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A cobot welding system is a comprehensive solution that integrates cobots into the welding process, aimed at boosting efficiency, productivity, and quality. Due to recent labor shortages in areas requiring skills such as welding, many industries have considered transitioning to automation systems. The average age of a welder is increasing and as they near retirement, the number of new entrants into the industry is failing to meet demand, leading to a labor shortage in the welding industry. This situation has prompted companies to consider automating their welding processes to overcome these challenges.
By using automation, businesses can equip their existing welders with the best tools to increase productivity. Robots can handle repetitive tasks, freeing up human welders to focus on high-value tasks – essentially, this allows for the formation of a team between the welders and robots to optimize production. Moreover, as the nature of demand is evolving, solutions need to be flexible enough to meet current challenges.
In this blog post, we have listed the four things to consider before investing in a cobot welding system.
1. User-Friendly Interface
First and foremost, your cobot welding system needs a user-friendly interface. Programming used to be complex and restricted to those who were educated in it, but with recent developments, anyone who can use a smartphone can now operate a robot thanks to user-friendly interfaces. At Smooth Robotics, we’ve designed our software to allow welders to use it with intuitive, no-code programming.
Having user-friendly software greatly benefits your welders and your entire production process. Firstly, it ensures an easy transition from manual to automated welding for your welders. Secondly, an easy-to-use interface reduces deployment time by enabling your welders to quickly learn how to use it. Lastly, when welding tasks change, welders can easily reprogram the robot for the new tasks.
In conclusion, having a user-friendly interface is the first factor to consider when choosing a cobot welding cell. A user-friendly interface can be a game-changer in automating your welding process.
2. Power Source Agnostic
One of the biggest challenges when switching from manual to automated welding is the cost of entry. Your cobot welding package should allow you to use your existing power source. This entry barrier is particularly challenging for smaller companies interested in adopting cobot welding. The capital expenditure for a robotic welding cell can seem too large for the current budget, and many believe that robot welding is only beneficial for large companies with big batch sizes. However, this is not entirely true.
What if we told you that you could use your existing manual power source to get started with robotic welding? What if your new robotic welding solution came with intuitive, no-code programming software that required minimal employee training and made small-batch welding profitable due to extremely quick change-over times?
All of this is possible with the SmoothTool cobot welding package from Smooth Robotics. In summary, it is important to consider the cost of power sources when transitioning to automated welding. If there’s an option that allows you to use your existing power source, regardless of its brand, you should definitely consider it. This approach could eliminate a significant expense, namely the cost of a new power source.
Learn how to easily turn your existing power source into a robotic welder with the RetroFit Kit by Smooth Robotics.
3. Different Welding Types
Another crucial feature your cobot welding package should provide is the ability to handle different types of welding. For instance, welders sometimes need to use stringer bead welding techniques, while at other times they need to use weave bead welding. If you want your cobot welding system to be successful and fully utilized, you should consider the different types of welds it can create.
Another example is stitch welding which might be needed to prevent potential warping, burn-through, and other weld defects.
And of course, your software should be capable of handling both linear and circular segments and any combination thereof.
In manual welding, welders can adjust the torch movement to best meet the needs of the task. If you want your cobot welding unit to approximate human expertise and sophistication, you need to ensure it provides the tools to create different types of welds.
4. Parameters
Parameters are another important consideration when investing in a cobot welding system. You need a package that offers a comprehensive set of customizable parameters for full control, to achieve the desired results. This flexibility is crucial in welding, where variables such as travel angle, work angle, speed, and many others are essential for obtaining the desired outcomes.
In manual welding, welders adjust these parameters by hand, using their own judgment. Thus, having a flexible tool that provides a complete set of parameters as well as the ability to maintain consistent angles and speeds is critical for the overall optimization of the process.
At Smooth Robotics, we continuously add parameters that offer customization to end users, providing them with the necessary tools to create perfect welds. In summary, your cobot welding package should provide you with adjustable parameters to ensure you have full control over your welding process.
In conclusion, transitioning to a cobot welding system is a strategic investment that can significantly optimize your welding processes. By choosing a cobot welding package with a user-friendly interface, compatibility with your existing power source, versatility to handle different types of welding, and a comprehensive set of adjustable parameters, you can unlock the full potential of automation in welding
From enhancing productivity and reducing the deployment time to mitigating labor shortages and delivering consistent high-quality welds, automation, when implemented with due consideration, has transformative potential. Remember, the goal is to ensure a smooth transition from manual to automated welding, taking into account both the initial investment and the long-term gains.
As you navigate this transition, remember that the best cobot welding package is one that suits your specific needs, offers scalability, and, most importantly, is adaptable to evolving market trends and demands. Automation is not merely about replacing human skill with machines; it’s about equipping your workforce with the tools to perform better, faster, and more safely. With careful planning and the right choice of tools, you can usher in a new era of excellence in welding.
Now that you have these insights, why not see them in action? Head over to our case story section to see examples of how real-life companies are already reaping the benefits of cobot welding with SmoothTool.
