In Short
CBOXTEC CTC-HJ collaborative welding arms use hand-guided teaching. An operator physically moves the arm through the weld path, saves the points, and runs the program. Most simple paths are recorded in 15–30 minutes without writing code.
1. Why Hand-Guided Teaching Matters for Welding Shops
Traditional industrial robots require offline programming or pendant-based point teaching by a trained technician. Hand-guided teaching removes that bottleneck.
- No programming language to learn
- Existing welders can teach paths directly
- New parts can be set up during a shift change
- Complex angles and tight corners are easier to demonstrate than to describe
This matters for high-mix, low-volume shops where programs change daily.
2. How to Teach a Path on a CTC-HJ Arm
Step-by-step process used on CBOXTEC CTC-HJ arms:
- Enter teach mode on the pendant and release the arm brakes.
- Guide the torch tip to the start point of the weld.
- Record the point using the pendant button or tap command.
- Move along the seam and record waypoints at each direction change.
- Set weld parameters for each segment: travel speed, weave pattern, arc start/end behavior.
- Save the program and run it at reduced speed for verification.
- Adjust and lock the final parameters once the weld passes inspection.
Operators can also save common start and end routines as templates for faster programming.
3. What You Can and Cannot Teach by Hand
| Task | Hand-Guided Teaching Works? |
|---|---|
| Straight and curved seams | Yes |
| Multi-pass welds | Yes, with segment-by-segment recording |
| Touch sensing and seam tracking | No, requires external sensor integration |
| Laser welding paths | Yes, if path is reachable and repeatable |
| High-speed production cycles | Limited; use CTR008-HJ1450 for fixed high-speed lines |
4. Tips for Accurate, Repeatable Programs
- Use consistent part placement. Hand-guided teaching depends on fixture repeatability.
- Record enough waypoints. Short, straight runs need fewer points; curves and corners need more.
- Verify at low speed first. Run the program at 25–50% speed before full production.
- Document programs by part number. Saved programs should be named after the part or fixture.
- Train multiple operators. Cross-training reduces downtime when one welder is unavailable.
5. Setup Time in Practice
| Weld Type | Typical Teach Time |
|---|---|
| Simple straight seam | 5–10 minutes |
| Bracket with 2–3 seams | 15–30 minutes |
| Complex frame with multiple angles | 30–60 minutes |
| Multi-pass thick section | 1–2 hours |
These times assume an operator who understands the weld quality requirements but has no robot programming background.
FAQ
Do I need a robot programmer to use a CTC-HJ arm?
No. The hand-guided teaching interface is designed for welders and machine operators. Basic training covers teach mode, point recording, and program saving.
Can I edit a saved path later?
Yes. Saved programs can be reopened, individual points can be adjusted, and segments can be added or removed through the teach pendant.
Does hand-guided teaching work for all CTC-HJ models?
Yes. Hand-guided teaching is standard across the CTC-HJ series: CTC007-HJ1077, CTC006-HJ1460, CTC015-HJ1464, CTC015-HJ1464L, CTC020-HJ2027, and CTC020-HJ2027L.
Next Steps
See how hand-guided teaching fits your parts and operators. Book a live demonstration or request a quote: Contact CBOXTEC.