With the rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in recent years, many aspects of manufacture and fabrication will likely be revolutionised in the not-too-distant future. The fully automated laser welding machine, for example, could be on the horizon sooner than you think: able to decide for itself where and how to weld, to identify differences in materials and weld them accordingly, or to investigate joints and determine the most appropriate method to fuse them. While this technology isn’t fully developed as yet, innovations in laser welding, particularly beam shaping, point firmly towards automation.
Beam Shaping: a Sign of Things to Come?
Laser beams have been used in welding to create clean welds for many years, their low-heat weld, and rapid capability being key assets for the welding process. Beam shaping, however, is the process by which the shape of the laser beam is altered by using lenses to split it, with the result that the welding process is improved. The beam can be used to heat a section of the metal before the stronger main laser welds the joint, while oscillating laser beams can spread heat more equally, so welders can complete the task more quickly, without compromising on the quality of the weld.
Improving Cost Efficiency by Partnering with a Specialist Fabricator
While advances in technology will undoubtedly reduce fabrication in years to come, you don’t need to wait for full automation to improve your business’ cost-efficiency.
Attempting to carry out precision engineering on-site can be a costly option. Equipment is expensive, colleagues need advanced training, and maintenance schedules interrupt workflow. You may be encouraged to believe that you’ll recover your costs (eventually), but there’s no guarantee of this.
Outsourcing your project’s fabrication to a specialist like GLW Engineering can improve cost efficiency while eliminating the complications of on-site fabrication. Partnering with an external specialist also means you can be more confident of achieving superior results, with less wastage of materials and components, and more time to focus on the aspects of your business that you’re well-versed in. With access to the latest training, tools, and fabrication methods, we can offer expert advice about raw materials to meet the needs of each project.
Find Out More
At GLW Engineering, we use efficient fabrication and welding methods to deliver excellent value for money and rapid turnarounds on a wide range of metalwork projects. To find out more or request a quote, please get in touch today.
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