Automatic and semi-automatic robotic welding are the two types available in robotic welding.
Parts are fed into a magazine or a conveyor in an automatic robotic welding system. Then they are secured in place so the robot can weld them. Operators take the components to another operation so they can be inspected, put together, or packed when the robot has finished welding them.
An operator enters the robot cell of a semi-automatic robotic welding system and removes the finished weld. The next set of parts is then set up by the operator for robot welding.
Robotic welding is quicker and more productive than manual welding. This is due to the robot's lack of rest requirements. Since the welding robot can manufacture more welded components than a human, the welding cost per piece also falls.
Robotic welders complete the task more quickly and effectively. In comparison to their human counterparts, they also commit fewer errors. When compared to their trained human counterparts, they can operate at up to 85% efficiency, as opposed to 20%.
Robots don't get tired, need breaks, or take vacations. Every day, they can create welds of the same caliber. Arc-on time for human welders is typically less than 50%, and when fatigue sets in, this percentage might decrease. Robots are capable of having an arc-on time of up to 95%.
Robots are immune to distraction. They are able to keep weld current, speed, and other variables constant. They are able to consistently deliver welds of a very high quality as a result. It is great to use welding robots for jobs that need exacting standards of quality.
Many welding errors caused by human welding are eliminated by welding robots. This is so that difficulties caused by fatigue can be reduced and robots don't get tired. No matter what, welding robots produce the same-quality welds. It is simpler to keep within budget when scraps are avoided, especially for high-value projects.
Robotic welders are successful in that they make better use of consumables like fillers. The quantity of garbage produced is decreased by this efficiency. Another consumable that robotic welders use sparingly and extends their longevity is nozzles. Less frequent purchases of consumables result in cost savings.
Welding robots require a significant financial investment in equipment, jigs, and training. Robots, on the other hand, can pay for themselves in one to three years if employed properly. You can use an online robotic welder Return of Investment (ROI) Calculator to see how long it will take you to recover your investment. This will indicate whether the investment is worthwhile or not. A welding robot can produce high-quality welds more quickly than even the most seasoned professionals after you systematize your welding procedures. Efficiency will increase as a result, and there will be additional benefits.
If you take into consideration the costs associated with purchasing robotic welding machinery as well as maintenance it is quite costly in comparison to manual welding labor jobs but the mistakes taken into account for human error are decreased drastically. The time and automation process might prove to be beneficial and worth the extra cost of purchasing this machinery. Another factor is the time that is involved in training a welder. The trade of welding can take a great deal of time to achieve in the skill of the trade. The quality of a weld is its most crucial feature. Businesses test potential welders to evaluate the quality of their welds before hiring them.
Even the most skilled and proficient welders occasionally run into problems because they are human. Despite the fact that these imperfections could be minor or slight, they might have an impact on the final product's longevity. Robotic machines will outlast a human welder. A welder in their prime is still only going to be able to produce optimal results for a window of time before age catches up to them. With machines, this will not be the case. Physical changes can also alter the final product with human welding versus machine.
Robotic welding machinery might seem as if it is expensive. If you take into consideration the long term cost associated with human production as well as the accuracy the cost seem to be on par. If you run a business that needs large quantities of well made product buying robotic welding machinery might be worth the investment. If you are a small business or sell a few items that need the occasional welding than it might not be at that point in the business to opt to purchase costly machinery.