Welding automation is a great way to increase productivity, improve output and decrease cost.
For optimized results, it is important to take care of a number of things.
Welding automation is beneficial for companies to increase profitability and productivity while reducing cost.
However, improper planning can make a financial hazard.
Welding automation involves the simultaneous or synchronized functioning of multiple welding tools.
Therefore, careful consideration and planning for each step and activity involved should be done prior to implementing it.
It is important to know the factors that optimize the return on investment in technology or can help prevent probable problems.
Repetition is Important Automation is successful only when it involves repetitive event or production of output.
This means that if you want to mass-produce a weld, automating the process for uniform output will make sure higher productivity, profitability, quality and finish.
Low volume, high variety is not favorable for automation.
Under such circumstance, it is better to use manual process.
Additional Equipment for Safety Welding process releases a lot of smoke.
In a large establishment where automation leads to set up of many of welding equipment, fume extraction requires more equipment to exhaust these fumes.
This is also important for compliance with safety regulatory bodies.
Depending on the size of the facility, the cost of a fume extraction system will vary.
Other safety equipment includes screens, gloves, cages, etc.
Data Capturing and Monitoring Installing a data capture and monitoring system can help track different limits of welding, causes of defects or deviations, and in general any inefficiency in the process.
Installation of this system requires an upfront payment, but the long-term benefits are high.
It will also must the hiring of tech and data savvy people who are also analytically sound for drawing right analysis and insight of the data collected.
Training An efficiently running automation process requires a technically sound operator or supervisor.
Though it comes with experience, companies should also put the effort by organizing training session for them.
Operator and supervisors should also be encouraged to attend online troubleshooting sessions, tutorials, or any on-site after care support trainings organized by OEMs.
Proper Maintenance Maintenance is paramount to the proper functioning and best delivery of output by the automated process.
Timely scheduled maintenance regime can prevent costly repairs, sudden breakdowns of machineries, loss of production, and poor quality parts.
This may also need fitting of more equipment or parts to support productivity.
For example, a nozzle cleaning station for improved productivity and weld quality.