Welding robots compose the most widely utilized category of used industrial robots. The main types of robotic welding are robotic arc welding and resistance welding. Resistance welding, specifically automated spot welding, accounts for thirty percent of all robotic welding applications. Models including the Motoman ES165D and the FANUC R2000ic/210F are designed specifically for resistance welding. Below is a list of some of the key benefits of robotic resistance welding that have contributed to its dominance in manufacturing.

• • Economical - One of the biggest benefits of robotic resistance welding is that it is an economical welding application, allowing businesses to achieve healthier bottom lines. Automating welding processes in general with articulated robots saves on production costs. There are no salaries for robots and their productivity, consistency, and repeatability means they can weld more parts for less money than manual welders. Robotic resistance welders prove to be even more cost-effective since they do not require the consumables needed for arc welding applications. Arc welding requires filler wire, shielding gas, and the replacement of nozzle tips. A ABB 6640 will cost less per weld since it uses few consumables for spot welding. Shielding gas and filler wire are never needed and resistance welding guns are able to reuse their contact tips instead of having to frequently replace them. In additional, most used industrial robots for sale that were performing resistance welding applications come complete and readh to be put back in production.


• • Clean - The resistance welding process is overall cleaner and better for the environment than other types of welding applications. Resistance welding robots produce less spatter, helping to keep the surrounding work area clean as well as the workpiece itself. Smoke and fumes are also less common with this welding method, helping to reduce the amount of pollution produced from manufacturing facilities.


• • Less Time Consuming - One of the main advantages of automating with industrial robots is their fast operation speeds. This is even more evident with robotic resistance welding. Resistance welding robots significantly reduce cycle times with their ability to move quickly from weld to weld, within a matter of seconds. One FANUC R2000ib/250F can weld the same number of parts as two or three workers. In addition, cycle times are further reduced with resistance welding since there is no weld part preparation needed and few consumables required. Robotic resistance welding can cut cycle times in half as opposed to manual welding.


• • Reliable - Having a reliable welding method is key to ensuring the overall efficiency of a manufacturing operation. Robotic resistance welding is reliable, producing consistent and uniform parts. With resistance welding heat is applied to a small area of a workpiece for a short amount of time, preventing parts from becoming distorted or damaged. Less spatter produced during the welding process prevents parts from becoming contaminated. In addition, with most resistance welding applications the weld join is located in between part layers. With no visible weld seams part deformities are less likely.


• • Safe - Manual welding can be risky to the health and safety of workers, which is why welding robots are so common. Even with welding robots, additional safeguards are needed to protect floor workers from arc light, spatter, and sparks. However, with robotic resistance welding the safeguarding required is simplified as there are far fewer sparks or spatter and no UV light to protect against.