How to Get the Most Out of nexAir’s Demo Days: A Complete Guide

nexAir’s Demo Days bring together the latest welding automation equipment and the people who know these machines inside and out. Walking into one of these events can feel overwhelming with all the different systems running simultaneously, but that’s exactly what makes them so valuable. You get to see real performance comparisons and ask questions on the spot.

Before You Walk Through the Door

We always tell people to do a little homework before showing up. Spend some time on manufacturer websites to get familiar with the equipment that will be demonstrated. You’ll spend your time much more effectively when you’re not starting from zero on basic concepts. Instead of asking “What does this machine do?” you can dive straight into “How would this handle our typical production volume?”

Your current welding challenges should be fresh in your mind when you arrive. Maybe you’re struggling with consistent quality on certain joints, or your operators are burning out from repetitive manual work. These pain points help you focus on equipment features that actually matter for your situation rather than getting distracted by impressive capabilities you’ll never use.

Bringing the right people with you makes a huge difference. Your best welder will notice things about operation and setup that your production manager might miss. Meanwhile, that production manager understands workflow implications that could make or break successful automation adoption. Different perspectives prevent blind spots in your evaluation.

Getting Real Value from the Demonstrations

Equipment demonstrations move fast, so you need to watch strategically. Pay close attention when operators switch between different welding tasks because that’s where you’ll see how user-friendly each system really is. Some machines require complex reprogramming for simple changes, while others handle variations smoothly.

The specialists running these demonstrations have seen these machines in all kinds of environments. They know which applications each system handles well and where they struggle. Don’t hesitate to ask about limitations or problems they’ve encountered. This honesty helps you avoid equipment that looks great in demonstrations but creates headaches in real production.

Programming interfaces vary dramatically between automation systems, and this often determines success more than raw welding performance. Watch how much time operators spend on setup and programming tasks. Some systems use intuitive touchscreens that feel familiar to anyone who’s used a smartphone, while others require extensive technical training to operate effectively.

Turning Insights into Smart Decisions

Demo Days often clarify equipment requirements in ways that specification sheets never could. You might discover that features you thought were essential actually provide minimal benefit for your applications. Conversely, you could find capabilities you hadn’t considered that would dramatically improve your operations.

Implementation timing matters as much as equipment selection. Demo Day insights help you understand what changes your facility might need and how long the transition process typically takes. This information supports realistic project planning that sets you up for success rather than frustration.

nexAir’s KnowHow™ extends well past these demonstration events. We help you Forge Forward with automation strategies that make sense for your specific situation, whether that means immediate implementation or longer-term planning that prepares your operation for future automation adoption.

Experience the Latest Technology Firsthand

Demo Days offer something that no amount of research or sales presentations can provide: the chance to see multiple automation systems operating side-by-side while talking directly with people who understand these technologies thoroughly.

Contact nexAir to find out when our next Demo Day is scheduled. These events fill up quickly because the hands-on learning experience is genuinely valuable for anyone considering welding automation.