Used FANUC Welding Robots
Welding is one of the most common applications for industrial robots. Nearly half of all active articulated robots are used to automate a welding process. With increasing welder shortages, rising material costs, and the high level of skill required more manufacturers are looking to automate their welding applications.
FANUC robots are integrated into thousands of plants around the world. For over 25 years the FANUC Arcmate Series robots have been the optimal choice in robotic arc welding for robotic integrators, automative plants, and production facilities. FANUC welding robots are often the first choice of many manufacturers when it comes to welding automation. FANUC is known for their highly reliable industrial robots and offers an extensive product line. They have developed six axis robots for both arc welding and spot welding applications. Although welding automation provides numerous benefits, one of the biggest obstacles for companies is the startup cost. Several components go into a robotic welding system besides the industrial robot, sending the price well over six figures for a brand new system. However, there is one way to make welding automation more affordable and that is by investing in a used FANUC welding robot. Used FANUC welding robots are common in the used robotic marketplace and offer a great option to automate an arc welding application.
What FANUC Welding Robots can be Purchased Used?
Since FANUC has manufactured a wide variety of welding robots over the years there are a number of them that can be purchased used. Many of FANUC’s Arc Mate robots can be found on the second-hand market. The Arc Mate 100i, 100iBs, and 100iCs can be purchased used. Buyers can get an excellent price for a used FANUC Arcmate 100ic/6L. Many of FANUC’s Arc Mate 120is can also be found used, including the Arcmate 120ic/10L and Arcmate 120ib/10L. Used FANUC Arc Mate robots can automate arc welding processes including MIG, TIG, and plasma. They can also be used for robotic laser welding.Those looking to automate a spot welding application should consider used robots from FANUC’s R-2000 and S-430 series. The FANUC R-2000ib/165F can automate spot welding as well as material handling applications making it an ideal general purpose robot. The FANUC S-430iw is a spot welding robot from the FANUC S series.
Why Buy a Used FANUC Welding Robot?
The number one reason to buy a used FANUC welding robot is it is significantly less expensive than a new welding robot. Used FANUC welding robots make welding automation affordable and obtainable for small to mid size companies or those with limited capital. With a used FANUC welding robot buyers will get the same benefits as a new robot but with less upfront cost.Another reason to consider used is the short lead times. Used FANUC robots are ready for immediate shipping allowing buyers to automate quickly. New welding robots can have long lead times with some taking months before they ship. For manufacturers with labor shortages or an inoperable robot, waiting months for a new robot would be extremely costly for productivity rates as well as financially.
Some of the benefits of used FANUC welding robots include:
- Welder Integration - Most used FANUC welding robots already have the welding supply, wire feeder, and torch integrated to them. Thousands of FANUC Arcmate 120ib and FANUC Arcmate 100ib models have been used in production lines of large production facilities since FANUC began to manufacture them. In order to perform their necessary application they were integrated Lincoln welders such as the Lincoln Powerwave 455M. Later FANUC arc welding robots such as the FANUC Arcmate 120ic and FANUC Arcmate 100ic were integrated with the Lincoln Powerwave i400 welder.
- Additional Axis Integration - Most used welding cells that perform various robotic arc welding application also include additional axis in the form of a servo driven positioner. Servo controller positioners allow the robot to interact and rotate the welding table or positioner increasing efficiency and decreasing cycle time. There are many forms of positioners including ferris wheel style, tilt/rotate, 180 degree turn tables, and headstock/tailstocks.
- Commonality In The Market - Most used FANUC welding cells are some of the most commonly used robots in the world. There are many benefits to using common robots even if they are not the best fit. Trying to obtain a direct replacement or parts in the event of a breakdown is much easier if the robot is common in the market.
- Knowledgable Work Force - The high use of FANUC robots in the world has led to a high demand for FANUC trained operators. As such, getting technical support and hiring operating personnel with experience operating FANUC welding robots is much easier than a less popular brand.