Robotic welding

Abstract

Robotic welding is continued to be one of the most popular applications of robots. Traditionally, spot welding process has been the biggest use of robots especially in the automotive industry. As the robot becomes cheaper and easier to program, there are increasing implementations of robotic welding systems in many other industries such as shipbuilding, offshore, construction, and job shops. This chapter gives an overview of the types of robotic welding systems and their key components. It focuses on the arc welding processes which have been dominantly used in the various industries. The critical features of the robotic welding system for maximizing the welding quality, operational flexibility and productivity are discussed. These features are in the robot configurations, sensing, programming, workpiece handling, as well as welding process control.