As technology continues to advance, there is a growing concern that welders may be replaced by automation and robotics. However, while it is true that automation is becoming more prevalent in the welding industry, welders are not being completely replaced. At nexAir, we work hands-on in the welding industry and see it evolve firsthand. Keep reading as we share our KnowHow on the current state of the welding industry and why we believe there will always be a need for human welders. 

 

Advantages of Automation

 

Automation in welding has been around for several decades, with the first robotic welding system introduced in the early 1960s. Since then, welding automation has continued to evolve, with advancements in robotics, sensors, and artificial intelligence. Automated welding systems offer several advantages, including increased productivity, improved quality control, and reduced labor costs.

 Robotic welding systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with the ability to perform complex welding tasks with a high degree of precision. These systems also offer increased safety, as they can be used in hazardous environments and eliminate the need for human welders to work in dangerous conditions.

 

Why There Is Still a Need for Human Welders

 

However, while automation has its advantages, it has its limitations. Automated welding systems require significant upfront investments in equipment and software, and they require skilled technicians to operate and maintain them. Additionally, automated systems are not always suitable for every welding application. Human welders are still needed for some welding tasks, particularly those that require a high degree of customization, skill, or involve working with irregularly shaped materials.

 Furthermore, there is a growing demand for skilled welders in the industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the welding industry is projected to grow by 3% between 2019 and 2029, with an estimated 14,800 new welding jobs added during that time. This demand is due in part to the aging workforce of welders, with many experienced welders reaching retirement age in the coming years.

 Another factor contributing to the demand for welders is the increasing complexity of welding tasks. While automated systems are becoming more sophisticated, some welding tasks still require a high degree of skill and expertise that only human welders can provide. Welders are needed to perform tasks such as welding in confined spaces, welding on irregularly shaped materials, and welding in extreme temperatures and conditions.

 Finally, human welders play a crucial role in quality control. While automated systems can perform welds with a high degree of precision, they still require human oversight to ensure that the welds meet the required specifications. Human welders are needed to inspect the welds and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that they are of the highest quality.

 While automation is becoming more prevalent in the welding industry, welders are not being completely replaced. Automated welding systems offer several advantages, including increased productivity, improved quality control, and reduced labor costs. However, automation is not without its limitations, and human welders are still needed for some welding tasks, particularly those that require a high degree of customization or involve working with irregularly shaped materials. Human welders play a crucial role in quality control, and their expertise is needed to ensure that welds are of the highest quality. As the welding industry continues to evolve, it is likely that automation and human welders will continue to coexist, with each playing a vital role in the industry. At nexAir, we provide our customers with not only the equipment that they need to tackle their projects but the skills and KnowHow they need to complete them with ease. If you are interested in learning more about automation and welding, please reach out – we can’t wait to Forge Forward with you.