How Upgrading Your Welding Equipment Can Improve Productivity

Reports show that the need for welding services is on the rise. In fact, it's expected to increase more than 20 percent over the next few years alone. Between the surging demand for welding services and a growing shortage of skilled welders, members of the industry are struggling to keep up. With that being the case, many welding businesses are looking for more effective ways to continue meeting their customers' needs and expectations. 

If you fall into that category, upgrading your welding equipment could be the solution you're looking for. Technology in the welding industry is constantly evolving, and that's giving rise to an array of new tools, like the Lincoln multiprocess welder. Each new piece of equipment offers its own range of features. Making those advancements part of your arsenal can improve your productivity in many ways. 

Faster Welding

One of the ways new equipment can increase your productivity is by allowing your workers to weld faster. Some advanced welding tools have higher duty cycles than their older counterparts. That means they can be operated for longer without overheating, so your employees can use them without having to stop as often. It stands to reason that being able to operate your equipment for more extended periods with less downtime along the way would ramp up productivity. Of course, some modern welding equipment is also more powerful than older versions, which can also speed up the process. 

Covering Multiple Welding Processes

Some newer pieces of equipment can cover multiple welding processes as well. For example, some machines can be used for MIG, TIG, stick, and flux-cored welding. Others offer different combinations of processes, but they're still multifunctional. With those, you won't have to switch from one machine to another as often. You can use a single machine for multiple projects or perform different types of welding on a single project with less changeover time in between. Again, that's sure to shorten your production times. As an added bonus, these types of equipment may reduce the number of welding machines you need, which could save you space and money.

Less Setup Time

Additionally, upgrading your welding equipment could reduce your setup times. Certain advanced machines have built-in quick-change components, digital controls, and other features that allow welders to set them up for projects faster and switch from one mode to another more quickly. Setting them up for different types of materials and other variables is easier and faster as well, and some allow you to save custom settings to cut out even more time. That, in turn, allows you to spend more time and energy on actual welding and less on getting your machines ready for a project.

Automation

For more advanced welding setups, some modern equipment can foster automation. An array of welding machines is available with various automation options. Certain types of machines can be used in robotic welding cells while others require different levels of human intervention. Either way, automated equipment can weld faster than human workers. It can provide greater precision and repeatability as well. That means you can speed up your production while still giving customers the consistency and quality they're looking for. You may be able to offer a broader range of custom welds too. 

Taking Your Welding Services to New Levels

Welding services are in high demand right now, and the need for them is only going to grow in the future. That means many welding businesses need to increase their productivity to continue meeting customers' expectations. Upgrading your welding equipment can help you take your services to new levels. Newer equipment can help you complete projects faster while still giving your customers the quality they expect.