Advancements in Robotic Welding Systems Causing a Decrease in Cost

Article From thefabricator.com
By Kevin Kelleghan, Contributing Writer
February 12, 2001

Brief Summary:

Welding can be defined as a materials joining process and a major developments have happened in this industry thanks to robotic automation. Prices of robotics have decreased making robotic welding systems affordable for medium and small sized manufacturers.

Major trends for the welding industry include developments in robotic automation, just-in-time production, and new ways to better serve customers.
While a robot is costly, per-part savings over large part runs are considerable.
Robots can make lots of the same parts efficiently, but the role of robots still is limited in applications in which manufacturers join large parts one at a time.
The robot can track a straight seam, but it has difficulty turning a corner.
There is a need to improve robotics to control variables in assembly, such as component geometric shapes.
Robot programming is manual.
Researchers are looking for ways to automate the process of "teaching" robots.
Robotics is not yet within the reach of small and medium-size manufacturers because of cost.
But just as the price of personal computers continually has tumbled, similar price decreases may allow robots to one day populate job shops.

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http://www.thefabricator.com/IndustryTrendsAnalysis/IndustryTrendsAnalysis_Article.cfm?ID=331