Top 5 Robotic Welding Cell Brands

More manufacturing operations are going automatic every day, and that includes the vital step of welding. Robotic welding cells and arms offer high efficiency, conservation of materials, 24-hr availability, and a long lifespan. They’re also versatile, they can handle dangerous tasks, and in the end they may help to reduce your environmental impact. All that said, it can be a costly endeavor if you’re looking to switch your plant to a semi- or fully-automated system, and you’ll need to factor in downtime for installation and operator training.

Working with a robotic welding brand that integrates well and has valuable features is one way to justify the cost. Opting for used products is another. Here at Allset Machinery, we focus on selling well-cared-for used robotic welding cells, and there are a few brands that we will always recommend to clients.

Robotic Welding Basics

Robotic welding is an impressive coalescence of welding, robotics, sensors, control systems, and artificial intelligence. When deciding on the ideal components, there are a few features to take into consideration:

Payload: the amount of mass a robotic wrist can support.
Axes: the points of articulation on a robotic arm
Velocity: the speed at which a robotic arm moves
Acceleration: how quickly the robot can increase speed
Repeatability: a measurement of the robot’s accuracy
Communications: interface by means of which a robot transmits information
IO (input/output) capabilities: often either digital or analog

Accuracy, speed, and overall efficiency are some of the main reasons why you might be considering a robotic welding system for your facility. So getting the lowdown on these specs will definitely factor in as you work toward a decision.

Understanding sensors is also critical, since this technology directly informs input sources and an operator’s level of control. There are various types, but they’re broadly categorized into two classes: process and geometrical. Together they can measure process parameters that affect stability and weld joint geometry, which can help to refine accuracy with real-time adaptation.

Low vs. High Payload in Robotic Welding

Payload is the measurement of maximum load capacity, and it’s a central feature of any industrial robot. Maximum payload will determine the ideal application for a robotic welding cell, as well as the specific types of job it can or cannot execute. For the best efficiency and output, a robot should be able to manage and manipulate its workpieces, but not be so heavy that operation is impeded.

Options run the gamut as far as payload capacity goes, ranging from 20 kg or less to 200 kg or higher, with some models even able to handle well over 1,000 kg. Clearly, this is an important variable to nail down as it directly affects the finished product.

Top Performing Robotic Welding Brands

Before deciding on the best robotic welding cell for your facility, it’s a good idea to know which brands are consistently top performers. Welding robots are designed to perform processes like arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, laser welding, spot welding, and more, and their features have an impact on price. Used robotic equipment that’s been previously listed on the Allset Machinery site has ranged in price from $1,290 - $7,900 USD. As we take a look at the individual brands, we’ll highlight some features that can account for variance in pricing. Here’s our recommendations:

ABB Robotic Welding Robots

This Swiss-based company boasts over 130 years of innovation and is a leader in industrial digitization. The ABB-IRB 6400 Industrial Robot claims the “most expensive” spot when looking at our previously-held inventory. In general, used ABB robots can range in price from $5,000 - $150,000 USD, but are typically available for under $25,000, depending on age. ABB produces articulated robots that can be used in hundreds of industrial applications. Larger models with a higher payload will naturally be pricier, and may be used for spot welding in automotive plants, while their smaller welding robots are used in small-scale welding operations.

Yaskawa Motoman Robotic Welders

In operation for nearly a century, Yaskawa Electric has advanced from induction motors and magnetic conductors to revolutionizing the robotic industry. Their Motoman line is particularly popular, being versatile in a variety of applications. Yaskawa Motoman’s high-quality and energy-efficient designs are often used for arc welding and spot welding; Motoman MA1400 is often used for automated welding. Pricing for Motoman products can range from $5,000 to $150,000 USD, depending on whether you’re purchasing a welding robot or a complete welding cell. Most used, standalone Yaskawa robots will run less than $35,000 with pricing sometimes varying based on availability, but often averaging at about $17,500 USD for a used Motoman robot with an up-to-date controller. Despite these prices, a used welding robot has an incredible ROI once integrated––a used Motoman EA1900N can offer a total return in less than two years.

FANUC Robotic Welders

FANUC builds robotics and CNC systems and is often considered the top robot manufacturer in the world. Their offerings are strong, durable, efficient, and precise, offering a wide array of uses including arc welding and spot welding, some of the most common industrial automated applications. FANUC robotic welders offer countless options for payload capacity, reach, size, and specific process, all of which will cause variations in pricing. They make robotic arms of all sizes and their mid-range models can handle pick-and-place welding. We’ve previously offered a FANUC ArcMate 100iB Robot Arm for $1,290 USD, which is on the lower end of our typical pricing range. Low payload robots, like those in FANUC’s ARC Mate series, can complete various welding automation tasks, like arc welding, robotic TIG welding, automated plasma welding, and laser welding processes. FANUC’s M series, R series, and S series can handle spot welding tasks while also providing necessary payload capacity for heavier welding equipment.

In general, pricing can range from $5,000 to $200,000 USD, depending on age, size, application, payload, and availability. On average, used FANUC robots can be purchased for around $17,500, and typically less than $35,000 USD. This is one case in which smaller robots–which lack the abundant supply of larger models–might actually run a steeper price, strictly based on availability.

Lincoln Electric Welding Cells

Lincoln Electric was founded in 1895 and has been innovating and creating arc welders since 1911. Their powerful robotic welding cells collaborate well with FANUC robots, and we offer them from time to time. Lincoln’s PowerWave series can supply power used to automate MIG welding, TIG welding, flux cored welding, arc welding, and other welding processes.

Genesis Robotic Welding Systems

Genesis Systems Group provides robotic systems for welding and caters to heavy and light industries. Allset Machinery has previously carried the Genesis Versa 3M Robotic welding cell. Their Versa Systems are work cell platforms and enable low-cost integration of pre-engineered cells, and are often paired with FANUC robots, especially those from the ARC Mate series. They also integrate well with Yaskawa Motoman and ABB robots, and Lincoln power supplies–this brand is especially versatile when you’re looking to use a collection of previously-owned equipment to begin your automated welding operations.

Robotic arc welding has become an essential part of many modern manufacturing plants. There are clear advantages and challenges that will bear out as the industry continues to grow. In the meantime, for the best options in used robotic welding equipment that’s been properly vetted for functionality, Allset Machinery has a lot to offer.

Purchase Used Robotic Welding Cells for Sale at Allset Machinery

Allset Machinery, a division of AM Industrial Group, LLC, sells used robotic welding cells and other metalworking machinery. We have welding robots and power supplies for sale in a range of payloads, sizes, and styles. Browse our selection of used robotic welders from reliable brands anytime on our website. All of our welding machines for sale are in stock, sold as-is, and ready for purchase. We ship items quickly and our support staff are ready to assist your purchasing and production departments with tailored financing, custom tooling, and timely delivery. Contact Allset Machinery today!