Home > Products > Welding Arm

Welding Arm – Types, Features, Benefits & Applications

A welding arm, also known as a welding manipulator or welding positioner, is a mechanical device designed to hold and maneuver welding tools, enhancing precision and efficiency in various welding applications. This article explores the features, types, and benefits of welding arms, as well as their applications in different industries.

Features of Welding Arms

  1. Adjustability: Welding arms offer flexible movement, allowing for precise X-Y-Z axis movement and alignment.
  2. Adjustable height: Accommodates various workpiece sizes.
  3. Repeatable positioning: Ensures consistent weld quality.
  4. Stability: Rigid construction ensures stable support, minimizing vibration and movement.
  5. Ergonomic Design: Optimized for comfortable operation, reducing fatigue and strain.
  6. Customization: Interchangeable tooling and adjustable arms accommodate various welding processes.

Types of Welding Arms

  1. Manual Welding Arms: Simple, cost-effective solutions for low-volume production.
  2. Pneumatic Welding Arms: Air-powered, offering increased precision and speed.
  3. Hydraulic Welding Arms: High-force, high-precision arms for heavy-duty applications.
  4. Robotic Welding Arms: Automated, programmable arms for high-volume production.
Welding Arms

Benefits of Welding Arms

  1. Increased Productivity: Streamlined welding processes reduce production time.
  2. Improved Accuracy: Precise control ensures high-quality welds.
  3. Enhanced Safety: Reduced risk of injury from manual welding.
  4. Cost Savings: Reduced labor costs and extended tool lifespan.

Applications of Welding Arms

  1. Aerospace: Precision welding for aircraft and spacecraft components.
  2. Automotive: High-volume production of vehicle parts.
  3. Shipbuilding: Heavy-duty welding for ship construction.
  4. Construction: Welding for building frameworks and infrastructure.
  5. Manufacturing: General fabrication, repair, and maintenance.
  6. Oil and Gas: Welding pipelines and equipment.

Key Components and Features

  1. Column: A sturdy vertical support structure providing stability.
  2. Boom: A horizontal arm extending from the column, supporting the welding head.
  3. Welding Head: Houses the welding torch, wire feeder, and control systems.
  4. Precision Movement: X-Y-Z axis movement for accurate weld placement.
  5. Adjustable Height: Accommodates various workpiece sizes.
  6. Welding Head Rotation: Allows easy access to complex weld joints.
  7. Repeatable Positioning: Ensures consistent weld quality.

Below are the details of the welding arm made by Advanced Power Sources LTD.

  • Vertical movement: 1 Mtr.
  • Horizontal movement: 1 Mtr.
  • Horizontal travel using Pneumatic Cylinder while vertical travel by Lead Screw.
  • LM Guide used as Guiding path on column and boom for smooth movement which makes it ideal for the MIG, TIG and SAW welding processes.
  • Z Slide is provided for torch adjustment.
  • Waving Unit is attached for precise welding.
  • Slider with Wheel mechanism is used as proximity sensor.
  • A Pneumatic Cylinder is provided for spring effect, which is used for adjustment of Torch with proper distance for welding.

Features of Welding Arm made in APS.

Return to initial position

After completion of job, torch returns to its home position with the help of pneumatic cylinder.

Mechanical proximity sensors to maintain fixed distance between job and torch

Mechanical proximity sensor(Spring load system) is used to maintain uniform distance between torch and the job.

Welding Oscillator

Welding Oscillator is a mechanical or automated system that moves the welding torch in a predetermined pattern during the welding process. Weaving of the torch is required to fill the gap between jobs and achieve a proper welding.

Features List:

IndexPARAMETERRangeUnits
1Waving Angle0º-25º degreedegree
2Waving Speed0-20 mm/sec.mm/sec.
3Centre pause time0-10 sec.sec.
4Left pause time0-10 sec.sec.
5Right pause time0-10 sec.sec.
6Torch rotates0º-360º degreedegree

Manufacturers and Innovations:

Prominent manufacturers, such as Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, ESAB, Panasonic, and Kuka, continuously innovate and improve column and boom welding machines.

Welding Arms Manufacturers

Conclusion

Welding arms are versatile tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and safety in various welding applications. By selecting the right type of welding arm, industries can optimize their production processes, reduce costs, and improve overall quality.