This page describes how to integrate and set up communication between the Miller Auto Continuum power source and SmoothTool X.
Hardware Configuration
SmoothTool X is compatible with the Miller Auto Continuum. To set up communication between the software and a power source, the following items are required:
- An Auto Continuum system with an EtherNet/IP interface. SmoothTool X communicates with the machine over EtherNet/IP.
- Ethernet cable from the power source interface to the robot. Miller supplies it in three lengths: 300734 (3 m), 300735 (5 m) and 300736 (10 m).
Power Source Interface Configuration
Before the robot can drive the machine, the Auto Continuum has to be handed over to robot control from its own front panel.
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From the Home screen, tap System.
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Tap Robot Options. On this screen, Communication Method must read Ethernet IP. Tap Control Level.
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On the Robot Control Level screen, select Robot Control rather than Power Source Control.
If the machine is left on Power Source Control, it keeps its own panel settings and ignores what SmoothTool X sends.
IP Address
The interface address is set on the same Robot Options screen, in the Set Robot IP field.
Verify that the address is reachable by the robot — both must be on the same subnet. For example, if the robot has IP address 192.168.100.2, the power source should be in the same subnet, such as 192.168.100.4.
Hardware Installation
Connect the power source to the robot with the Ethernet cable.
Software Configuration
Once the hardware is configured, add and connect the Miller Auto Continuum in SmoothTool X.
Add the Auto Continuum
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 Miller tile and choose the Miller Auto Continuum model, then tap Add power source.
Configure the Auto Continuum
Fill in the configuration fields:
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Custom name | A name to identify this power source. |
| Power source IP address | The IP address of the power source interface. The robot uses this address to communicate with it. Ensure it is set correctly; otherwise the robot cannot connect. |
| WFS/Amps command | Whether the robot commands WFS (wire feed speed) or Amps (current) — see WFS/Amps command below. |
| Scale command | The arc length and arc control scale used on the machine — -10 – 10 or 0 – 99 — see Scale command below. |
| Configure parameters in the software | Controls whether program nodes override the power source parameters at runtime — see Configure parameters in the software below. |
Caution
WFS/Amps command and Scale command must match the settings used on the power source itself. They change both the meaning and the unit of the values a program node sends, so a mismatch makes the machine weld with values other than the ones typed into the node.
When done, tap Done to save the power source.
WFS/Amps command
The Auto Continuum accepts either a wire feed speed or a current command — never both. This setting decides which one the robot sends, and which field the weld node shows:
- WFS (default) — the node shows Wire feed speed in m/min, and the robot commands wire feed speed.
- Amps — the node shows Current in A, and the robot commands current.
Only the selected field is shown on the node; the other one is hidden, because the machine would ignore it.
Scale command
Miller machines expose the arc length and arc control adjustments on either a signed or an absolute scale. This setting tells SmoothTool X which one the machine uses:
- 0 – 99 (default) — the node takes the values on the machine’s own scales: Arc length 1 – 99 and Arc control 1 – 50. The values are sent unchanged.
- -10 – 10 — the node takes the values on the signed scale: Arc length -10 – 10 and Arc control -4.8 – 5, where 0 is the middle of the machine’s range. SmoothTool X converts them onto the machine’s scales before sending them.
As with the WFS/Amps command, only the fields for the selected scale are shown on the node.
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 Auto Continuum
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 Miller Auto Continuum
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.
The tab opens on a method chooser offering two modes: Job number mode and Synergic mode. Pick the one that matches the process set up on the machine — each mode has its own set of fields, and only the fields of the selected mode are sent.
Job number mode
Use Job number mode for the machine’s manual and MIG processes. Tap the mode to open its parameters.
| Identifier | Description |
|---|---|
| Job number | The memory slot to recall on the power source, 1 – 8. |
| Arc length | Arc length adjustment. Applies in all modes except Manual and MIG. Range depends on the configured Scale command: -10 – 10 or 1 – 99. |
| Voltage | Welding voltage in V, 10 – 44. Applies only in Manual and MIG modes; it is ignored in all other modes. |
| Wire feed speed | (WFS command only) Wire feed speed in m/min, 1.27 – 25.4. |
| Current | (Amps command only) Welding current in A, 20 – 600. |
| Inductance | Inductance adjustment, 0 – 99. |
| Slope | Slope adjustment, 1 – 99. |
| Transfer parameters | Sends the current parameters to the power source. Available once connected. |
Synergic mode
Use Synergic mode for the machine’s Pulse and RMD processes. Tap the mode to open its parameters.
| Identifier | Description |
|---|---|
| Synergic line number | The memory slot to recall on the power source, 1 – 8. |
| Wire feed speed | (WFS command only) Wire feed speed in m/min, 1.27 – 25.4. |
| Current | (Amps command only) Welding current in A, 20 – 600. |
| Voltage trim | Voltage trim, 0 – 99. Applies only in Manual and MIG modes; it is ignored in all other modes. |
| Arc length | Arc length adjustment. Applies in all modes except Manual and MIG. Range depends on the configured Scale command: -10 – 10 or 1 – 99. |
| Arc control | Arc control adjustment. Range depends on the configured Scale command: -4.8 – 5 or 1 – 50. |
| Transfer parameters | Sends the current parameters to the power source. Available once connected. |
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 Auto Continuum, the following manual controls are available:
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Forward | Feeds the welding wire forward. |
| Backward | Retracts the welding wire. |
| Gas | Opens the gas valve for the duration of the press. |
| Error reset | Sends a reset-error signal to the power source. |
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.