In the mechanical industry, electronic welding devices are now commonly used. You can use different welding methods for your work depending on the purpose. You can fully automate your welding where machines guide the metal through the entire process, from start to finish. Semi-automated welding is your other option where a person loads the metal and then removes it once the process is complete.
Modern technology has allowed for innovations in welding like MIG welding robots. They are more efficient in production times as well as increase the safety of the workers in general. If you require metal fabrication, it’s beneficial to learn the pros and cons of automatic welding robot machines. They have advantages and disadvantages.
The advantages include:
Improve Production Efficiency
Welding robots have a short response time and the action is fast. The welding speed is much higher than that of manual welding. This will improve the production efficiency of your enterprise significantly. A welding robot can work continuously without pause or rest in the operation process. All you need is to make sure that the external water and electricity conditions are guaranteed.
The amount of raw materials that you require is reduced because robots are so precise. This reduces the cost of waste disposal and is economical and cost-effective as well.
Improve Product Quality
Your welding robot machines will not make human mistakes, which implies that your product’s quality will be consistent. The products will be made each time with the same specifications. Few repairs are needed.
You need to provide the welding parameters and moving track for the process of welding. Your robot will repeat these actions accurately. In your welding performance, the welding parameters such as the welding current, voltage, welding speed, and welding wire length play a decisive role.
Your welding parameters of each weld are constant when robot welding is implemented. The efficiency of the weld is less influenced by human factors. This will minimize your requirements for employee operating technology. The welding quality is therefore constant, thus ensuring the quality of your goods.
Reduce Production Cost
The reduction in your welding robot costs is primarily expressed in large-scale manufacturing. One robot can replace 2 to 4 industrial employees, which varies according to the company’s particular situation. This efficiency is made possible by employing advanced devices like a tiny actuator, which can play a pivotal role in precisely controlling the movements of welding arms and torches. By ensuring accurate positioning of the welding tool, these actuators can not only enhance the speed and quality of the welding process but can also lead to significant cost savings. Moreover, their ability to operate reliably over long periods with minimal maintenance contributes to uninterrupted manufacturing operations, further optimizing efficiency and reducing downtime.
Similarly, another critical component utilized by welding robots is the sensor system. Sensors can enable robots to accurately detect the position of the workpiece and make necessary adjustments. This capability minimizes errors during the welding process, thus leading to reduced material wastage and lower production costs.
Furthermore, your cost savings are more apparent with the introduction of high-speed and effective welding technology, using robot welding.
Your initial setup will seem to be daunting and costly, but you will find that these costs are outweighed by the returns on investment. With robotics, your output rates are growing, which directly affects productivity and income.
Better Floor Space Utilization
You can reduce the footprint of your work environment by adding automation to the workplace. This enables you to use the floor space for other operations and build more effective processes.
Since the robot has high repeatability, it will always function according to the instructions as long as the parameters are given. Your product output of the robot welding cycle will be simple and easy to monitor. The manufacturing rate of the robot is set, so the development schedule is very simple. The production quality and comprehensive use of resources can be maximized by an accurate production plan.
A Shorter Period of Product Transformation
The production line becomes more efficient, making cycle times much shorter. Your automatic welding machines will generate more as opposed to what is available while working with human workers.
Robot Automatic Welding will shorten your product transition time and decrease the investment in the required equipment. The welding automation of your small-batch items can be achieved. The main distinction between a robot and a special machine is that the program can be changed to adapt to the output of various workpieces.
Improve Workplace Safety
Your staff will no longer have to do risky welding jobs and will be shifted to supervisory positions. Hazardous positions will fall away because the welding jobs that can cause injuries and accidents will be done by the robots.
The disadvantages include:
High Initial Cost
The initial cost of installing automatic welding machines is high. You will need to weigh both the cost of the investment and the return on investment. You need to do this before introducing robot machines to your business.
Staff Training
The operation of any equipment needs you to train. But you will need to pay for advanced training courses for robotics to allow employees to operate them properly. The automation company will only provide you with the initial installation and setup process. Relying on these companies will end up costing you more and more money. You will need to train your staff.
Limited decision making
Your robots are faster and more effective than your human staff. But if necessary data is not available, they are not able to make decisions about certain procedures. Your employees should analyze a situation and make decisions. This is based on what information may or may not be available.
Limited Functions
While industrial robotics has made considerable progress over the years, it is possible to restrict the functions of robots. This is particularly true if you are using specialized robotics for processes such as welding. The designated process may be efficient, but certain robots are unable to perform certain procedures, rendering them inefficient.
Potential Job Losses
The effect of unemployment on employees is one of the main issues surrounding the implementation of robotic automation. If a robot can operate at a quicker, more reliable pace, then the fear is that there will be no need for humans at all. While these questions are comprehensible, they are not very specific.
Conclusion
Over the next few years, the increasing popularity of robotic automation across a large variety of industries looks set to continue. Most companies look to take advantage of the many benefits it offers.
Of course, not everyone has been persuaded of the benefits robotic automation can bring. There is still some caution about modifying an existing production line. Some reasonable objections are posed by those yet to try the technology.
