This section provides overview, applications, and principles of arc welding robots. Also, please take a look at the list of 4 arc welding robot manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
Arc welding robot perform arc welding and are somewhat smaller than other welding robots. In arc welding, the arc discharge emits intense light and powerful ultraviolet rays, and the work is performed at very high temperatures. Even with protective goggles and work clothes, there is a risk of burns, and inhaling fumes from the metal as vapor can be harmful, so robots are in high demand for this type of work at these sites.
Robots have the advantage of being able to perform welding at high speeds and with consistent quality, which also contributes to cost reduction.
Arc welding is used to connect metals such as steel to steel, aluminum, and titanium, and is applied to almost all metal structures. Arc welding robots are used in factories for large machinery such as steel frames, construction equipment, automobiles, railcars, aircraft, and ships.
In recent years, welding has become more rationalized, and arc welding robots are being introduced in an increasing number of cases. Arc welding robots can also be used for tig welding and mag welding, which are types of arc welding.
Arc welding uses electrical discharges in air. An arc discharge occurs when an electric current flows through the welding rod, which serves as the electrode, and brings it into contact with the metal to be joined, and then pulls it apart. This arc is hot enough to reach temperatures of up to 2,000°C, so the metal melts quickly and can be joined. A person must be certified to perform arc welding.
The robot has six vertical axes and seven articulated axes to enable precise movements like those of a person, and fine movements are possible. Each axis has a specific angle and speed at which it can move, and a qualified operator teaches and sets the welding conditions to the robot before use. The conditions and positioning at this time are important and are sometimes decided while performing actual welding.
The part that actually performs the welding is called the welding torch, which is fixed to the tip of the robot. The torch, contact tip, and gas are selected according to the object to be welded. The operator places the object to be welded on the robot with a jig, which must be removed after the welding operation is completed.
The arc welding robot's structure consists of a manipulator, controller, and programming pendant.The manipulator consists of a base, links, joints, and end-effectors. By replacing the welding torch (welding supplies used as welding material) attached to the end effector, welding can be performed in various cases.
It also has a multi-axis articulated structure with servo motors.
The controller consists of a part that stores read data and a part that communicates with the manipulator. The programming pendant can create data describing the manipulator's movement procedures, as well as make changes and modifications.
Control parameters, such as contact force and movement speed, can be easily changed using the programming pendant. The pendant can also be operated for teaching.
Due to the growing demand for robots in the aerospace industry, the global arc welding robots market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 7% from 2020 to 2024. In addition, demand is expected to grow beyond 2024 due to the robust global automotive industry. The trend toward automation, especially in developed countries, and labor shortages in countries such as Japan are also driving demand.
Arc welding robots generally cost several thousand dollars.
For example, arc welding robots called MOTOMAN-SSA2000 sold by Yaskawa Electric Corporation is priced around 2600 USD.
The selling price of arc welding robots called Welbee Co-R, a cooperative robot system for welding sites by Daichen Corporation and Universal Robot Corporation, is 1350 USD for one that supports low spatter methods and 175o USD for one that supports aluminum welding. The price varies depending on the application.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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