The welding robot can weld a program hundreds of times a day, and the time needed to reprogram it is a fraction of the amount of labor required by a human welder. This automation allows a machine to complete a high-volume job without human intervention. The high-speed, automated process allows it to weld multiple parts simultaneously, thereby increasing the throughput of a manufacturing operation.
The speed of a robotic welding robot is determined by its slowest axis. Joint moves are often recommended if air must flow between welds. If air flows between welds, joint moves may be the best option. A typical reach of 1.4 meters is standard. Larger-reach robotic arms are suitable for larger assemblies. The robot's speed is limited to the lowest axis, but larger reaches are useful for longer-length welds.
The welding robot's speed is limited to the slowest axis. The most efficient joint moves utilize air to move between welds. Some robots have a longer reach than others. These can be useful for welds with long joints. If the assembly is large, it's better to get a larger robotic arm. If the part needs to be welded more than once, the maximum reach is 1.4 meters.
The robotic welding process is more efficient than the manual welding process. The robotic welding robot is very repeatable. It can follow a path programmed to minus five-thousandths of an inch. That's a major benefit when compared with manual welding. You can weld more parts with less effort than a human operator. This means the welding robot will complete more jobs while your operators can take care of other tasks.
The welding robot should have an effective TCP capability. A good TCP is an important factor in a robotic system's performance. It should have a repeatable weld. It should also be able to weld more than one part per day. If the welding robot cannot perform the program, it won't be able to complete the task.
Moreover, the welding robot should have repeatability and automation of its work. Having an automated TCP capability is essential, as it will determine the quality of the welds. However, a lack of TCP tracking is a major disadvantage of some robotic machines. If the welder does not have a reliable TCP, the robot cannot perform the job correctly.
A robotic welding robot should have the right jigs to hold the parts that must be welded. These jigs should present the parts in a predictable pattern to the robot. There should be a safety arc that keeps the robot from hitting anything it shouldn't. It should also be a reliable robot that has high-speed capabilities.
Besides a high-speed axis, the robot should have a flexible reach. The arm should have an appropriate range and a wide range to perform a weld with ease. If the robot can reach two parts, it will weld them without human intervention. Otherwise, it will have to move the parts themselves.
There are several types of jigs available for robot welding. A jig is a fixture that holds the parts to be welded and predictably presents them to the robotic welder. Some jigs are rotary tables, clamping systems, and even a laser. These jigs are very expensive and can be a great investment.