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In the world of welding and cutting there is a wealth of automation options, but what is the right system, the right equipment, for your business? Whether you are just starting an automation line or expanding an existing enterprise, knowing the basics of both robotics and fixed automation options will go a long way in the selection process.
ROBOTICS
Robotics, also known as flexible automation, refers to the process in which a machine is programmed to weld multiple types of joints. This type of welding is very safe and cost-effective. However, professional welders should note three critical choices in machinery: type, size and style.
The two types of robots available are traditional or through-the-arm/compact cabling. In a traditional robotic set-up the torch goes the length of the robot arm. However, with the introduction in recent years of the through-the-arm cabling robot, the torch cable actually runs the length of the robot arm internally, allowing for increased access and reachability.
When determining the size of robot you need, consider your reach requirements as well as the weight of the equipment that will be on the end of the arm. These will narrow the initial field and help determine the appropriate magnitude you need.
Style options include a tabletop robot, floor-mounted robot and gantry robot. The tabletop robot addresses the smaller needs, smaller productions and smaller items of shorter reach - usually 30 inches or less. These robots would primarily address air-cooled equipment, as opposed to water-cooled since it is a smaller, lighter-weight operation with smaller parts. The floormounted robot, which is the most common to date, traditionally sits in close proximity to the fixturing for the production pieces, most usually in a welding cell.
Growing in popularity, the gantrystyle robot offers increased access, reachability, and space-saving advantages over tabletop and floormounted models. Also called Cartesian or linear robots, the gantry-style robots are typically used in welding for pick-and-place applications....