What is robotic spot welding?
Matthew Perez
Updated on April 22, 2026
Spot welding is a resistance welding process that uses large electrical current to join two or more sheets of metal in a single location. Spot welding technology has evolved through its extensive use in automobile manufacturing using articulated robots.
What is robotic welding called?
Robotic welding, also known as automated welding, refers to the process of fusing two materials together using mechanized programmable tools that heat, mix, and cool metal materials.Which robot is used for spot welding applications?
1 Robot: The robots used for spot welding are articulate robots which are also called as six-axis robots. Articulate robots consist of three rigid members connected by two revolute joints and mounted on a rotary base.Why is spot welding suitable for robotic control?
Robots have high repeatability allowing them to produce the same results consistently. Spot welding robots are able to control variables such as the amount of heat applied to metals, ensuring high-quality welds with every workpiece.How does a robotic welder work?
The robot itself has an arm that can move in three dimensions for rectilinear types and through more planes with articulating versions. A wire feeder sends the filler wire to the robot as it needs it for a welding job. A high-heat torch at the end of the arm melts metal to enable the welding process.Robotic Spot Welding of Aluminum Components - KUKA.RoboSpin
How does spot welding work?
Spot welding works by applying pressure and heat to the weld area using copper alloy electrodes. These electrodes transport an electrical current through the weld segments. As the material melts the parts are fused. At this point, the current is turned off and pressure from the electrodes is upheld.What are the characteristics of spot welding robot?
Spot Welding System FeaturesClamping pressure. A servo-controlled gun uses a motor to open, close, and apply consistent pressure for the electrode clamp. This affects weld quality and the size of the weld nugget as well as limiting distortion around the heat-affected zone (HAZ). Articulation and multi-axis motion.
How robots are used in welding industry?
Robotic welding is a highly advanced version of automated welding, in which machines conduct the welding, but welders still control and supervise the process. The use of robotic technology allows for precise and quick results, less waste, and greater safety.Who invented welding robots?
In 1962, robotic welding found its first real-world application. A robot developed by George Devol and Joseph Engelberger, the Unimation 001, was implemented in a General Motors factory for spot welding on an assembly line – a task identified as hazardous for humans.What are the types of robots in welding?
Types of Robotic Welding Processes
- Resistance Spot Welding.
- Laser welding.
- Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Thin Gauge Arc Welding.
- Plasma welding.
- Laser Hybrid Welding.
What type of welding is best for robotics?
Resistance welding is the most economical form of robotic welding and is best for heat-treating projects.How fast can robots weld?
This process is a dual wire, high-speed welding process designed for either robotic or hard automation welding applications. The process yields high travel speeds exceeding 250 in./min, which is more than double that of conventional, single wire MIG processes, with deposition rates in excess of 35 lbs./hr.What metals can be spot welded?
Other materials commonly spot welded include stainless steels (in particular austenitic and ferritic grades), nickel alloys and titanium. Although aluminium has a thermal conductivity and electrical resistance close to that of copper, the melting point for aluminium is lower, which means welding is possible.How many volts is a spot welder?
You will get 1.4 -1.8V with 2 full turns and this is enough for good spot welds. One more thing - always use 20ms at start and increase current when you test welds. If your nickel strip is thick you can go to 40ms.What is the difference between arc welding and spot welding?
What is the difference between Arc welding and spot welding? Arc welding uses an electric arc – a big spark – to heat and fuse metal, including filler metal. Spot welding uses electric resistance – current flow – to join pieces with no filler.What are the 3 stages of spot welding?
Spot welding involves three stages; the first stage which involves the electrodes being brought to the surface of the metal and applying a slight amount of pressure. The current from the electrodes is then applied briefly.
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The parameter
- Electrode Force. ...
- Squeeze Time. ...
- Weld or Heat Time. ...
- Hold Time. ...
- Weld Current.