Welding processes are diligent and delicate to carry out. This application is one of the first to have been automated with industrial robots; with the huge advances in robotic technology, many different solutions have appeared for numerous processes in the industrial sector. Companies that specialise in welding processes are ideal candidates for automating with industrial robots and supplementary equipment that will help to improve their processes, profitability, product quality, waste reduction, increased production and energy efficiency, thus resulting in lower production costs.
Currently, robotic technology has provided welding cells that allow users to adapt the welding systems to a wider range of operations, obtaining a reduction in excessive welding, better quality and faster production. Another factor that affects robotic welding is the information management system. This system collects data on welding performance in real-time and tracks quality and productivity.
When acquiring a robotic system for welding, you should consider the fact that this system is composed of an industrial robot that meets certain characteristics such as its range, payload, type of welding, repeatability, a torch that also depends on the type of welding that will be used, a separator, insulation disk and wire feeder. Choose a welding source that is compatible with the robotic system and the robot controller will communicate with the welding software that supplies the information path with the welding power source and interprets the need for changes in movement to thus optimise the welding process. Peripheral components such as the table or turntable, elevator and conveyor belts must be taken into account as they may need additional axles, sensors, regulators, valves or other pneumatic or electrical components required by the welding cell or other auxiliary processing equipment. In general, it is recommended that the wiring of the system be internal, however, not all systems come this way. Other elements should be external such as the pneumatic lines, cooling water lines and hoses that dispense the material. The space where the robot and the controller will be installed is important, as it needs to adapt to the work rhythm in the plant and anticipate if any changes are needed before or after the welding process and thus improve it with a vision system and optimise precision. You should be somewhat aware of the above points when it comes time to invest in a robotic welding system.
The specialists at Persistence Market Research have presented an analysis of the global welding equipment market and expect the market to experience strong growth during the 2017-2024 forecast period. It is estimated that the global welding equipment market will reach around US$19.2 billion in revenue.
Remember that integrating a new technology should be viewed as something positive. For many employees it is synonymous with unemployment, however automating with industrial robots is an opportunity for the operator who will no longer have to perform repetitive, heavy and even dangerous tasks, and instead will become the person configuring the robotic system to carry out these tasks, maintaining control at all times thanks to their experience.
We can always find options that will allow us to make this type of automation more affordable in companies, such is the case with companies that offer second-hand industrial robotics, including robotic welding systems, and that guarantee the proper functioning of the equipment, which is at the forefront of advanced robotic technologies. Usedrobotstrade.com is a specialised leading company in this market, providing applications and peripherals for used robotics, in addition to arc welding cells with used robots that come from Kuka, ABB, Fanuc and Motoman, at more affordable prices and with faster delivery times. Facilitating the integration of their robots through collaborating companies that are experts in automation, they also offer technical assistance and used spare parts for industrial robots.