It’s common knowledge that there are many benefits to fully automating a welding process. Automation can streamline tedious processes and result in a higher output and increased productivity, and labor costs can also decrease over time. How do you know if automatic welding is right for you? When considering an automatic welding process, it’s important to figure out if you need to fully automate or if you just need to mechanize certain parts of the process. At nexAir, we have the KnowHow to ensure that you benefit from automation in your work, and the equipment for your specific needs. Read on to learn about the difference between mechanized and automatic welding.

 

When it comes to mechanic and automatic welding, the machine does most or all the work in both instances. In simple terms, mechanization occurs when a human task is replaced with a machine. With mechanized welding, the weld current, voltage, and speed parameters are preset to fixed values. In between operations, manual manipulations are necessary to maintain the correct welding position. The process is not completely automatic because the operator is required to manually make adjustments based on visual observations. For a process to be fully automatic, it needs to involve the entire process, including adapting to changes via sensors and bringing material to and from the equipment.

 

Fully automatic welding requires no manual operation. Sensors are used to correct any incorrect arc positions and other aspects. Any manual adjustments in automatic welding are made prior to the start of the process. The only human tasks required include programming the machine and pressing start. At times the process requires operator supervision and occasionally troubleshooting will need to occur. Automatic welding also includes robotic welding, where a robot is programmed to weld while an operator watches for quality control and prevents any deviations during the process. Robotic welding is perfect for very complex operations including micro-welding small parts.

 

Both mechanical welding and automated welding work best for projects that need to be very precise and are very repetitive in nature. There is little room for human error and the weld is performed at a much faster rate in both instances. While the initial cost of an automatic welding process can be daunting, it is proven to be beneficial for manufacturers with a higher output, as labor costs and other costs can decrease. However, with a strong workforce, mechanical welding programs can also increase your output without the huge cost of going fully automatic.

 

Welding automation just makes sense as we Forge Forward into the future. We have the KnowHow to ensure that you benefit from mechanized or automated welding in your work, and we have the equipment for your specific needs. We are more than a gas and product supplier – we have the knowledge, technology, and techniques to assist you with the latest and greatest in all things welding and beyond. Give us a call today for more information on how your manufacturing can be streamlined with mechanized or automated welding.