Choosing Robotic Welding Process and Equipment

Robot welding has become the new norm in industries of all shapes and sizes. In fact, the sector of automated and robotic welding and accessories was reported to be worth a whopping $1.9 billion in 2017. With a wide range of options and benefits available, many businesses that were once apprehensive about the technology are now converting to automated welding systems.

For first-time users of welding robots, identifying the correct process and equipment required can be daunting. To determine the best robot welding solution for application, you need to carefully consider the following questions:

• What objects are being welded?
• How precise does the welding have to be?
• Will it be cost-efficient to the overall process?
• Should you consider an all-in-one or application-specific robot?

The good news is, our team is available to assist, analyse and lead you through this crucial step.

Find out more about the different types of robotic welding applications here.

The types of robot welders

There are several types of welding robots available; however, the arc welding and spot welding robots are two of the most commonly used across the major industries.

Arc welding

This process involves using concentrated heat from an electric arc to fuse metal materials together. While it’s generally considered an effective way of manual welding, it does require a high level of skill that few operators possess. This is where a robotic solution can fill a skills gap.

As an example, Yaskawa MOTOMAN’s special arc welding robots offer reduced weld distortion, shorter cycle time and programming time, and the option for jigless welding, higher efficiency and a flexible welding system. Consequently, you can expect increased productivity and fewer defective units.

Find out more about robotic arc welding here.

Spot welding

For thin material where a continuous seam is not required, spot welding is often the preferred method. An industrial spot welding gun can weigh over 100 kg – which is impossible for a human to manage – and this is where an industrial robot will need to come in to fulfil the task.

Yaskawa MOTOMAN’s spot welding robots can position the welding gun with precision, accuracy and speed. Thereby, increasing productivity and reducing the critical seconds in the welding cycle time.

Read more about the benefits of servo-controlled spot welding robots here.

The benefits of robot welding

A robotics solution is an investment for any business – and with an investment, there needs to be tangible and positive outcomes. Here are four benefits of investing in robot welding:

• Increased efficiency. The robots offer quicker speeds than a human worker. As a result, they’re able to complete jobs faster and with a higher output than what’s humanly possible.
• Safety. Considering how welding requires extreme heat, there’s always the risk of injury to workers. A welding robot features a range of safety protocols and features to protect workers from the heat, brightness and welding arc. This enables a safer and more productive working environment in the long run.
• Precision. For large volumes and repetitive work, manual welding is often subject to errors and inconsistency. Robots remain accurate and reliable, delivering precision and attentiveness to the job at hand.
• Reduce waste. Thanks to their precision and speed, robots create less waste and fewer reject parts. This means less waste material, which is not only eco-friendlier but also financially beneficial.

About Yaskawa

Through our years of technical progress and experience, Yaskawa MOTOMAN has developed the knowledge and expertise to become a worldwide leader in industrial robotics. We understand industry requirements and our wide range of flexible robotic solutions can be customised for speed, safety, accuracy and productivity.

More importantly, we believe in the after-sales experience, where we will be on hand to provide the necessary training and support, empowering you with the right knowledge and skills to harness the full potential of your robotic solution.

If you’d like to find out how we can add real value to your business, please contact us for more info.