Kemppi on the advantages of cobot welding in metal fabrication
Cobot welding is a game-changer for the manufacturing industry. A flexible solution that can be tailored to the needs of individual firms, it delivers numerous benefits, including increased productivity, quality control, cost efficiency, scalability, real-time monitoring, and an enhanced working environment.
Cobot welders automate the welding process and work alongside humans to perform welding tasks. Cobot welders can help boost production output by working continuously with minimal maintenance and without the need for breaks.
They can handle repetitive tasks quickly and more intricate work efficiently, improving productivity. Plus, requiring minimal oversight and monitoring, they can free up workers to focus on more complex or higher-value tasks.
“Cobots have the capability to run 24/7 and to also work in automated cycles,” says Stuart Orr, Sales Director, Kemppi Australia. “As a result, they can enhance manufacturing processes and deliver significant productivity benefits.”
Consistent welding quality
Cobot welding systems also precisely control welding parameters such as temperature, pressure, and so on. This results in more uniform welds while minimising the potential for variation in quality.
Kemppi, a leading global welding manufacturer, has an extensive range of cobot-ready welding solutions, including the Master M 353, Master M 355 and Master M 358, and the X5 FastMig and X5 FastMig Pulse.
Cost efficiency
Thanks to the accuracy of cobot welding systems, they tend to reduce material waste and, hence, overall production costs for manufacturers.
Cobots can also lead to the need for less manpower on the shop floor as they can easily handle a range of tasks and, therefore, help reduce labour costs.
Further, unlike traditional manufacturing equipment, cobots are often less expensive. Because they require less integration and infrastructure, they can result in a faster return on investment.
Manufacturers also have significant choices when it comes to choosing a cobotic welding solution that aligns with both their needs and budget. For instance, manufacturers who do not require their cobotic welding system to be frequently reprogrammed can consider a more cost-effective option such as the Kemppi Master M 353 and 355 models. For those needing a system for more intricate cobot applications and superior performance, the Kemppi X5 FastMig series offers sound value.
Cobots may also be the answer in a tight labour market. “In the current welding labour shortage environment, cobots are a viable option that allow manufacturers to access the welding skills they need and maintain control over their operations with a low capital investment,” said Orr.
Flexible and scalable
Cobots are also highly flexible and adaptable, accommodating the shifting demands of various manufacturing environments.
“They can be quickly reprogrammed for welding tasks or product designs, which is especially beneficial in small-batched or customised production runs. They are also scalable. When the manufacturer’s production volumes increase, additional cobot welders can be quickly and easily integrated into the existing system,” said Orr.
Real-time monitoring
Today, many cobots are equipped with sensors and software that collect data in real time about the welding process. This allows manufacturers to monitor weld quality and performance and make any desired adjustments to optimise welding processes.
Kemppi’s WeldEye is a comprehensive and universal welding management software that helps optimise production processes. WeldEye consists of various modules that can be combined with any equipment brand to provide live monitoring. The ArcVision module, for instance, when combined with the Kemppi Master M 358 or X5 FastMig, provides real-time monitoring and data insights from the cobot welding station that can be accessed directly within the cloud-based platform.
The information ArcVision provides can be visualised in customisable tables and graphs. Manufacturers can then adjust welding parameters on the fly to reduce the likelihood of errors, ensure quality output and maximise uptime. The data can also help identify areas for improvement to optimise the welding process.
Enhanced working environment
Cobots can also help minimise human exposure to welding hazards such as heat, smoke, fumes, and UV radiation. Metal fumes produced during the welding process can be hazardous when inhaled. They consist of microscopic particles of hot metal and gases and can contribute to carcinogenic conditions.
Cobots can make welding environments safer and meet Australia’s tightening welding fume exposure standards because they can remove workers from direct exposure to welding arcs. This, together with on-torch fume extraction solutions, such as the Kemppi Flexlite GF series, extract the welding fumes straight from the torch nozzle to provide workers with a safer and cleaner environment.
Easy to use
Cobots are typically easy to operate and require little programming experience. Most cobot welding manufacturers also provide training and support.
“Our cobot welders are user-friendly and do not require the operator to have any deep or specialised programming knowledge. They have an intuitive interface, which helps make operating them simple and easy. In essence, their simplicity helps empower manufacturing firms to be more productive and efficient,” explained Stuart Orr.