AMP is a template based robot Task and Tag generation tool.  Primitive template files are launched from the "Create Weld Paths from Primitive" command on the Arc Welding workbench.  These templates come in two forms:

Primitive Files:  Primitive files contain execution instructions for Task/Tag generation.  Commands entered in the Primitive file are displayed in a V5 Dialog during execution.

Global Files:  Global files are lists of AMP System Variables(execution instructions)and keywords used to define attributes of the robot welding device.  Typical Global System Variables include those variables that define weld gun geometry, translational axes attributes, and rotational workpiece positioner axes.  Global file names must exactly match the name of the robot welding robot.  One Global file can be defined for each robot mechanism.  Global files are optional and only required if there is a need to pre-define unique robot mechanism attributes.

Setup:  Before you get started creating and using AMP Primitive files, you must first define the directory where you plan to store both the Global and Primitive files.  Use the Tools/Options Resource Detailing/Arc Welding Tab for this setup.

Creating your First Primitive File:  Out-of-the-box, V5 Arc Welding Macro Programming environment has basic Task and Tag generation capabilities based on built-in default System Variable values.  Therefore, basic Task/Tag generation can be accomplished with as few as 6 defined System Variables: 

HEADER - Also used to display the Dialog name, if desired 

SEAM - Designates the the beginning of the function used to create a seam 

SeamStart - Used to define how the beginning point of the weld Tag Group will be determined 

SeamEnd - Used to define how the ending point of the weld Tag Group will be determined 

END SEAM -  Designates the end of the function used to create a seam 

END - Designates the end of the template file.  See Attached image for an annotated example of a basic Primitive file. 

Now you have all the information needed to get started.  Simply download one the example Primitive files included in the Media Tab or create your own.  Then define the location of this file in Tools/Options, and finally, select the file when prompted during the execution of the "Create Weld Paths from Primitive" command.  In a future posting, we will discuss how to contol the locations of the generated Tag points that define the weld seam