Learn more about welding automation, robotic MIG guns, welding consumables and more from our informative technical articles and case studies. To have new articles delivered to your inbox, please sign up for our Amperage e-newsletter.
- MIG Welding BasicsMIG Welding Basics When it comes to MIG welding, it’s important for new welders to start with the basics to set a solid foundation for success. The process is generally forgiving, making it simpler to learn than TIG welding, for example. It can weld most metals and, as a continuously fed process, offers greater speed […]
- MIG Welding Glossary: Terms To KnowMIG Welding Glossary: Terms To Know Welders use MIG welding in many industries — fabrication, manufacturing, shipbuilding and rail to name a few. While it is a common process, it requires attention to detail, and it is helpful to know some key terms associated with it. As with any process, the better the understanding, the […]
- MIG Welding Techniques: What To KnowMIG Welding Techniques: What To Know Understanding some proper techniques for MIG welding can help welders gain good weld quality and avoid the frustration and cost of rework. Everything from proper positioning of the MIG welding gun to travel angle and travel speed can make an impact. Consider these four recommended techniques: While welding, hold […]
- Solving Common Causes of Welding PorositySolving Common Causes of Welding Porosity Porosity, cavity-type discontinuities formed by gas entrapment during solidification, is a common but cumbersome defect in MIG welding and one with several causes. It can appear in semi-automatic or robotic applications and requires removal and rework in both cases — leading to downtime and increased costs. The major cause […]
- Employee Retention: Best Practices for Keeping Welders EngagedEmployee Retention: Best Practices for Keeping Welders Engaged The welding industry, like many others, is challenged by a labor shortage — and one that is growing. By 2023, the American Welding Society (AWS) anticipates the welder shortage to reach approximately 375,000, as an increasing number of experienced welders reach retirement age and leave the field.[1] […]
- Pulsed Welding and Through-Arm Robots: What to Know
Pulsed Welding and Through-Arm Robots: What to Know After early adoption by the automotive industry, the combination of pulsed gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and through-arm robots has become a more common part of automated welding operations in general manufacturing and fabrication. In fact, through-arm robots have largely replaced conventional ones in the last decade […] - The Value of Welding Consumables TrialsThe Value of Welding Consumables Trials In both semi-automatic and automated welding cells, the upfront cost of welding consumables is low compared to the overall expense for equipment, materials and labor. Yet when companies accrue downtime for excessive welding contact tip changeover or troubleshooting poor wire feeding associated with liner issues, costs can quickly compound. […]
- Understanding the Impact of Time Sinks in Robotic WeldingUnderstanding the Impact of Time Sinks in Robotic Welding No robotic welding cell operates at 100% capacity. Parts handling, fixturing, periodic rework and even employee breaks all affect a robot’s ability to be completely efficient. However, there are common time sinks that can further hinder productivity — and they can easily lead to increased costs […]
- How to Reduce Welding Gun Wear and Extend Gun LifeHow to Reduce Welding Gun Wear and Extend Gun Life Knowing the common causes of MIG gun wear — and how to eliminate them — is a good step toward minimizing downtime and costs for addressing issues. Like any equipment in a welding operation, MIG guns are subject to routine wear and tear. The environment […]
- 8 Manufacturing Cost-Reduction Strategies for Welding Operations8 Manufacturing Cost Reduction Strategies for Welding Operations Cost overruns in a manufacturing welding operation can come from many places. Whether it’s a semi-automatic or robotic weld cell, some common culprits of unnecessary costs are unplanned downtime and lost labor, consumable waste, repairs and rework, and lack of operator training. Many of these factors are […]
- Cobots and Cobot MIG Guns: What To Know for Manufacturing Welding OperationsCobots and Cobot MIG Guns: What To Know for Manufacturing Welding Operations Traditional robotic welding systems can deliver many benefits, but they aren’t always the right solution for every manufacturer. In applications where implementing a robotic weld cell isn’t the answer, some companies are turning to collaborative robots, or cobots. While not new to […]
- Creating a Smooth Wire Feeding Path for MIG WeldingCreating a Smooth Wire Feeding Path for MIG Welding In MIG welding applications, having a smooth wire feeding path is critical. The welding wire must be able to feed easily from the spool on the feeder through the power pin, liner and gun and up to the contact tip to establish the arc. This allows […]
- 5 Tips for Robotic Welding Process and Project Planning5 Tips for Robotic Welding Process and Project Planning Robotic welding projects can arise in a number of ways — from a smaller shop expanding its capabilities to a large original equipment manufacturer (OEM) awarding new business or even a new company establishing itself within the competitive landscape. Regardless of the circumstances, it’s critical to […]
- Ways Welding Reamers Support Quality, Productivity and Safety
Ways Welding Reamers Support Quality, Productivity and Safety A successful robotic welding operation depends on the ability to maintain high levels of quality and productivity, while also keeping costs low. Unplanned downtime associated with consumable or equipment problems jeopardizes these goals. It can also increase the labor needed for troubleshooting and resolving issues. But above […] - AccuLock Consumables Save Time and Money in MIG Consumable ChangeoverAccuLock™ Consumables Save Time and Money in MIG Consumable Changeover They may seem like small pieces of a welding operation but when consumables aren’t properly installed or maintained, big problems can result — from poor wire feeding to weld quality issues. Related troubleshooting and rework cause costly downtime and lost productivity. Consumable changeover can […]
- Improve Productivity by Preventing 5 Common MIG Welding Problems
Improve Productivity by Preventing 5 Common MIG Welding Problems Downtime and rework can be costly for manufacturing operations. The last thing any production team wants to do is the same work twice. If you add to that any time spent troubleshooting issues in the weld cell — the lost production time can start to accumulate quickly. […] - Implementing a Robotic Welding System: 5 Common Questions Answered
Implementing a Robotic Welding System: 5 Common Questions Answered Many manufacturing operations want to improve productivity and weld quality. Robotic welding can often help achieve these goals. But success with a welding robot doesn’t happen by chance. It takes a lot of upfront planning to help minimize the time and money you need later to […] - Manufacturer Cuts $45,000 of Costs With New MIG Welding Guns and Consumables
Manufacturer Cuts $45,000 of Costs With New MIG Welding Guns and Consumables General Kinematics — a premier manufacturer of vibrating equipment for processing bulk materials — has been providing consistent, on-time and innovative solutions to its customers for more than 60 years. The company prides itself on offering rugged, cutting-edge equipment to manage difficult-to-process materials across […] - How to Prevent 5 Common Welding Gun Failures
How to Prevent 5 Common Welding Gun Failures Having the right equipment in the welding operation is important — and making sure it works when it’s needed is even more so. Welding gun failures cause lost time and money, not to mention frustration. Like with many other aspects of the welding operation, the most important […] - From Semi-Automatic to Automatic: Tips for Selecting a Welding Gun
From Semi-Automatic to Automatic: Tips for Selecting a Welding Gun Choosing the right equipment for a welding operation is critical to achieving high weld quality and productivity while also eliminating costly downtime. And that includes welding guns. In many cases, companies may have a mix of welding processes and guns. For example, in heavy equipment […]