16.1 Introduction

MIG welding is used both in manual and automatic operations. Automation includes equipment especially built for specific workpieces or groups of workpieces as well as robotised solutions. The use of robots is increasing since the flexibility of the movement and the programming means that it is easy to adapt the equipment to new objects. The standardised robotic solutions are in most cases also much cheaper than the purpose-built solutions. For automatic welding the reliability of the welding process and the equipment must be very high. In manual welding the welder controls the process and has different means to correct the discrepancies that may appear. All these controls must be taken into account in automation either by actions before the welding or during the process.

The advantages of robotic welding are:

• High productivity mainly due to increased arc time and higher welding speeds.

• More consistent weld quality and often also better quality than for manual welding.

• Better working conditions.

• In many cases lack of well-trained manual welders.

• A more efficient organisation formed around the robot station.

The limitations may be:

• Higher demands on design.

• Need of more accurate preparation of the parts to be welded and the fixtures.

• Better stability of the process and the equipment compared to manual welding.

• A need of more knowledge in the workshop about programming and service of robots.

In this chapter some important points to overcome these problems are discussed. These general aspects are followed by...