This page describes how to integrate and set up communication between the Kemppi X5/MasterM power source (using the Digital Connectivity Module) and SmoothTool X.
Introduction
The integration applies to the following power source models:
- Kemppi X5 FastMig (Auto, AP and APC control panels) — firmware version min. 1.44
- Kemppi MasterM 353, 355 — firmware version min. 1.20
Caution
Make sure your machine’s firmware is up to date before starting.
Requirements before starting:
- One of the supported power source models
- Digital Connectivity Module (DCM) — order code 6265051
- Ethernet RJ45 cable
Hardware Configuration
Installing the Module
Install the DCM module using the Ethernet cable. For more information, see the DCM operation manual.
Setting the IP Address
Section 3.2 of the DCM operation manual describes how to activate the communication and set the IP of the module. Note down the IP address used. Make sure the robot and the power source are on the same subnet.
Software Configuration
Once the hardware is configured, add and connect the Kemppi X5/MasterM (DCM) in SmoothTool X.
Add the Kemppi X5/MasterM (DCM)
Tap SmoothTool X Settings from the Application view. In the sidebar, under Components, tap Power Sources, then tap Add new power source.
In the Add power source dialog, select the Kemppi tile and choose the Kemppi DCM model, then tap Add power source.
Configure the Kemppi X5/MasterM (DCM)
Fill in the configuration fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom name | A name to identify this power source. |
| Power source IP address | The IP address you set for the DCM module. The robot uses this address to communicate with the power source. Ensure it is set correctly; otherwise the robot cannot connect. |
| Control panel (APC) | Enable when using the AP/APC control panel on your Kemppi machine. When enabled, it makes Online control available on the weld node — see Online control below. |
| Configure parameters in the software | Controls whether program nodes override the power source parameters at runtime — see Configure parameters in the software below. |
When done, tap Done to save the power source.
Configure parameters in the software
The Configure parameters in the software toggle controls how welding parameters are applied:
- Disabled (default) — the power source keeps the parameters set on the machine; program nodes do not override them.
- Enabled — program nodes override the power source parameters at runtime, letting you set welding parameters per node from the weld node’s Power source tab.
Connect to the Kemppi X5/MasterM (DCM)
Back on the Power Sources page, expand the new entry, tap Selected to make it the active power source, then tap Connect. When the connection is established, a connection status tag is shown on the entry.
Programming with SmoothTool X and Kemppi X5/MasterM (DCM)
When Configure parameters in the software is enabled, you can adjust the welding parameters per node from the program tree.
Select a weld node (e.g. Weld Seam) in the program tree and open its Power source tab. The parameters apply when the program reaches that node.
| Identifier | Description |
|---|---|
| Job number | The welding memory channel stored on the power source that it should run. |
| Online control | Enable to override the memory channel’s parameters — see Online control below. Available only when Control panel (APC) is enabled in the configuration. |
| Transfer parameters | Sends the current parameters to the power source. Available once connected. |
Online control
Online control is only available when Control panel (APC) is enabled in the configuration. When enabled on the weld node, the following parameters become available:
| Identifier | Description |
|---|---|
| Wire feed speed or current | Controls current in 1-MIG and WisePenetration processes; plate thickness in MAX Position; wire feed speed in all other processes. |
| Voltage or voltage offset | Controls voltage for the MIG process; fine tuning for all other processes. |
| Hot start | Enables or disables hot start for the welding program. |
| Crater fill | Enables or disables crater fill for the welding program. |
Manual power source controls
The manual controls live in the Power source popover, opened from the button in the operator screen toolbar.
When connected to the Kemppi X5/MasterM (DCM), the following manual controls are available:
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Forward | Feeds the welding wire forward. |
| Backward | Retracts the welding wire. |
| Error reset | Sends a reset-error signal to the power source. |
| Gas | Opens the gas valve for the duration of the press. |
| Robot control | Switches control of the power source between the robot and the machine’s local control panel. Toggle robot control off to detach the welding torch and make manual corrections. |
Warning
Connected to a power source that provides the option to control the wire. Do not use these functions without ensuring no harm can come to people or material. Make sure the area around the welding torch is clear before use.
Simulation
The Simulation toggle at the top of the popover runs the program as a dry run: the robot executes the full program and motion path, but the power source does not weld (no arc, wire feed, or gas). Use it to test a program safely, then turn it off to weld for real.