Welding is one of the more common processes that are part of the production chain in many industries. It makes it possible to join metal or plastic objects together. This task involves working in potentially hazardous conditions, such as in an environment with high temperatures. In order to streamline, as well as improve safety conditions, more and more companies are implementing a solution such as robotic welding.
What does robotic welding look like?
The equipment that is used for welding processes is a welding robot, or robotic, automatic welding station. Since welding is essential in the production of goods of different nature or size, it is important that the machines are created in accordance with the design prepared for the needs of a particular enterprise. As a result, robotic welding can be used for both the simplest work and the most advanced and complex operations.
Welding robots consist of several basic components. They have arms for creating weld by various methods – spot, arc, laser, MIG, or TIG. They allow maintenance thanks to cleaning elements. The quality, as well as the repeatability of the work performed is taken care of by advanced vision systems. It is also possible to create a welding cell, i.e. an element of the shop floor, which is a special robotized welding station. Its parts include manipulators that can rotate the welded object. Safety is ensured by a built-in structure, as the machine is fenced off with protective walls.
Applications of robotic welding
If your company decides to implement a solution such as production robotization, it is also worth including welding automation. This is because it makes it possible to significantly improve the quality of welds and speed up production processes. This will translate into concrete profit for the company, increasing the throughput of the line on the shop floor and eliminating errors and complaints caused by them. Thanks to the implementation of this solution, the welding process ceases to be completely dependent on the human factor, so the quality and repeatability of welds does not depend on the fatigue or experience of individuals. Thus, robotized welding can be profitable not only for large companies, carrying out complete robotization and automation. Companies in such industries as automotive, construction, electronics and household appliance manufacturing are already using equipment in this category. Robotic welding is also an integral part of work in heavy industry companies.
Benefits of robotic welding
The process of robotic welding brings a number of advantages for companies, related both directly to economic issues and the organization of daily work. Experts point out that welding is among the jobs that cause the highest number of accidents. Workers are at risk of burns, eye injuries, or lung and bronchial diseases associated with the inhalation of toxic fumes. The use of machines in such working conditions therefore reduces the risk of accidents at work and improves the conditions in which the personnel of a given plant work.
Investment in robotic welding equipment can pay for itself in a relatively short time. This is because the company reduces the costs associated with production waste, handling complaints, or maintaining the personnel who perform this work. In turn, the employees themselves can advance by moving to other positions, which increases the company’s chances of growth and development. When welding automation is implemented, companies also often opt for other production line upgrades. More efficient routes that a commodity takes through the various stages of production are developed, or ways of storing components are optimized. As a result, the entire process shortens, the company gains new production capabilities, and available resources are used in a better way.