Westgate Hi-Tech Machinery were on hand at National Manufacturing Week to offer information about their robotic welding solutions. When selecting a suitable project for robotic welding, some factors need to be considered. These include:
- Accuracy
- Quantity
- Reliability
- Number of axes
- Number of welds
- Type of weld
- Repeatability/ Consistency
Welding robots work particularly well for repetitive tasks or similar components that involve welds in more than one axis or where access is difficult. Some of the benefits of robotic welding include productivity and precision.
Robotic welding improves weld repeatability. Once programmed, robots will give consistent welds every time on components of the same dimensions and specifications. Another benefit of automated robotic welding is reduced costs. Robotic welding also reduces risk. The welder/operator is kept clear of the hazardous fumes and molten metaland away from the welding arc.
Automating the torch motions decreases the error potential which means decreased scrap and rework. With robotic welding, there is increased output. Not only does a robot work faster, the fact that a fully equipped and optimized robot cell can run for 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without breaks makes it more efficient than a manual weld cell.