In simple words, welding is defined as the process of assembling small and big fabricated parts of metal with solid bonds. It is a precision fabrication technique available in manual and robotic forms. Manual welding comprises human experience and skills, but robotic welding deals with robotic automation and assistance. Both techniques are used in the fabrication process, but the nature of the project decides which technique is more suitable.
Today, artificial intelligence plays its role and creates wonders. Now industries rely on manual and robotic welding techniques, especially the fabrication process is incomplete without them. You can understand the importance of manual and robotic welding techniques only with the help of the following comparison. Let’s discuss both and make a difference between both of them.
Comparison of Robotic welding vs. Manual welding
The full-service fabrication workshops offer both manual and robotic welding. If we discuss each method, you must learn more about the pros and cons of both welding techniques. Let’s have a look one by one.
Robot Welding:
Robotic welding comprises robotic assistance or a complete automated process. It can safely complete the fabrication and manufacturing process, especially when dealing with monotonous or dangerous tasks. The advancement of robotic welding technology progressively increased its importance as it became more efficient and perfect over time.
Although robots complete their tasks efficiently, they are mainly operated by humans. The robot works according to the programming design by experts, who give the machine different commands. As a result, different types of welding took place, including:
- Arc
- Resistance
- Spot
- TIG
- MIG and more
Many fabrication companies prefer the robotic technique because its advance and takes less time in any task. Although professional people prefer manual welding, the robotic technique is the substitute. If we talk about work efficiency, robotic welding can be programmed for a particular weld or for an assembly line where it has to weld repeatedly.
Human involvement in robotic welding is not essential as some welding tasks require a weld only, but some projects require arrangements where human involvement is a need.
Manual Welding:
It’s a traditional way to weld things but also deals with different types of machines. The expert and experienced welder can perform different types of welding styles just like robotic ones. The only need is to get the experience and expertise that can be taken through training and hard work.
Different small and big fabrication companies prefer to get the assistance of trained welders because if the robotic welding is not working, the manual welding procedure will be enough to complete the project where robotic technique is essential for time-saving tasks where manual welding can perform some complex welding with different types of material and techniques.
There is a thin line between manual and robotic welding because both are beneficial and can easily complete complex tasks. The welder selects the suitable technique according to the need of the work. Robotic welding can improve speed, but the manual method is nearly perfect.
Advantages of Robotic Welding
Here we are going to elaborate on the advantages of robotic welding so you can choose it in your time of need.
1. Maintain the Quality:
To maintain the automated processes and weld integrity, the programmers of the robotic technique control the machine. The expert welder always ensures reliable performance and accuracy.
2. Better Safety and output:
Mostly robots are chosen to get accurate performance even in high repeatable tasks. They give a secure and competent work environment which is essential for any company. Moreover, fatigue and injury are two significant concerns in human activities eliminated in robotic welding.
3. Decrease Material Waste:
In robotic tasks, they only perform the tasks ordered by the programmer. Therefore, there is less chance of damage and wastage of material. Manual errors are common, but the robot always delivers accurate results.
4. Reduced Labor Costs:
In semi or fully automated systems, many operations require a labor force, but when you have a robotic system, it will reduce the labor cost. Some people claim that robotic technology is expensive, but it’s a one-time investment that will give benefits for a long time. It will not only reduce the cost of operation but also complete the task in less time.
Nothing in the world has no disadvantage, so let’s describe some cons of robotic welding.
Disadvantages of Robotic Welding:
Some cons are as follows:
1. Big Investment:
It’s a one-time investment and beneficial for many reasons, but the maintenance cost of a robotic welding system will cost you a lot. The money you save from the labor side will be used to upgrade the machine. Many small fabrication companies never rely on it.
2. Declined Flexibility:
One of the significant drawbacks of a robotic welding system is its single-style programming. One machine is designed to deliver a specific job. For example, a robotic welding machine can only handle welding tasks, but manual force can deal with multiple tasks.
3. Reliance:
The work dependency will be all on the accuracy of the robot, and by chance, if the malfunction occurs, you will bear time and production loss. Where robotic welding is beneficial, on the other hand, its error will be a disaster. After the pros and cons of Robotic welding, let’s discuss manual welding and its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Manual Welding:
Manual welding is a traditional way to weld joints and goods. Professional people always prefer the manual welding style due to the following reasons:
1. Detailed work:
You can get excellent quality with detailed work experience only in manual welding. Machines can perform the given tasks, but in manual work, professionals work with detailing and try to make the perfect ending.
2. Improved Flexibility:
In any industry or task, flexibility is the main factor that we cannot neglect. The robotic technique will never give flexibility, but manual work will do. The fabricator quickly deals with multi-tasking, but with robotic technology, they can’t do such things.
3. Mental Awareness:
As a result of the psychological cycles engaged with manual welding, if an issue emerges during creation or on the assembling floor, a human welder will pause and resolve the issue immediately. Interestingly, until the regulator perceives the issue, a mechanical welder will keep rehashing the errand as customized until it breakdowns.
Disadvantages of Manual Welding:
After some advantages, now it’s time to discuss them.
1. Limits:
There are no cons connected with manual welding, just limits. Manual welding processes take more prominent time, and such errands can’t be performed at the speed and proficiency that a robot can play out the undertaking.
2. Repeatability:
Manual welding can’t efficiently manufacture a section or part precisely the same way each and every time.
3. Expected Injury:
Welding isn’t without a component of chance. Individuals can and do land harmed in the position. In case of a robot system separates, it might slow creation, yet it can’t be harmed.
Learning the upsides and downsides of automated and manual welding is advantageous, assuming you need metal manufacture. The two enjoy benefits and impediments, yet the application is the fundamental motivation to pick one over the other.
Where to find a reliable Fabrication Company?
Google is the answer to your question, but you have to be aware of the reality of the day. Steel fabrication is not easy; only experts can complete it perfectly. Therefore we suggest hiring the experts only.
Al Safrik Steel is one of the finest fabricators in UAE and offers premium quality steel fabrication on-demand. The company has reliable and trustworthy fabrication services that you can check online. Al Safrik steel is famous for its commercial project where the company design and manufactures heavy-duty machines, Steel trolleys, and other Steel Product. You can visit us @Al Safrik Steel to check the availability of your required product, or you can order from us.
