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What is Cobot Welding?
Cobot welding is a type of automation that uses collaborative robots (cobots) to automate certain welding processes. These cobots can be set up on a welding table, cart, or magnetic mount and consist of a robotic arm, welding tools, power source, cooling system, and a way to program the robot. This technology has already been used in a wide range of industries, such as automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Benefits of Cobot Welding
Cobot welding offers a number of advantages compared to traditional manual welding, including improved quality, productivity, and efficiency. The quality of the welds is consistent, no matter how long the cobot is running. In addition, cobots do not slow down like human welders, meaning that the quantity of output remains the same. Furthermore, cobots are programmed to perform repetitive welds, freeing up skilled welders to focus on more complex tasks. Lastly, cobots reduce the risk of injury to human welders, as they can operate from a safe distance.
How Do My Welders Work With a Cobot?
Cobots do not replace welders. Qualified welders are still required to program the cobot and to check the quality of the welds afterwards. However, the amount of time needed to set up the cobot is much shorter than the time needed to manually repeat the same weld multiple times. For example, the SmoothTool Cobot Welding package includes a programming flange that allows operators to manually move the robotic arm during programming without any programming skills required.
Why Should I Invest in a Welding Cobot?
The welder shortage is real and is likely to continue for some time. Investing in a welding cobot can help to increase productivity and efficiency, as well as reduce the need for manual labor in your welding operations. Furthermore, cobots are much cheaper than industrial robots, do not require enclosures, and take up less space.
Costs
In terms of cost, cobots are much cheaper than traditional industrial robots. They also do not require enclosures, and require much less manufacturing space.
Conclusion
Cobot welding offers a number of benefits, including improved quality, productivity, and efficiency, as well as reduced risk of injury to human welders. In addition, they are much cheaper than industrial robots, do not require enclosures, and take up less space. For these reasons, cobots are an ideal solution for companies looking to improve their welding operations.
References:
1. Welding Cobots: Advantages of Using Cobots for Welding Automation. (2020, August 14). Retrieved from https://smooth-tool.com/welding-cobots-advantages/
2. What Is Cobot Welding? (2020, August 15). Retrieved from https://www.roboticindustries.org/what-is-cobot-welding/
Additional References: https://www.nexair.com/vectis-cobot/