When a robot is shipped from the factory, it already knows where the end of the welding wire is in relationship to the end of the robot.

If a welding torch gets bent or damaged, the TCP will not line up with the weld wire.

Simple systems such as pick-and-place and point-to-point robots can be programmed this way. This programming method is more like machine set-up. An operator will set up the positions and make adjustments to any end stops, switches, or cams in the system.

A misaligned TCP is a common source of problems for welding quality and consistency.

This is the most sophisticated method of motion control. The robot is programmed to move in a precisely controlled path from one point to the next. A linear movement and a circular movement are examples of this type of motion control. Speed and velocity are also precisely controlled for each movement of the robot or from one point to the next.

This form of motion control often uses mechanical stops or limit switches for each designated point. The design is often simple and used in repetitive tasks that do not require complicated motion.

A robot may have more than one TCP.

This method of programming involves manually walking the robot through the steps and recording points. Thousands of points can be recorded, making a very smooth motion.

This form of motion control involves teaching the robot a number of points in space. The positions are recorded and then played back. The result is a motion that travels the straight lines between points with no real control of the end effector between points.

The mathematical point that a robot is moving through space:

This type of programming has an advantage over on-line programming because the programmer does not have to take the robot out of production to create programs. This also allows a programmer to more easily write complex programs and spend less time programming.

This method of programming uses a device that allows the operator to lead the robot through the positions and record points to memory.

One TCP may be used for different tools on a robot.

What does TCP stand for?