What Are Automated Welding Systems?
Automated welding systems fuse two materials using mechanized programmable tools that heat, mix, and cool the metal materials. Many industries are becoming more reliant on robotic welding, including:
- Agriculture
- Automotive
- Material Handling
- Chemical
What Role Does Robotics Have in Manufacturing?
Robotic automated welding systems play an important role in many manufacturing processes. They streamline the overall workflow by taking on repetitive production tasks. Today, robotic automation applications fall into five categories:
Material Handling
Robotic automation systems eliminate human error, making them ideal for material handling processes. These systems keep your employees safe by taking on the task of moving heavy or dangerous items throughout a warehouse.
Welding
Using heat and pressure to join metal pieces is dangerous and requires exact precision. Automated welding systems are becoming a popular choice because they eliminate mistakes and enhance welder safety. Robotic systems also collaborate with humans on dangerous welding jobs or tasks that involve high volumes of harmful materials.
Assembly
Assembling product parts is a tedious and lengthy job for many employees. Robotic automation systems excel at repetitive tasks and streamline assembly processes by increasing efficiency and reducing errors.
Dispensing
Automated systems are ideal for repetitive processes that require the application of glue, paint, or sprays. Using robots for dispensing jobs also increases safety by reducing employee exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.
Processing
Some products require a specific type of processing, including carving, polishing, or sawing. Facilities use robotic automation systems for these tasks because they operate autonomously and eliminate human errors.
What Are the Benefits of Automated Welding Systems?
While implementing an automated welding system has significant upfront costs, they provide various benefits for businesses. These include:
Enhanced Weld Quality
Businesses are drawn to automated welding systems because they deliver a more consistent weld quality. Welding robots also minimize the number of sizing errors. Manual welders determine the welds’ size using their best judgment, but robots are programmed to select the right joint dimension. This enhanced quality and accuracy limit production time and materials used.
Lowered Production Costs
The long-term reduction in production costs offsets the cost of implementing welding robots. Robotic welders increase efficiency and reduce expenses by requiring fewer consumables than manual welders and minimizing wasted materials. This allows them to fully produce items at lower costs and increase overall productivity.
Increased Productivity
Implementing an automated welding system allows businesses to maintain production for 24 hours. Robotic welding systems also can be programmed to complete mundane tasks, allowing your human workers to focus on more complex and meaningful jobs at your facility.