Lorch Schweißtechnik (Lorch) is a leader in the design, development and application of advanced welding technologies, operating at the cutting edge of Industry 4.0 to develop smarter solutions for tomorrow’s industrial challenges.
It is a well-known fact that the welding industry is facing a global shortage of skilled welders. In Australia and New Zealand, we know this only too well. Top welders are in very high demand and command substantial annual salaries. Many experienced qualified welders are now over 45 years of age, and Millennials or Gen Z are not queueing up to enter the industry in sufficient numbers to even replace the aging welders of today.
The harsh reality is that the situation is not going to get any better in the foreseeable future. Significant demand is building for qualified welding operators in the mining, defence and manufacturing sectors. Competition for the limited welding resources is intense and requires premium rates to be paid to attract and retain the best available talent.
Small to medium manufacturing businesses are finding it hard to compete in this environment, with many struggling to find and retain crucial welding personnel. Add to this the constant cost pressures and rapidly advancing technologies, and the industry faces a situation where there is a “perfect storm” building.
Today, however, the game has changed, with the advent of new cobot (collaborative robot) technology. Based in Stuttgart, Germany, Lorch has had a dedicated team in place developing and optimising welding with cobots for many years now, providing cutting edge, new solutions for companies facing these issues.
It’s important to note cobot welding is not a replacement for industrial robotic welding. Cobot welding from Lorch is a new technology segment that is different from industrial robots in many areas:
- Size, weight & portability: Cobots are small, light and relatively portable. They are designed to be used in the general work environment, in close proximity with people.
- Safety: Cobots operate at human speed and have unique integrated safety features, enabling close interaction with people with minimal dedicated safety guards or external protection – and in some cases none.
- Intelligence: Lorch’s Cobotronic software creates a simple-to-operate welding system that is typically programed by the welder or shop floor operator.
- Speed and versatility: Lorch’s advanced Speed Processes deliver perfect welding in all positions, removing the need for complex and expensive jigs and fixtures.
- Ease of use: Fast set-up times and simple programming enable much smaller production quantities to be cost-effectively welded.
- Low capital investment: Cobot systems are typically more cost-effective with a quick return on investment.
In contrast to a welding cobot, an industrial robot is designed for high production quantities, needs a highly trained robot technician to program, is not portable, requires extensive safety guards and barriers, and typically requires expensive jigs and fixtures.
Lorch has developed a strong partnership with Universal Robots, a global leader in collaborative robot technology. What differentiates Lorch from any other manufacturer is its intelligent Cobotronic software and its advanced welding power source technology. Lorch takes the cobot and creates a purpose-built, fully integrated, ultra-safe automated welding solution. Every detail is meticulously optimised specifically for multiple forms of welding.
The end result is a fast, efficient and flexible welding solution that meets the requirements of Industry 4.0 and which is ideal for small-to-medium businesses producing smaller production quantities. Lorch’s systems are simple to use and deliver dependable productivity and consistent premium-quality welding performance.
Cobots are new tools that are helping to address the ongoing shortage of welders, closing the skills gap, driving productivity, efficiencies and reducing costs. Cobot welding is growing at an exponential rate across Europe. Lorch’s cobot welding solutions are now coming to Australia and New Zealand, with sales demonstration/application and training centres set up with accredited Lorch partners across the region, as well as fully-trained Lorch-certified service infrastructure for back-+up and support.