Welding is a widely offered manufacturing service that utilizes multiple techniques in order to produce a desired component. Robot welding, manual welding, TIG welding and MIG welding and each offer a unique application in order to produce a wide array of products by joining two or more materials together. 

But if most manufacturers offer the same welding services, what differentiates one from the other?

At VPIC Group, our welding services reflect a wider set of values. While most manufacturers will simply take your plans and produce your component, we are involved from start to finish, offering consultation on designs and some of the lowest lead times in the industry. 

Our welding services are part of our commitment to provide low-cost, high-repeatability and use state-of-the-art welding technology. Our emphasis on consistent quality has brought us success with many clients in the automotive industry, powersports industry, construction industry and beyond.

Read on to learn more about our welding manufacturing processes and what you can expect in a partnership with us. 

 

Which Welding Manufacturing Processes Are Available at VPIC Group?

Despite sharing similarities, the four welding processes used at VPIC Group serve different purposes that emphasize high-quality components and fast production:

1. Robotic Welding 

Robotic welding has become one of the most common types of robotic applications in the manufacturing industry due to high volume capability, repeatability, lower risk of error and fewer interruptions. 

According to research from Markets and Markets, the robotic welding market is forecast at a compound annual growth rate of 10.5% from 2021-2026, one of the highest forecasted growths of any manufacturing process. The two key drivers for this growth are the automotive and transportation industries. 

Our investment in robotic welding technology is first and foremost due to the accuracy and time efficiency provided by the state-of-the-art machinery. It is a required process for highly complex projects that require reliable, precise components. 

2. TIG Welding 

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is one of the two most commonly used welding processes. It is a highly versatile method that enables technicians to join thin, small materials without the need for a filler material or binding agent. 

Although TIG welding is slower compared to other welding processes, technicians have great control over the operation and the welds produced are stronger and more precise. 

3. MIG welding 

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is often used to join large, thick materials to one another. As one of the faster welding processes, MIG welding has shorter lead times and lower production costs. MIG welding is easier to learn and produce welds, making the training required less substantial compared to the training required for TIG welders. 

One drawback to MIG welding is that the frequency of the production can cause less precise and weaker welds. However, robust testing processes and quality assurance can minimize the number of faulty components. 

4. Mechanical Welding 

Mechanical welding is a manual process conducted by a handheld torch, gun or electrode. This process is used to weld areas that machines cannot reach or to weld spots that were missed in an automatic welding process. 

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What Is the Step-by-Step Welding Manufacturing Process at VPIC Group?

Our step-by-step process for welding manufacturing is designed in order to create the strongest, most durable joins while emphasizing lead times and testing processes. Here is a brief overview of our welding process:

1. Preproduction

Before we begin production, we test the material to ensure purity. Anything below a certain threshold cannot be used. From there, we prepare the stainless steel or aluminum tubes by cutting, smoothing, stamping or punching holes in the material. This is determined by the client’s specifications. 

2. Production

Moving down a production line, the metal pieces are joined together through a welding process. At VPIC Group, we continue to implement robotic welding due to the high accuracy, enhanced safety and reduced production time. 

3. Inspection 

After the component is complete, it moves to quality inspection where 5 out of 100 parts are tested. If we uncover a problem, the entire batch of components is inspected to ensure that they meet the required tolerance. 

4. Treatment 

Because of the high malleability of molten metal, some components require heat treatment at the production process. Deformation is possible during welding, and we use mechanical welding to make corrections. 

 

Keep Up with Manufacturing Processes via Our Thought Leadership

Just like our welding processes, all of our manufacturing processes emphasize the indirect benefits that come with efficient manufacturing, including the importance of preproduction, inspection and treatment.

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