Welding automation increases productivity, enables time savings and improves welding quality – and thanks to technology developments, automated welding is applicable and productive for more specialized, non-repetitive productions as well. Pemamek’s Application Manager of Robotics, Teemu Rusi, discusses some of the current trends in robotic welding and welding automation and how they can benefit applications of all sizes.
Robotic Welding Eases the Job of Welders
.. and brings solutions to the increasing shortage of welding personnel. According to Rusi, lack of welding labour is a known concern around the globe.
“Lack of qualified welders increases the interest and need for welding automation. This doesn’t mean that robots are taking over the job of real humans, however: with the help of automated solutions, human power can be released to more specified tasks. Furthermore, automation creates new jobs as well”, Teemu Rusi, Application Manager of Robotics at Pemamek, explains.
Are you new to the whole concept of robotic welding? Check out our 5-step guide to robotic welding, where we also tackle some common concerns and issues people may have about robotic welding.
Safety-At-Work and Working Conditions as a Priority
One of the undeniable benefits of welding automation solutions is better working conditions, along with increased workplace safety. The investments in welding safety are also noticed by Rusi.
– It is great to see that workplace safety is becoming an important trend and priority in the welding world. Automated welding solutions are the answer to this demand: they enable enhanced working ergonomics and better safety for labour. PEMA solutions are designed to fulfil safety requirements and in addition, we pay attention to the workers’ conveniency as well. We want to, and can, create comfortable and safe working environments with our automated welding solutions.
We want to, and can,
create comfortable and safe working environments
with our automated welding solutions.
Technology and R&D
Continuous R&D combined with rapid technology advancements are the foundation for all welding automation benefits: improved quality, increased productivity and high efficiency, which all constitute for faster ROI.
As an example of technology advancements, Rusi discusses PEMA WeldControl 300, an in-house developed programming software that belongs to the family of PEMA software systems.
“PEMA WeldControl 300 SCAN is a unique solution with visual interface for multi-layer welding. PEMA WeldControl 300 SCAN utilizes laser scanning technology, and the collected data from the weldment is visualized for the operator who either downloads the ready-made pattern to the groove shown or creates a new pattern.”
Offline Programming Enables One-Off Production
Software systems have evolved significantly – for instance PEMA WeldControl -software systems are designed to be as easy to use as possible, as the welders and fitters become the system operators/programmers. As the majority of the functions are automated, in the best situation the operators’ only task is to observe.
Rusi agrees that profitable one-off production is one of the greater trends and advancements in welding automation.
“Offline programming has revolutionized welding production: you no longer need to have repetitive mass production in order to profitably invest in robotic welding. Offline programming enables 100% robot operation time which means that small scale, even one-off productions should invest in robotic welding solutions”, Rusi explains.
