ABB Robotics
05 Dec, 2024.
SMEs face challenges in staying competitive amid a rapidly evolving market. The welding industry is expected to reach $34.18 billion by 2030[1], but a skilled labor shortage poses significant obstacles.[1] Welding automation, especially with collaborative robots (cobots), provides an efficient solution. Cobots perform repetitive tasks with precision, are safe to use alongside workers, easy to program, flexible, and cost-effective, making them ideal for boosting productivity and adapting to changing demands.
Cobot Welding or Manual Welding?
Manual welding is your go-to for unique, custom tasks that need precision and flexibility. However, it’s slower, more prone to mistakes, and depends heavily on skilled workers, making it costly and hard to scale. On the other hand, cobot welding lets you automate repetitive tasks with speed and accuracy. It’s easy to set up, reduces errors, and increases productivity, making it ideal for scaling and modernizing your operations—though it’s less suited for highly complex, one-off projects.
Cobot Welding Solutions for SMEs:
Cobots provide SMEs with a flexible, cost-effective welding solution. They deliver precision, improve safety, and boost productivity by automating repetitive tasks. Easy to program and adaptable, cobots help SMEs scale efficiently and remain competitive.
Benefits of Welding Cobots:
1. Precision:
Cobots ensure consistent, high-quality welds by reducing errors and fatigue-related defects.
2. Safety:
Advanced sensors make cobots safe for shared workspaces, reducing injury risks.
3. Productivity:
Cobots boost efficiency by automating repetitive tasks with minimal downtime.
4. Flexibility:
Compact and easy to program, cobots adapt to changing tasks and layouts effortlessly.
Economic Advantages of Cobots for SMEs:
1. Cost-Effective Automation:
Cobots have lower upfront and operating costs compared to traditional robots, with minimal setup and maintenance requirements.
2. Boosted Productivity:
Operating 24/7, cobots handle repetitive tasks efficiently, reducing downtime and increasing output.
3. Flexible and Scalable:
Easily programmable and redeployable, cobots adapt to changing production needs without significant investments.
4. Quick ROI:
By reducing labor reliance, defects, and waste, cobots offer fast returns, making them a smart, scalable solution for SMEs.
ABB Welding Solutions:
GoFa™ Cobot: Flexible and Easy to Use
The GoFa™ cobot offers intuitive features like lead-through programming, allowing operators to guide the robot manually for quick setup. Paired with Wizard Easy Programming, it simplifies welding operations, enabling fast task creation without advanced technical skills. Its compact design fits into tight spaces while maintaining safety with intelligent sensors.
ArcWelding Software: Advanced Tools for Precision
ABB’s ArcWelding software enhances welding precision and efficiency. The Standard package handles essential tasks, while the Premium package includes advanced features like Arc Seam Tracking and Adaptive Fill for intricate welds.
OmniVance™ Welding Cell: Plug-and-Produce Solution
The OmniVance™ Collaborative Arc Welding Cell provides a turnkey setup with modular design, quick installation, and full CE safety certification. Integrated tools, like the Easy Teach Device and RobotStudio® software, ensure efficient programming and performance monitoring.
ABB’s solutions deliver reliability, precision, and flexibility for demanding welding applications.
See How ABB Cobots Transformed Welding:
Lankapaja Corporation faced a shortage of skilled welders, limiting their production and slowing growth. By using ABB’s GoFa™ cobots with the Cobot Arc Welding Package, they automated repetitive tasks, reduced welding defects, and sped up programming by 60%. These cobots helped increase production capacity without adding more staff.
This video highlights how Lankapaja Corporation, a Finnish metal manufacturer, utilized ABB’s GoFa™ cobots to automate welding tasks, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and creating a safer work environment while addressing a skilled labor shortage.
Conclusion:
Modernize your welding with cobot automation. It gives you the precision, speed, and flexibility to improve weld quality and cut costs. Easy-to-use programming and advanced safety features make the transition simple. Whether you’re solving labor shortages or scaling production, cobots help you achieve fast results and grow your business.
Access The Complete ABB Welding Guide
References:
- Fortune Business Insights. (n.d.). Welding Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis. Retrieved on December 3, 2024, from https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/welding-market-101657
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