Plasma Welding: Achieving Precision Focused Welds Through Automation

Robotic welding has been around for many years, and in the past two decades has gained in popularity because of its ability to improve the speed and accuracy of the welding process. Plasma welding, one form of arc welding, is easily automated with robots and is often the choice when manufacturers need highly focused, tight welds for their products.

Plasma welding uses a tungsten electrode, much like TIG welding, and it focuses the shielding gas with a copper nozzle that allows the gas and electric arc to create plasma during the welding process. Because of the tight nozzle that is used by robotic plasma welders, the focus of the weld is much tighter than it would be for any other arc welder. This tight weld also allows a robot plasma welder to weld bigger pieces, some as much as 12 mm thick, something that similar welding application are not capable of doing.

Robotic plasma welders also do not use up as much tungsten as their counterparts, according to Fronius.com. Because the electrode is in the nozzle, it does not have direct contact with the work piece, which is what usually wears down the electrode. By not using as much tungsten wire, the manufacturer can save money with a plasma welding robot that they may not be able to save with other types of arc welding.

Are you interested in learning more about plasma welding and what it can do to improve your process? If so, you should call RobotWorx. Our staff is eager to help you find the right robotic system for your welding process, always ensuring that you get the best price on your system.