Page 159 - Welding of Aluminium and its Alloys

142 The welding of aluminium and its alloys

7.19 Pulsed MIG power source interfaced with a robot and
manipulator. Courtesy TPS-Fronius Ltd.

• The above advantages mean that less welding time is required and
rework rates will be reduced, giving major improvements in productiv-
ity and reductions in cost.
• There is no need for the skilled welder required for manual welding, a
major advantage in view of the current shortage of highly skilled
welders.The loading and unloading of the welding cell can be performed
by unskilled workers, although knowledgeable and experienced engi-
neers will be needed to programme and maintain the equipment.

There are some disadvantages to mechanised and robotic welding. Weld
preparations need to be more accurate and consistent; more planning is
needed to realise fully the benefits; capital expenditure will be required to
purchase manipulators and handling equipment; maintenance costs may
well be higher than with manual equipment and the full benefits of high
deposition rates may only be achieved in the flat or horizontal–vertical posi-
tion. Despite these problems there is an increased usage of mechanised and
automated MIG equipment because of the financial benefits that may be
achieved.