Welding is a process that plays a key role in many different industries. It is of great importance for both the quality and functionality of manufactured products, which is why it must be performed with the utmost care. However, manual welding is very time-consuming and requires not only great precision, but also skill and experience.This, combined with the fact that there is a constant shortage of professional welders, means that welding robotization and the implementation of special welding cells in factories are becoming an increasingly popular solution. We explain what welding cells are and how they can help increase the efficiency of the welding process.
Welding cell – what is it?
A welding cell is an automated workstation used for precision welding, consisting of a number of specialized machines. These machines are appropriately programmed and, depending on the individual needs of the company, can perform more or less complex welding tasks. They are usually also equipped with vision systems that continuously monitor the quality of the weld. The entire structure is usually placed behind protective walls to increase employee safety.
Welding cells fulfill their task by integrating several devices that enable and facilitate welding. The machine responsible for the welding itself is a welding robot, which performs welds using spot, arc, TIG, MIG, or laser methods. It is also equipped with cleaning elements that activate automatically from time to time. The welding cell also includes positioning tables and holders in which individual materials are placed, as well as manipulators and rotators that change the position of the product during welding.
Use of welding targets
Robotic welding stations can be implemented in any company where welding processes take place. They play a huge role in the automotive and aerospace industries, where precision welding is crucial for the functionality, safety, and durability of vehicles and aircraft. Welding cells are also used in heavy construction for the production of large structures such as bridges and skyscrapers. Due to the high lifting capacity of the machines that comprise it, it can easily handle the joining of even very large elements. It can also be used for the production of electronics, household appliances, wind turbines, and pipe welding.
The welding cell is a device that allows for the precise welding of elements.
Benefits of using robotic welding cells
The robotization of welding processes is an increasingly popular solution due to its numerous advantages. First and foremost, welding robots allow for the creation of durable welds much faster, while maintaining their repeatability and the highest quality, which is impossible to achieve with manual welding. Robots can work without interruption and with the same accuracy at all times, which helps to minimize downtime and human error. This also increases the competitiveness of the manufacturing company on the market and contributes to improved customer satisfaction with the completed order. The automation and robotization of welding processes also solves the problem of a shortage of professional welders, as the implementation of robotic stations will limit the role of employees to supervising and controlling the machine’s operation. This will eliminate the need to train and maintain welders, which will optimize costs. What is more, thanks to the possibility of personalizing welding operations, it is possible to easily adapt their operation to the individual needs of the plant and the industry in which it operates.
It is worth noting that the implementation of welding robots brings benefits not only to the company itself, but also to its employees. The robotization of welding directly translates into increased employee safety. The takeover of welding tasks by robots means that humans do not have to work in difficult and harmful conditions, which significantly reduces the risk of accidents and injuries. Importantly, robotization does not mean the elimination of the human factor – employees will continue to play an important role in controlling the operation of machines, their maintenance and upkeep, as well as in the implementation of more complex welding processes.