The Versa-Bug is BUG-O Systems’ first digital Bug. It combines digital smart motors with common power and communication cables via Ethercat with a PLC controller for precise digital control and reliable operation. It incorporates a linear weaver and height slide for 3-axis motion control and can run on rigid rail, semi-flex rail, or PSR rail by changing the carriage. The robust tractor design can carry up to 100 lb. at up to 90 inches per minute in all positions, with steering and weaving distance only limited to arm length. The Versa-Bug can be equipped with an onboard BUG-O wire feeder or utilize a Lincoln 4R220 wire feeder and comes standard with automatic height control for CV modes.
All machine controls and welding parameters for most analog power sources can be set via the touchscreen user interface. The pendant also includes analog joysticks for tractor, weaver, height, and wire feeder jogging and adjustments, as well as toggle switches for on the fly parameter changes. The Versa-Bug can store up to 10 weld passes for ease of repeatability.
The Versa-Bug is designed to be modular, configurable, and upgradeable. The tractor with weaver, the height slide, and the Bug-O feeder are available as Ethercat drives with motors. This creates an open Bug-O motion platform consisting of the Versa-Bug drives and rails. The Bug-O motion platform can be controlled via a customer’s custom PC/PLC controller.