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Welding Automation - Since the introduction of arc welding robotics, automation related to welding has become a major issue in the industry and trade literature because of its potential for increasing productivity and quality of arc welding operations. This interest is not accidental.
It rests upon the fact that, very high salaries are related to the welding industry. For this reason, welding fabrication is an important area for the application of automation.In manufacturing, the term Automation means that some or all of the functions or steps in an operation are performed in sequence by mechanical or electronic means.
Automation may be partial, with certain functions or steps performed manually (partial automation), or it may be full, meaning that all functions and steps are performed by the equipment in proper sequence without adjustment by an operator (total automation). Automation may include the loading and unloading of the components of the operation.
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Regardless of the degree of automation; the objectives of automation are
(i) to reduce manufacturing costs by increasing productivity, and
(ii) improving quality and reliability.
This is possible by the reduction or elimination of human errors.Other benefits of automation include:
(i) Lower floor space requirements.
(ii) Lower in process inventory.
(iii) Increased throughput.
When automation systems are integrated into production scheduling systems, improved production flows result in better deliveries to customers.
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Automation can succeed or fail depending on the application. A successful application requires careful planning economic justification, and full cooperation and support of management, product designers, manufacturing engineers, labour, and maintenance.
Major factors that should be carefully analyzed to determine if automation is feasible include: the product, the plant and the equipment, and costs.
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