How Welding Automation Tools Reduce Downtime and Improve Quality

Welding is one of the world’s oldest professions. The act of fusing together metals has existed since the bronze age, when humans first created small gold circular boxes by applying pressure to metals. Today, of course, things are a bit more advanced.

Thanks to several innovations in the 20th century, experts are able to weld faster, more accurately, and more consistently than ever before. Manual processes have made way for automated tools. Welds have become stronger, and expertise has soared.

For over 80 years nexAir has stood on the frontlines of this revolution — supplying advanced welding equipment, shielding gases, and KnowHow to facilities across the Southeast. Here’s how our state-of-the-art automation solutions are shaping the future.

Smarter Solutions For Modern Facilities

The first robotic welding machine was introduced in the 1960s, but today’s automated welding tools are pushing the boundaries much further.

These tools aren’t simply programmed to repeat tasks, they’re equipped with technology that allows them to read the environment and adjust parameters in real time. nexAir’s advanced welding solutions could, for instance, analyze joint position, material behavior, and even inconsistencies in surfaces — all without any human intervention.

Automated positioning systems, too, have improved significantly. On our ecommerce platform, you’ll find positioners that can rotate, pivot, and reposition complex parts with pinpoint precision, making it easier to get clean, consistent welds in hard-to-reach areas. You’ll also find wire feed systems that respond instantly to changing conditions, eliminating hiccups that can lead to poor weld integrity or mid-process shutdowns.

Moreover, all this equipment comes with sensors that collect live data. When something begins to drift from spec, the system is able to catch and correct it before it becomes a problem. The result? Fewer failed welds, reduced waste, and less downtime.

The Benefits of nexAir’s Automation Systems

At nexAir we offer several automation tools, ranging from the Vectis Cobot Welder to the portable LightWeld to the CNC-powered Mini Hornet. These advanced tools may serve several different purposes, but are all known to result in:

Reliable, Repeatable Quality

Our automated systems maintain exact parameters 24/7, reducing variation and virtually eliminating defects caused by human fatigue or inconsistency. All welds produced by our tools are cleaner, stronger, and require less post-processing.

Higher Output, Lower Downtime

nexAir’s machines don’t believe in coffee breaks, or ever get tired. They run at peak efficiency all day, every day, significantly boosting production rates. In fact, one of our customers saw their daily output increase by 40% after employing our Cobot tool for just a few weeks. The customer has now partnered with us to significantly grow its automation capabilities in the next few years.

Making the Most of Skilled Labor

Instead of replacing skilled welders, nexAir’s automation solutions seek to extend their impact. Trained technicians now have access to several robotic assistants to carry out mundane or dangerous tasks on their behalf, opening up more of their time to focus on programming, setup, and quality assurance. This helps address the ongoing skilled labor shortage while preserving the deep expertise that keeps operations running smoothly.

Shaping the Future One Weld at a Time

At nexAir, we understand that automation doesn’t end at installing machines. It instead involves transforming processes. That’s why we tailor every solution to your facility’s needs. From the first consultation to final integration, our team works alongside yours to develop a setup that fits seamlessly into your existing workflow.

Our ongoing investment in emerging technologies, meanwhile, helps you Forge Forward in an industry that’s always looking ahead. Visit the nexAir Now store to learn more about how automation can transform your team’s workflows.

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