Robotic Welding vs Manual Welding: Improving Quality & Efficiency
Robotic welding is one of the most practical applications of robotics, particularly given how dangerous welding can be. In addition to worker safety, automated welding offers a number of significant advantages over manual welding that work to improve quality, maximize efficiencies, and effectively manage costs.
Advantages of Robotic Welding
When automating a factory with welding robots, a business can expect faster, consistent cycle times. Robotic welding systems can go 24/7, allowing for greater throughput and productivity. Robotic arc welders are capable of welding a high volume of diverse parts and metals with speed, precision, and efficiency. Robots can produce high-quality welds, producing superior products. Robotic welding automation offers many efficiencies, including:
- Increase in cycle times
- Increases productivity
- Reduces costs
- Solves a labor shortage problem
- Safer for workers
- Reduces weld distortion
- Produces higher quality product
Manual welding comes with a lot of hidden costs. A human welder requires a lot of training that takes time, skill, and concentration to hone his craft. No matter how skilled human welders are, they will make mistakes, which can affect production time, product quality and costs. Manual welding is also dangerous and taxing for human workers. Flash, fumes, sparks, and heat make for hazardous working conditions. Conversely, robotic welding protects workers with increased safety protocols and barriers.
Added Efficiencies with Robotic Material Handling and Machine Tending
In a production environment, materials need to be moved from one place to another or held in place. Robotic material handling and machine tending deliver greater accuracy and repeatability over manual loading and unloading processes. The result is faster cycle times and better ergonomics for the human workers. Even minor gains in production and quality can have a significant impact on profitability.
Given today’s competitive marketplace, and the need to maximize efficiencies to remain profitable, automating welding processes in most cases makes sense. The first step is to speak with an experienced integrator to learn what’s possible.
Genesis Systems, IPG Photonics Company, offers custom and pre-engineered multi-process robotic welding and material handling /machine tending solutions for a wide variety of manufacturing needs.
Posted in Robotic Welding