Page 42 - MetalForming May 2015

Metal-Cored Wire and Robotic Welding:
Quite the Productive
Combo
The productivity benefits provided by metal-cored wire aren’t just found in the robotic- welding cell. This filler metal also provides advantages throughout the pre- and post- weld areas of many welding operations.
In many applications, including automotive where galvanized and aluminized steel are increasingly popular, metal-cored wire proves its worth...in and out of the weld cell. Here’s why.
BY TRE’ HEFLIN-KING
Quality. Productivity. Cost. All three factor into the decision to implement welding automation. With an eye toward improvement, many companies find that a welding robot can offer the precision and speed needed to gain a competitive edge. They take great care in making the equipment selection, arranging the robotic weld cell and training the prop- er personnel to oversee it. But what about the welding wire?
For many applications, including those in the automotive industry, where materials such as galvanized and alu- minized steel are becoming more prevalent due to their high strength-to- weight ratio, metal-cored wire has proven to be a beneficial addition to many robotic-welding operations. It also excels in smaller welding opera- tions and those using standard steel.
Tre’ Heflin-King is a welding engineer in welding engineering and applications at Hobart Brothers Co., Troy, OH; www.hobartwelders.com.
40 MetalForming/May 2015
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