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CD-ROM THAT EXPLAINS HOW WELDING EFFICIENCY CAN BE MAXIMISED RELEASED BY ESAB
As a world leader in welding, ESAB is in an unrivalled position to advise on the benefits of welding automation. For example, in some cases it is appropriate to use simple, low-cost mechanisation to boost efficiency and achieve a fast payback, but, elsewhere, fully automatic welding may deliver the ultimate in productivity and flexibility. Between these extremes, there is a wide range of applications for which some degree of automation can deliver substantial benefits. ESAB's experience enables practical advice to be given in all circumstances, whether the aim is to raise the deposition rate, increase the arc time factor, or mechanise a process so an operative can monitor multiple welding operations concurrently. It should be remembered, too, that a simple welding carriage can pay for itself in as little as three weeks. While some customers are mainly interested in reducing the cost per component, others are keen to increase throughput without increasing labour or floor space. Either way, welding automation can be the economical answer. In addition to process efficiency, automation helps to enhance consistency and quality. In turn, these can help fabrication shops save cost through a reduced need for finishing and rework. The Maximising Welding Efficiency CD-Rom discusses all aspects of welding automation, such as basic welding mechanisation, workpiece handling equipment, and fully customised and automated production systems that integrate cutting, welding, materials handling and quality assurance/control. Included within this is the friction stir welding process that is used, for example, to weld aluminium fuel tanks for the aerospace industry. If required, ESAB can undertake an efficiency evaluation of a proposed or existing welding process, whether or not it is automated. Recommendations on cost-effective improvements can then be made, which might be as straightforward as optimising the welding parameters for the process currently in use. Further advice on the selection of consumables (wires and fluxes) can also be provided as part of this service. Other aspects of welding automation that should not be forgotten include ergonomic and environmental issues, plus training and, of course, worldwide technical support. All of these are considered on the CD-Rom. Most fabrication shops have facilities for cutting, and ESAB's CD-Rom also covers the important subject of automating the cutting process. Indeed, if welding is automated, cutting can soon become a bottleneck unless it, too, is automated. Furthermore, automated edge preparation plays an important role in optimising the joint for automated welding, plus offline programming maximises machine uptime, nesting software minimises wastage, and automatic marking of cut components enhances production efficiency.
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