Arrow Off-Road’s roots in the metalworking and fabrication industry go back to 1923. Since then, we’ve seen new technology transform our sector, improving efficiency, enhancing quality, and saving our OEM customers time and money.
Industry 4.0 is the latest tech revolution, marking a new era in metal manufacturing. Rooted in integrating digital innovation with traditional metalworking and fabrication processes, two of its core technologies are robots and artificial intelligence using big data.
In this month’s blog, we examine how each of these technologies improves the fabrication process, resulting in higher-quality and more cost-effective products for our customers.
Robot And Cobot Technology In Metalworking
Robots and cobots (collaborative robots) are becoming more mainstream in metalworking and fabrication as they help human workers accomplish numerous different tasks safely and efficiently. These marvels of technology are heavily used in automated processes, keeping the manufacturing process going without the need for breaks or downtime.
That said, it’s important to emphasize that robots aren’t replacing humans but rather taking on tasks that can be strenuous or dangerous for them, reducing the risk of accidents and minimizing the physical strain of human metalworkers in carrying out their duties. Maintaining a safer work environment helps us attract and retain the best fabrication talent, which in turn results in better-quality products for our customers.
In metalworking, robots are typically used for the following functions:
Machine Tending
This type of robot assists human operators by carrying out tasks such as loading and unloading a machine with parts or raw materials. For example, machine-tending robots will place a piece of aluminum on a lathe, grinder, mill, or another table for machining and then remove the piece once the process is complete.
They can also be programmed to perform other simple tasks, such as inspecting, washing, sorting, and packaging completed parts. Fully automating these processes with robots means that production can continue overnight and on weekends when there’s minimal staff on site.
Using machine-tending robots also helps increase fabrication efficiencies while freeing up skilled talent to focus on other less-repetitive, high-value tasks.
Material Removal
Cutting, sanding, grinding, polishing, and deburring parts as part of the finishing process can be dull and dangerous for human operators. Material-removal robots were created to facilitate the subtractive metalworking process with ease, efficiency, and heightened safety while ensuring reliable and consistent accuracy, repeatability, and quality.
CNC software feeds the robot precise instructions on which cutting path to follow based on detailed 3D CAD drawings. During the grinding, deburring, and contouring phases, the robot tool will precisely follow every edge, surface and contour of the workpiece for the most accurate results.
Welding
Welding robots can perform a wide variety of welding techniques, including arc, spot, laser, mig, tig, plasma, and more. This results in increased quality, efficiency, and consistency, as well as enhanced workplace safety.
Cobots designed for welding are paired with human welders to help increase production. For example, the welder will use the arm of the cobot to create a join between two parts on a prototype. The “brain” inside the cobot will simultaneously store the information for when the project goes into production. The cobot and welder will then work in parallel, doubling production, with the welder certifying that the part welded by the cobot was up to standard.
Robot technology can also be programmed to help extend the life of consumable tools. For example, having robots clean welding wires at regular intervals will reduce replacement frequency, supporting better tool life predictability and enhanced cost forecasting.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) And Big Data
AI is another Industry 4.0 innovation that helps fabrication supply campuses optimize their production processes. These smart systems use big data to adjust machinery settings in real time for optimal production performance, cutting down on material waste and improving output quality.
AI and big data are also used for predictive analytics to forecast future trends accurately. For example, data can be used to create machine learning algorithms to predict when a machine is likely to break down or require maintenance. This functionality allows maintenance to be carried out during non-peak periods instead of when a failure occurs, stopping production and preventing costly downtime.
Additionally, this technology plays a critical role in quality control. Image recognition technology, powered by AI-generated algorithms, can inspect and analyze products at various stages of production to identify irregularities or deviations from the desired specifications that might be invisible to the human eye. This level of quality control helps reduce waste, rework, and production stoppages.
Read More: How New Advancements In CNC Machining Technology Enhance Machining And Fabrication Projects
Arrow Off-Road: Embracing Technology To Create Better Products
Our industry has changed significantly since our forefathers first launched in 1923. As we move further into the 21st century, you can be sure that Arrow will continue to innovate with new technology as it becomes available.
Just like our predecessors, we believe that emerging technology is the best way to grow our business and serve our customers. With Arrow Off-Road as your fabrication partner, you’re always assured of a cost-effective, tech-driven metal fabrication solution that meets your needs, delivered with a level of customer service unparalleled in our industry.
Read More: Our Capabilities
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