opens the right model.
- One condition: the model should match the assembled part. The robot still scans each seam to find its actual position.
No Model? Scan the Part
For flat web plates with stiffeners, the station scans the part with its laser line scanner and builds the model itself — no drawing needed. The same camera handles both model-based and scan-based work.
The cantilever station also supports parametric modelling: enter the dimensions of a standard part and the software builds it.
Scan-based modelling works on flat, stiffened plates with visible surfaces. Other shapes need a 3D model.
Inside the Software
From the building model to the weld path, every step happens before the robot moves.
The welding process library draws on data from the 2,000+ robots running in our parent company’s plants.
- The software runs on a PC anywhere in the workshop, with remote operation over TCP/IP.
- A 1:1 simulation of the robot and station calculates the cycle and checks collisions before welding.
- For reverse modelling without a model, one scan can identify several parts on the station.
Software updates are free for the life of the station.
Prepared Nodes and Simple Teach
Prepared nodes suit recurring details. The node is developed in advance; the operator selects it, sets the parameters and checks the clearance. A new detail needs its own node first.
Simple teach mode is kept on every station for narrow spaces, unusual welds and touch-ups — with an easier interface than a conventional teach pendant.
An optional remote control lets the operator trim torch position up, down, left and right, as well as current, voltage and weaving amplitude, during welding.
Which Route Fits Your Part?
| Route | Best for | What you provide |
|---|---|---|
| Model-based | Beams, columns and assemblies with a 3D model | A STEP or IFC model matching the assembled part |
| Scan-based | Flat web plates with stiffeners | The part itself, loaded on the station |
| Parametric (cantilever) | Standard plate parts | The part dimensions |
| Prepared nodes | Recurring details | A detail matching a prepared node |
| Simple teach | Narrow spaces, special welds, touch-ups | Operator teaching of a few points |
Teachless Welding Questions
Common questions about programming our welding robots.
What does teachless welding mean?
The robot path comes from the 3D model instead of being taught point by point with a pendant. The operator loads the job; the software plans and checks the path.
Which file formats can I use?
STEP and IFC. Tekla Structures and most other detailing software export IFC. If you use Tekla Structures, we provide a free plug-in that exports a whole project's IFC models in one batch.
Does the model have to match the part exactly?
It should match the assembled part. Before each weld the robot scans the seam to find its actual position, and parameters come from the process library.
What if I have no 3D model?
Flat web plates with stiffeners can be scanned at the station. Other parts need a model — you do not need one to send a first inquiry.
Can the software connect to our ERP or MES?
Yes, as an option. Jobs can be loaded by QR code, and welded length is reported for each part for production statistics.
What if a seam cannot be programmed from the model?
The station also supports full teach programming with a screen-equipped pendant. With quick teach, the operator marks only the seam start, end and transition points; the robot takes the welding parameters from the process library, so no parameters need to be set by hand.
Send a Model, See the Weld Path
Send a STEP or IFC model, a drawing or a photo of a typical part. Our engineers check which welds the robot can take and recommend a station — free of charge. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@steelweldingrobot.com