Welding is an essential manufacturing process, and it's also one of the hardest to master. Metal arc welding is especially difficult because it requires maintaining a consistent torch orientation and arc length.
FastArc Weld Cells provide these consistencies, resulting in four areas of benefits:
- Improved quality
- Increased capacity
- Lower costs
- Safer working conditions
Improved quality: An automated welding system provides consistency. High repeatability means the torch is positioned the same way and the arc length is the same on every cycle. This greatly reduces part-to-part variation compared to manual welding, especially when part design makes access difficult.
Increased capacity: Automated welding systems can run 24/7 without a lunch break. Automated welding is faster than doing it manually and certainly more consistent, which simplifies production planning and management because a stable cycle time leads to predictable output per hour, shift and day.
Lower costs: Shorter cycle times and longer working hours add up to a lower cost per weld, but that's not the only cost savings. Automated welding cuts both scrap and consumable costs. Scrap falls because there are no fatigue-induced errors. Consumable usage drops because the robot uses only the minimum quantity of filler needed, every time. Keeping the filler size to the design spec may seem a small saving, but it's one that really adds up over thousands of feet of welding.
Safer working conditions: Welders need protection against the arc flash and the weld’s heat. Automated welding keeps workers away from these hazards and creates a safer, more pleasant working environment. Plus, there’s no need to invest in additional personal protective equipment.
Acieta Automates Welding Operations
Welding is a skilled job, but it's also often suitable for automation. Manufacturers that have implemented automated welding experience improved quality, lower costs and better working conditions.
Implementing FastArc Weld Cells takes specialist knowledge and automation expertise. At Acieta we've been helping manufacturers automate for more than 35 years. If you're considering automated welding solutions, we can give you the tools to be successful.