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Welding
We all know that automation is the way forward in manufacturing. But for many, the thought of implementing automation is overwhelming.
What if we told you that implementing automation into your current setup isn’t as difficult as you think?
With the right support and partnership, automating your welding operations can be a seamless process.
Cobots are an easy way to automate parts of your fabrication process that require skilled welders to be involved.
But to be successful, you need to choose a supplier that provides support and training to get you up and running. Let’s explore why this really matters.
When introducing cobots to your workflow, the first thing you should do is define what a successful implementation looks like for your business.
Be as specific as you can be here. You want to keep your focus on factors that are important to your business, rather than getting distracted by fancy features.
We studied companies that succeeded with their cobot welding implementations and found four key factors that boosted success.
If you’re like most fabricators, you likely have a backlog of work you can’t ignore. The longer it takes to get cobots into production, the more unmanageable your backlog becomes.
When you invest in a cobot system, you’ll only see the returns once it is fully in production. Any delays in installation and learning will set you back financially, and your backlog will only get worse.
The solution is a short implementation cycle that prepares your team to use the cobot. To do this, you need to find a solution that doesn’t just claim to be easy to use but also backs up those claims.
It’s hard enough to find skilled welders these days.
Finding one that also has cobot skills and experience is even harder.
That’s why you need a system that your current workers can use.
The last thing you have time for is getting lost in the hiring process while your cobot sits there unused. Your backlog will continue to grow, and you’ll be frustrated because your new system isn’t producing.
When investing in a robotic welding solution, companies typically designate a single person to learn and master the new technology.
That individual will spend weeks in training to become the robotic cell’s primary resource. Sending additional employees for training is impractical because it takes staff away from their production tasks.
If this key individual is absent from work or leaves the company, you lose the time and resources you’ve invested in training them.
To mitigate this risk, it’s crucial to have a backup of knowledge within the team. Opt for simple, easy-to-learn solutions to make knowledge transfer among team members easier.
When implementing a new technology, it’s normal to make adjustments as you optimize your setup. With cobot welding, adjusting welding parameters is a key part of the process because cobots introduce weld speed and consistency changes. This means manual welding parameters must be tested and refined for this new setup.
When issues arise, your team will need to know how to troubleshoot. Troubleshooting and repeating a task can initially affect productivity, so it’s crucial to streamline these processes.
As I’m sure you’ve seen, there are a lot of cobot welding solutions available. How do you choose the right one for your operations? The #1 factor you should consider is the training and support the supplier offers. Here’s why.
A supplier with a solid training and support system can eliminate many of the barriers to getting started and being successful with your project. The right balance of ease of use, training, and support can increase your chances of a successful cobot implementation.
Choosing a supplier with a comprehensive training and support program will significantly reduce the setup and training time, allowing you to tackle your production and backlog faster. Having an expert to guide you through installation and set-up will streamline the process. They can address any challenges that may come up, ensuring a smooth and rapid transition to production. They will also provide training in new welding technologies. This knowledge will boost the confidence of your welders and ensure the cobot is seamlessly integrated into your workflow, enhancing weld quality and consistency. This on-site help is key to avoiding delays and starting your projects sooner.
Adding a cobot to your welding process shouldn’t require hiring an expert with robotics skills. The best cobot welding system is one that your current welders can use.
Choose a system that is easy to understand and operate. If a background in automation is needed to run the cobot - it’s too complicated.
By tapping into the skills of your existing workforce, you can boost your production without the need to hire more staff.
Instead of relying on just one resource, teach several people how to use the cobot. This way, if someone is out or leaves, you’re not stuck.
Sharing knowledge among the team means you keep valuable skills in-house, even if people come and go.
“As long as I have a job programmed on the cobot, I can put anyone on it,” says Skyvington. “If they understand our safety procedures and know what we’re running in the ESAB Cobot cell — which is incredibly intuitive compared to a traditional cell — anyone in the shop can step in and run the cobot when needed.” - Skyvington is a proponent of having a smaller, cross-trained staff, rather than a larger, specialized staff.
When more team members understand how to work with cobots, they can help each other. This keeps things running smoothly, increases productivity, and strengthens your team.
When selecting a cobot for your welding operations, look beyond the claims of “ease of use”. Do your homework to find a cobot that truly fits your needs in terms of simplicity, along with robust support and training.
If you are ready to implement a cobot into your operations, we are ready to show you what our technology can do for you.
Contact us for a demo, and discover what ESAB can do for you.
We studied companies that succeeded with their cobot welding implementations and found the key factors that boosted success. These can increase your chances of success.
Time-to-Production of A New Cobot Welding System
You need to find a solution that has a short implementation cycle that fully prepares your team to use cobots. To do this, you need to find a solution that doesn’t just claim to be easy to use, but also backs up those claims.
Avoid Another Hiring Problem
Implementing a system that your current workers can use is important. The last thing you have time for is getting lost in the hiring process, while your cobot sits there unused.
Redundancy of Internal Knowledge
When a company invests in a robotic welding solution, they typically designate a single person to learn and master the new technology. Opting for simpler and easy to learn solutions can facilitate easier knowledge transfer among team members.
Troubleshooting and Iteration Speed
With cobot welding, adjusting welding parameters is a key part of the process because cobots introduce weld speed and consistency changes. The quicker you can navigate through iterations and troubleshooting, the sooner you’ll achieve full production capacity.
Implementing cobots in your fabrication business doesn’t have to be hard. With the right training and support, you can get up and running quickly.
Select the right cobot welding system for your operations.
There are lots of different cobot welding solutions available on the market. When selecting a cobot welding solution for your business, consider elements like your technical needs and the supplier.
Training and support boost the success of a cobot implementation.
A supplier with a solid training and support system can eliminate many of the barriers to getting started and being successful with cobots. Choose a solution that makes knowledge sharing easy, doesn’t require you to hire an expert, and reduces time to production.
Find a company that supports your success.
When selecting a cobot for your welding operations, it’s crucial to look beyond just the claims of ease of use. Doing your homework to find a cobot that truly fits your needs in terms of simplicity, alongside robust support and training, is key.
Want to learn more about successfully integrating cobots into your workshop? Contact us today.