Classification Based on Mode of Welding
Manual welding: In this welding the entire welding operation is performed and controlled by hand. Here, there are two movements involved. One is the feeding of the electrode and the other is for the welding speed. If both process are done by hand then it is called manual welding.
Semi - automatic welding: Here instead of stick electrodes, wire electrode is used. The wire is in the form of spool and the wire is drawn and fed by the motorised wire feeder into the welding torch. The welder gives only the welding speed. Since, the wire feeding is automatic and the welding speed is manual, this type of welding process is called semi - automatic welding process. MIG welding is an example of semi - automatic welding.
Mechanised welding: Welding with the equipment, which performs the welding operation under the constant observation and control of an operator. Motors control both wire feeding and the welding speed in mechanised manner. The equipment may or may not perform the loading and unloading of work. SAW is an example of mechanised welding. Here, the welder is called machine operator.
Automatic welding: Welding with equipment, which performs the entire welding operation without constant observation and adjustment of the controls by an operator. Welding Robots are coming under this category. In robotics, there are many classifications. Cartesian type, cylindrical type, polar type and jointed arm type is one classification based on type of movement. Ordinary robot or intelligent robots, which can see and carry out the job by it, is another classification.
Robots: There are over 200,000 robots are in use in Japan alone. In India there are just over 10000 robots are in use, mainly due to availability of huge manpower. But it is expected that the number of robots employed in India also will increase considerably as the demand for higher productivity and quality is fully realised by the Indian industries nowadays, especially in the automobile sector. Lights off manufacturing is a new method where the production is done without any manpower and it is practised in Japan now.