Robotic Welding and Automation Solutions

According to an Allied Research Market report, the global robotic welding market size is projected to reach $10,784 million by 2026. These figures come as little surprise as manufacturers around the world face the reality of a shortage of skilled welders and an increasingly competitive market. Robotic welding and automation solutions are becoming more prevalent across the industry, to the point where it is likely to soon become the only way to survive in today’s markets.

Automotive, metal and fabrication industries incorporate welding automation technology for three main reasons: Shortened welding time, consistent production quality, and a reduction on cost. Above this, welding robots increases the efficient use of working space, enhancing supply chain performance. As the literal “glue” that holds the quality of the production line together, finding the right robotic welding solution for your business will require a tailored fit from industry experts.

What is robotic welding?

Although there are many different types of welding robots, at its core, robotic welding is an automated welding process where materials are fused together through heating, mixing and cooling via mechanized tools. They are best suited for industrial and manufacturing businesses with high-volume and repetitive processes. But what are the various solutions available and how do they differ?

Arc welding

A simple robotic welding system is broken into two subsystems: the welding equipment that delivers energy from the welding source to the material, and the robot that provides relative positioning of the heat source and material. Traditionally, a six-axis industrial robot is comprised of a three-axis arm and a three axis wrist, enabling a welding torch to be mounted to the wrist and for it to reach the necessary positions for three-dimensional welding.  

Normally, a general purpose industrial robot is used, fitted with arc welding torches as end effectors. But many robot manufacturers have specially developed arc welding robots that are smaller and less expensive. As a result, the lower capital investment required has led to a further increase in sales.

Resistance Welding

The precision and accuracy of welding robots makes them ideal candidates for resistance welding, a process of joining of metals by applying pressure and current for a length of time through the area at which the metals join. The main advantage is that there aren’t any additional materials needed to create the bond, boosting the process’ cost effectiveness.

Plasma Welding

Plasma arc welding robots increase quality and save time and money by specialising in more complex welding processes. Similar to TIG welding, robotic plasma welding constricts ionised gas through a copper nozzle. This creates higher temperatures and velocities, making a smaller cross-section of the weld. They allow a higher level of flexibility with simple adjustments to the velocity and temperatures at which a weld is formed. 

Laser Hybrid Welding

Hybrid-laser arc welding combines laser light and an electric welding arc. Often used in a spray transfer mode, it sends a spray of tiny molten droplets across the arc from the electrode to the material, with the laser’s tightly focused beam helping to stabilise the arc.

Hybrid laser welding is a demanding application with precise requirements and vibrationless motion, making it the ideal partner for robotic automation.

Robotic Welding with Yaskawa

When it comes to complex welding automation needs, our experts at Yaskawa Southern Africa rise to the challenge. A keen awareness for industry trends and new technologies, combined with years of application experience, helps our dedicated engineers provide tailored solutions for an array of operations.

Yaskawa has delivered game-changing results for customers of all sizes and industries with a singular resource for robotic welding equipment, process expertise and lifetime support for your entire system.

Contact Yaskawa today