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Economical numbers of a welding robot

Cost of manuel welding​

​When calculating the total cost of a manual welder in a factory, there are several items that you need to take into account. These include the cost of the welder’s labor, the cost of the materials used in the welding process, such as filler metal and shielding gas, and the overhead costs associated with the welding process, such as rent, electricity, equipment depreciation, protective clothing, and contributions towards profits. ​

​It is also important to consider the cost of training and any additional benefits provided to the welder, such as pension, medical aid, and leave. By taking all of these factors into account, you can accurately calculate the total cost of a manual welder in a factory.​

Robot vs manual welder​

​When comparing the output of a welding robot with manual welding, it is important to take into account the duty cycle and overall equipment efficiency. A manual welder typically has a duty cycle of 15 to 20%, while a robot system must achieve at least an overall equipment efficiency of 80% and a duty cycle of the robot programs of 65%. This means that the welding robot can operate for longer periods of time and at a higher efficiency than a manual welder.​

To calculate the output of a welding robot compared with manual welding, you can use the following formula: (Robot Duty Cycle Robot Overall Equipment Efficiency) / Manual Welder Duty Cycle. Using the values you provided, this would be (65% 80%) / 15% = 347%. This means that the welding robot can produce 3.47 times more output than a manual welder, assuming the same level of quality.​

It is important to note that this is a rough estimate and the actual output may vary depending on several factors such as the complexity of the welding task, the skill of the manual welder, and the efficiency of the robot system.​

The availability of skilled manual welders is becoming a problem for many companies. As a result, more companies are receiving orders that they cannot fulfill due to a lack of capacity in manual welding. This is driving the need for automation with welding robots. Automation with welding robots is not just a choice, but a necessity for many companies. It is only a matter of time before more companies adopt this technology to keep up with demand and remain competitive. Automation with welding robots can help increase productivity, improve quality, and reduce costs.​

Knowledge

What to be known?

IWE/IWS/IWT

  • What is the OEE that is minimum recommended when you invest in an arc welding robot system

IWE/IWT only

  • A welding robot installation has an OEE of 85%. The welding robot programs have an operating time of 75%. The manual welder achieves a total duty cycle of 15%. How many manual welders can I follow with the robot installation? 

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