Robotic welding machines are a necessary part of automated welding systems. Robotic welding equipment provide a number of advantages over manual welding equipment. Higher productivity and superior repeatability are the most important features of robot welders. The robot welders also eliminate the need of human operator in hazardous environments.

However, do not opt for robotic welders just for the sake of the modern automated technology. The parameters you must consider are the production requirement, possible variations in terms of number of products and product type, need of robotic welding accessories and regular monitoring of your robotic welding systems. Another important aspect you must consider is the payback time for the robotic welding systems that you want to install.

Some important parameters you must consider before buying robotic welding equipment are:

1. Type of welding process
2. Parameters related to the welding process
3. Features of robot welders including number of axes, programming interface payload capacity and reach
4. Requirement of robotic welding accessories

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy robotic welding equipment from a reputable manufacturer

Once you identify your requirements for robotic welding machines, check out different industrial robotic welders and workcells available in the market. Opt for a robot welder with more than required capacities is always a better decision, as up-gradation of the robotic welding system is quiet expensive and time-consuming task.

I recommend: FANUC Robotics, a leading industrial robot manufacturer, supplies spot welding robots and arc welding robots. You can automate your metal inert gas (MIG) welding or tungsten inert gas welding process with the help of The Lincoln Electric Company that designs and manufactures a robotic MIG welder or a robotic TIG welder as per your requirements. Motoman is another industrial robot manufacturer that provides robotic welding equipment and robotic welding work cells. Panasonic, a reputable robotic system manufacturer, offers a range of robotic arc welders.

Buy robotic welding equipment from reputable distributors or retailers

You can compare different robot welders and workcells based on their features and prices at distributors or retailers' websites. If robot welding machines prices do not meet your budget, opt for used robot welding equipment.

I recommend: KC Robotics is a one-stop industrial robot shop where you can buy robot welders. RobotWorx is another distributor of industrial robots that supplies new as well as used robotic welders. You can buy used robotic MIG welder at Industrial Robot Supply, a reputable retailer of used robotic equipment.

Buy standard robotic welding accessories and safety devices

Purchase robotic welding accessories and safety devices to ensure an efficient and safe operation of your robotic welding systems.

I recommend: ATI Industrial Automation, an innovative developer of robotic accessories and robot arm tooling, supplies robotic welding accessories such as welding torches, utility couplers and tool changers. You can buy teach pendants, servomotors and wire feeders for your robot welders at Trend Robotics. RZ Automation, a reputable supplier to automation companies, offers robotic control products in addition to industrial robots. Merritt Precision Technology is another supplier of robotic welding accessories.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Install proper safety devices such as anti-collision mechanisms to avoid accidents in your robotic welding systems.
• •  Consult an expert before modifying your existing robotic welding systems.