Robots are created to offer a variety of solutions in industries.
Some of these solutions include filling in talent gaps and boosting product quality as well as production. Robotic welding offers a multitude of benefits for all companies.
Small businesses face a few challenges that their larger counterparts may not.
Lack of qualified workers and low production are barely a scratch on the surface. Robotic welding helps small companies in the following ways:
• Higher productivity
• Bringing down production costs
• Reducing the costs for materials and labour
• Boosting the company’s competitive edge
With proper installation, a small industrial robot can make all the difference in a small shop. It can help boost production as well as product quality and help the business to grow faster. Small and medium-sized companies have recognized the potential robotics bring to their businesses.
The secret is in choosing the right welding systems for your business needs. In addition, ensure there is adequate space available for your new equipment. Also, get your operators trained well for effective use of the welding robot.
Benefits of Robotic Welding for SMEs
Even a single robotic welding system will contribute greatly to a small shop. They can throw in benefits such as the following:
• Considerably improves production which results in more sales
• Improved quality of your product thus helping to reduce wastage and product callbacks
• Bring down production and material costs which gives you surplus funds to invest back into your business
• Working with limited supervision
• Freeing workers to take up more challenging cognitive tasks
Automated welding results in a lot more work getting done. The robots are capable of working for as long as you need them to. This is beneficial not only for small companies but also large ones. However, small companies gain more flexibility when they automate welding tasks.
Contemplating Automating Your Welding Tasks?
If you are considering automating your welding tasks, here is what you need to have in mind:
Identify Your Goals
Before you make the purchase, you need to be clear about your reasons for investing in this piece of equipment. These may include the following:
• Increasing the amount of work done
• Improving the quality of your product
• Filing in a talent gap
• Training for your welding operators
Once you determine your goals for the acquisition of the robot, you will decide if the investment is the right decision. You will also be in a position to pinpoint any challenges. Think about the following:
1. Justifying Your Purchase
A small business does not just make a purchase on a whim. They must be able to justify the investment with regard to ROI expectations. These must take into account the rate of labour as well as throughput.
Also, the specific needs of the facility must be considered. Some may require just one part with adequate volume to justify investing in automation. Others may need to bring together a number of parts to up their production for greater ROI.
All in all, the best justification would be an improvement in efficiency which rolls over to quality, volume and profits.
2. Space Available
You must determine whether there is space available for the welding robot. You may need to create space for it and that comes with costs and other inconveniences. However, in most cases, it will be worth the effort.
3. Workflow
Robotic welding commands a different workflow than semi-automated systems. A robotic system churns out up to five times more in the same time and demands that the orders are consistent throughout.
4. Cell Supervision and Training
If this is your first attempt at automation, training and supervision are crucial. Operators must be trained adequately and the work cell must be supervised. It is important to consider on-site training to get assistance with:
• Installation of the system
• Basic programming
• Operator training
Conclusion
Robotic welding is beneficial to your small facility as it helps to boost productivity as well as quality. This, in turn, improves your chances of beating your competition and helps you to expand faster.
