Automation – Disruption in the Metal Fabrication Industry
The manifold benefits of automation technologies on different industrial sectors have been well-documented. Robotics has helped to increase production and improve quality while working round the clock (robotics in oil and gas is an example) – thus providing an edge over work done by human personnel, especially for manual, repetitive and volume-based jobs. The same holds true for fabrication where automation is expected to increase its footprint in a big way over the next few years. So, what are the ways in which this disruptive technology enhances the metal and steel fabrication sector? This blog will look to explore this topic in more detail.
Enhanced Efficiency
Increasing productivity is one of the most important ways automated technologies improves structural steel fabrication results. This is due to the fact that fabricators have more time to work on other projects, resulting in faster project completion timeframes. In most cases, the amount of time required to accomplish work is reduced by up to two or three times. Also, automation allows fabricators to handle several projects at once, whether they’re for the same client or different ones. Beamline technology is an example, where rather than having fabrication specialists measure, cut and drill steel beams by hand, the technology automates this laborious and time-consuming procedure. In addition, beamlines also reduce the risk of injury to employees since the steel beam does not have to be moved as often.
Controlled Processes and Data Reporting
The metal fabrication industry is facing many challenges and, with the use of automated fabrication technologies and machines, it is possible to regulate the fabrication process and generate more predictable life cycles. Some heavy steel fabrication companies can deliver completed projects on time and correctly schedule fabrication personnel because of a more predictable life cycle. Some manufacturing processes that are regulated and automated include high-precision machining and fittings and cladding. Fabrication plant managers are able to better plan life cycles this way, which enhances the flow of projects, schedules, and precision.
To discover weldment errors and collect vital data for future reporting, automated fabrication equipment and software must be coupled with each other. As a result of the use of this data, metal fabrication businesses will be able to provide more accurate scheduling bids to their customers. To avoid costly rework and longer project completion times, this data may help detect quality control concerns ahead of time and reduce them before an inspection arrives.
Increased Safety
Automated manufacturing processes are not susceptible to human mistake, which may slow down output due to rework, since they are machine-run. The fabrication techniques and robotic technology have the potential to improve worker safety. Since big constructed modules don’t have to be moved by hand as often, there are less opportunities for human mistake to cause safety issues. With the aid of automated technology, the necessity for experienced fabricators is not decreasing. When it comes to specialized, repetitive activities such as heat inducted bending and cutting using robotic welding equipment, welders and fitters are still in demand. At a rate of roughly 6% each year, there is an increasing need for welding expertise in the industrial fabrication business.
Welding efficiency in the industrial fabrication sector is being improved by the use of automated welding technologies and skilled welders. After years of hand fabrication, the sector has now moved on to full-scale automation. Big labor savings and a massive boost in production have been achieved, and technology will keep the sector moving ahead.
The Final Word
While the applications of robotics and automation in fabrication are increasing, the importance of having people able to properly manage the technology and correctly interpret data is increasing. Quality is paramount when automation is involved and When fabrication projects are completed to the highest standards, the risk of having to conduct rework is reduced, which is both expensive and time-consuming. At the end of the day, streamlining is the way to go – and automation is there to lend a helping hand!
