Do you think your shop is too small for a robotic welding system? Do your calculations show that you are not producing enough parts to consider automation? Do you think you would never be able to justify the cost of a system to top management? If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you may be surprised to note that shops who may have never considered automation before, are now turning to robotic systems in record numbers. There are a number of reasons for this.

by Jerry Cook
Employing  modular fixturing systems has improved productivity and reduced costs for welding operations for a large program at John G. Wilson Machine Ltd., Princeton, ON (jgwilson.on.ca).

In recent years, the use of aluminum in manufacturing has become more prevalent because of its light weight and other attributes that make it an attractive alternative to steel.

Applying the principles of lean manufacturing to welding can yield significant benefits including increased welding quality, reduced waste, and cost savings.