Almacam FAQ for Off-Line Programming (OLP) Robotic Cutting and Welding

General information

How does Almacam handle robotic cutting and welding programming?

Almacam provides a dedicated offline robot programming (OLP) module for robotic cutting and robotic welding. It allows users to create, simulate, and validate robot programs in a virtual cell before sending native, controller-specific code to the shop floor.

By programming robots offline, Almacam helps robotic welding and cutting teams reduce teach-pendant time, validate paths in simulation, and minimize manual touch-ups and production downtime.

Key OLP capabilities

What are the key OLP features of Almacam for robotic welding and robotic cutting?

Almacam combines CAD-driven programming, virtual cell simulation, and collision-free trajectory generation to validate robotic welding and cutting programs before production.

Area Key OLP features in Almacam
Robotic welding
  • Virtual welding cell simulation;
  • Collision-free trajectory calculation;
  • Welding parameter management and reuse (torch angles, stick-out, electrical parameters);
  • Program reuse for similar parts;
  • Multi-robot and positioner synchronization;
  • Trajectory recalibration using sensors (camera, laser, wire, nozzle).
Robotic cutting
  • Offline programming of cutting robots;
  • Digital twin of the robot cell and environment;
  • Automatic cutting trajectory creation;
  • Automatic lead-in / lead-out and cutting sequence optimization;
  • Collision-free paths for cutting and rapid trajectories;
  • Realistic simulation with anomaly visualization and correction.

Target users

Who is Almacam’s robotic offline programming (OLP) module intended for?

The robotics OLP module of Almacam is designed for two main user profiles:

  • Manufacturing companies using robots for arc-welding and robotic cutting, including sheet-metal fabricators and metalworking companies handling complex parts, small batches, and high-mix / low-volume production.
  • Robot integrators and automation specialists who need an industrial-grade OLP solution to design, simulate, and commission robotic cutting and welding cells efficiently.

Robotic Welding and Cutting processes

Which robotic welding and cutting processes does Almacam support?

  • For robotic welding, Almacam is designed for arc-welding processes, such as MIG/MAG and TIG, with a CAD-driven offline programming workflow.
  • For robotic cutting, Almacam supports robotic cutting operations through offline programming and simulation, enabling accurate path definition and validation for complex parts and 3D assemblies.

Almacam is suited for mechanical parts, multi-part 3D assemblies, and complex weldments, including small series, thanks to offline programming and full simulation before production.

Robot brands and controllers

Which robot brands and controllers are supported by Almacam?

Almacam supports a wide range of robot brands and controllers used for robotic welding and cutting, including: ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa/Motoman, Stäubli, Kawasaki, Panasonic, Cloos, IGM, Reis, OTC Daihen, and Hyundai.

The solution can also be adapted to additional robot brands and controllers through dedicated post-processors, allowing it to fit most robotic cutting and welding cell configurations worldwide.

Does Almacam generate ready-to-use robot code for my controller, or will I need manual post-editing?

Almacam generates native, controller-specific robot programs through dedicated post-processors. With proper cell calibration and a post-processor adapted to your setup, programs are typically ready to run on the robot with little or no manual post-editing.

Can Almacam program multiple robots working on the same workpiece?

Yes. The Almacam robotics module supports multi-robot programming and synchronization.

You can program and simulate coordinated robots—for example, welding robots working together or handling and welding robots synchronized on the same workpiece—within a single virtual cell, then export synchronized programs to the robot controllers.

High-mix / low-volume production

How does Almacam optimize robotic welding for low-volume, high-mix production with frequent part changes?

Almacam is particularly well suited to low-volume, high-mix production environments. By combining offline programming, guided path creation, and program reuse, Almacam reduces changeover time and makes robotic welding and cutting more efficient and reliable than approaches that rely heavily on manual on-robot programming.

CAD integration

What CAD formats can Almacam import?

Almacam imports 3D CAD models via neutral formats such as STEP, IGES, and Parasolid as standard. Depending on your setup, it can also import native CAD files like SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, CATIA, Creo/Pro-E, Solid Edge, NX (Unigraphics), and SAT/ACIS, enabling a direct CAD-to-robot welding work-flow.

Differenciation

What makes Almacam different from generic offline robot programming software?

Almacam offers a CAD/CAM-based offline robot programming solution dedicated to robotic welding and robotic cutting, rather than a generic robot simulation tool.

Unlike broad OLP platforms, Almacam:

  • is purpose-built for industrial robotic welding and cutting workflows,
  • creates paths directly from 3D CAD data,
  • validates feasibility in a full virtual cell simulation before production,
  • and significantly reduces teach-pendant time, shop-floor trial-and-error, and robot downtime.

Why choose Almacam for cutting and welding robotics ?

Capability Benefits of Almacam for robotic
Dedicated to arc-welding and cutting OLP Purpose-built for robotic arc welding and cutting, not a generic robot simulation tool; welding processes, torch behavior, trajectories and weld conditions are handled natively.
Small-batch / high-mix ready Makes robotics viable for small series by reducing on-robot teaching through offline programming and program reuse.
One approach for welding + cutting robots Standardize programming and simulation practices across robotic welding and robotic cutting cells.
Integrated within the Almacam suite Use a single, consistent software environment to manage programming workflows across CNC cutting machines and industrial robots (robotic cutting and welding).
Automation of programming tasks Automates repetitive programming steps such as path generation, trajectory calculation and program reuse, reducing manual effort, programming time and dependency on robotics expertise.
CAD-driven workflow Imports STEP, IGES, Parasolid, SOLIDWORKS, Inventor, CATIA and NX; weld seams and trajectories are created directly from 3D CAD assemblies, enabling fast updates and high-mix manufacturing.
Virtual cell & collision check Full virtual welding cell (digital twin) with simulation of robot motion, reachability and collision detection before sending programs to the robot.
Multi-brand Generates controller-specific, native robot programs for leading brands (ABB, FANUC, KUKA, Yaskawa, etc.), minimizing manual post-editing.