Questions from steel fabricators
Welding Robot FAQ
Price, output per shift, training, 3D models, delivery and factory tours — answers to the questions fabricators ask us most.
Choosing a Robot
Which welding robot suits my parts?
Start from the parts you weld most. The 7-axis rail-mounted robot suits H-beams, columns and other long members up to 1,500 mm wide. The 8-axis cantilever robot suits bridge plate units, diaphragms and wide plates up to 3,500 mm. Box columns with full-penetration seams suit our submerged arc station.
Not sure? Send a typical part and our engineers recommend a station free of charge.
Compare our welding robotsRobot vs cobot vs manual welding6, 7, 8 or 9 axes explained
What kinds of parts can your robots weld?
H-section columns, roof beams, crane runway beams, curved beams, cross columns, box beams, corbels, brackets, stiffeners, end plates and purlin cleats — plus bridge plate units, diaphragms and stiffened plates.
Can one station handle the different parts in our shop?
Usually, as long as they fall within the station’s size range and the torch can reach the joints. Because the stations are teachless, mixed and one-off parts do not need programming per part. Send a typical example of each part family and we check them together.
Which materials and welding processes are supported?
The stations are built for carbon structural steel, welded with GMAW: CO₂, MAG or MIG, in DC and pulse modes. Our submerged arc station covers full-penetration seams on box columns and H-sections.
Price and Quotation
How much does a welding robot cost?
It depends on the layout, rail or frame length, number of robots, welding package, software options, spare parts and whether you want on-site commissioning. After a free review of your parts, we send a factory-direct quotation for the station you actually need.
What should I send for a quotation?
A short description is enough to start. To speed up the evaluation, add what you have of the following:
- Drawings or a 3D model (STEP or IFC) of a typical part.
- Main dimensions, weld sizes and weld symbols.
- Photos of assembled parts, especially tight or difficult joints.
- Rough annual volume and the part families you weld most.
- Your workshop location and the space available for the station.
Is the part evaluation really free?
Yes. Our engineers review your parts, tell you which welds the robot can take and recommend a station, free of charge and without obligation. We reply within one business day. Our software and hardware engineers join the evaluation to confirm your part types and welding requirements.
Output and Operation
How much can one robot weld per shift?
Typically 70–120 m of weld per robot per day shift. The figure depends on the share of vertical welds, seam length and part complexity.
How many operators do I need?
One trained operator runs 3–6 stations. The operator loads parts, starts jobs and checks results; there is no robot programming.
How long does it take to train operators?
Operators learn to run the station in 1–5 days, training on your own parts.
How soon can welding start after a part is loaded?
Typically 2–3 minutes. A laser line scan finds where the part lies on the station and matches it to the model.
Programming and 3D Models
Do I need a 3D model?
Not to send an inquiry. For welding, most parts use a STEP or IFC model. Flat web plates with stiffeners can be scanned at the station instead, the cantilever station also supports parametric modelling, and simple teach mode covers special welds.
Does it work with Tekla Structures?
Yes. Tekla and most other detailing software export IFC. If you use Tekla Structures, we provide a free plug-in that exports a whole project's IFC models in one batch. Operators can then load each part by scanning the QR code on its label.
What if the assembled part differs slightly from the model?
Before each weld the robot scans the seam to find its actual position, then welds with arc tracking. The model should still match the assembled part: missing or moved stiffeners must be updated in the model first.
Delivery, Support and Factory Tours
Is installation included in the price?
On-site installation and commissioning by our engineers is an optional service, quoted separately. Its cost is listed in your quotation so you can compare the full project cost.
How do spare parts work?
You choose a spare-parts package when you order, sized to how hard you will run the station. Most customers take one year’s worth; some take two years or buy as needed.
How do you support us after start-up?
Our engineers help your team by email and video call. If a visit to your workshop is needed, it is arranged and quoted separately. Warranty terms are set out in your contract.
Are software updates included?
Yes. Software updates are free for the life of the station.
Can we see the robots before we buy?
Yes. Book a live video tour on Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, WeChat or any app you prefer, or visit our main factory in Hefei or other plants of our group in China. We pick you up at the airport or high-speed rail station, and you can operate a robot yourself.
Can I email instead of using the form?
Yes. Email sales@steelweldingrobot.com, with or without files. You do not need to fill in the form first.
Still Have a Question?
Send us your question with a drawing, model or photo of a typical part. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@steelweldingrobot.com