Fixture and Part Preparation Guide
Consistent fixtures and part preparation are critical to successful cobot welding. Parts need to be located, held, and prepared the same way each cycle.
Part Location
- Same position every cycle
- Defined stops, pins, tabs, or edges
- Clear loading direction
- Easy-to-clean locating surfaces
Clamping and Stability
- Secure during welding
- Prevents movement or lifting
- Practical for operator use
- Handles heat and repeated use
Torch and Cobot Access
- Clear cobot and torch movement
- Correct torch angle maintained
- Clamps do not block welds
- Cables and leads do not interfere
Part Cleaning
- Remove oil, moisture, paint, rust, and coatings as required
- Weld area is accessible for cleaning
- Prep requirements are clear before loading
Part Staging
- Prepared parts are close to the cell
- Defined location for finished parts
- Ready-to-load parts are clearly identified
- Process for rejected parts
What Makes a Good Fit
- Repeatable parts
- Consistent weld locations
- Clear torch access
- Simple clamping
- Manageable heat distortion
Common Problems to Catch Early
Inconsistent part placement
Loose clamping
Fixtures blocking the torch path
Clamp or cable interference
Surface contamination
Operators manually adjusting parts
Heat distortion
Poor part staging
Final Team Review
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1How will the part be located?
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2How will it be clamped?
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3Can the torch reach every weld?
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4What preparation is required before loading?
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5Who loads, unloads, and checks the part?
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6What happens if a part does not fit the fixture correctly?
If these answers are not clear, review the fixture, staging, and preparation process before starting a cobot welding application review.
Need a Second Set of Eyes?
Send us photos, drawings, material thickness, weld details, and production volume. We can help determine whether the part and process are worth exploring for cobot welding.