Staying on top of the latest trends in the welding field is essential to your craft. As advancements in technology continue to automate manufacturing processes, learning where your skills are best utilized is vital to the longevity of your career. Let’s take a look at what’s trending in welding so you’re prepared for what’s next.
1. Welding Automation
Automation is changing the way we work in every industry—including welding. In 2023, we saw tremendous growth in the use of robotic welding systems, and further growth is expected in 2024. Robotic welding machines offer business owners plenty of benefits including precision, efficiency, consistency, and increased safety. AI is allowing operators to make real-time adjustments to enhance the welding quality.
2. Welding Technology Advancements
Advancements in welding equipment are allowing welders to have greater control and flexibility. Both MIG and TIG welding machines are being made with more user-friendly interfaces and greater power efficiency to make complex welding tasks easier to perform. In addition, welding machines are being offered in more portable designs to give welders more flexibility on the go.
3. Integrating the IoT and Data Analytics
The Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics are helping welders better manage welding quality in real-time. With access to helpful data points, welders can make adjustments or employ different techniques as they work to achieve the desired results. Data analytics are also helping operators know when it’s time to service welding machines to help keep the machines running longer and at optimum efficiency.
4. Safety Innovations
Safety is top of mind for every business owner. Thankfully, advancements in safety technologies are helping to make welding safer. For example, welding helmets are being equipped with better ventilation to help protect workers' respiratory health. In addition, new welding techniques—including those that use lasers and electron beams—have been developed to use less heat and produce fewer fumes to create a less toxic welding environment.
5. 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
The intersection between 3D printing and welding is helping businesses create custom fabrications more efficiently. Additive manufacturing is allowing for faster prototype production and more intricate designs. These methods are heavily used in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
6. Welders Are the New Machine Operators
With all the advancements in technology and digitization, welders are being called upon to operate robotic welding systems rather than perform the manual tasks. Welding skills remain essential to the operation, especially when programming the robotic cells. It’s essential for welders to have an open mind and be willing to learn new skills as new technologies continue to be developed.
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Now that you know the latest trends in welding, it’s time to stock up on supplies! Zoro has all the welding equipment your business needs for a job well done. Plus, shop Zoro.com for everything else your business needs today!
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.