Technical and Operational Benefits of 7-Axis Cobots in Welding Applications

January 23, 2025 by
Technical and Operational Benefits of 7-Axis Cobots in Welding Applications
BlueBay Automation, LLC, J.T. Wood

When it comes to cobot welding cells, the difference between a 6-axis cobot and a 7-axis cobot can significantly impact your production efficiency, weld quality, and overall workflow. While 6-axis cobots are versatile and widely used, the addition of a seventh axis opens up new possibilities, especially in complex or constrained welding environments. Here, we’ll examine the key advantages a 7-axis cobot offers compared to its 6-axis counterpart.

Expanded Maneuverability

The seventh axis introduces an extra degree of freedom, enabling movements that are impossible for a 6-axis cobot. This allows the cobot to:

  • Reach Difficult Angles: A 7-axis cobot can position the welding torch in ways that avoid obstacles and achieve precise angles, which is particularly valuable for complex or multi-planar welds.
  • Perform in Tight Spaces: With the ability to "retrace" its arm path and articulate more freely, a 7-axis cobot can navigate confined workspaces, ensuring weld consistency in areas where 6-axis cobots struggle.

Enhanced Flexibility for Complex Welds

In manufacturing, no two welding jobs are the same. The additional axis provides:

  • Improved Path Optimization: A 7-axis cobot can adjust its movement dynamically to optimize its weld path, reducing the need for complex reprogramming.
  • Versatility for Intricate Weld Patterns: Whether it’s handling irregular geometries or completing welds on hard-to-reach surfaces, the added flexibility simplifies intricate tasks.

Improved Workflow Efficiency

The 7-axis cobot minimizes the need for manual repositioning or external fixtures to accommodate different parts. This leads to:

  • Reduced Setup Time: Frequent reconfigurations are simplified, enabling faster transitions between welding tasks.
  • Fewer Robot Movements: The extra axis reduces the need for repositioning the part or adjusting external tooling, improving workflow speed.

Optimized Workspace Utilization

One of the most practical advantages of a 7-axis cobot is its ability to maximize workspace use. It can:

  • Cover More Area: With its increased range of motion, a 7-axis cobot can access a larger welding area without repositioning, minimizing downtime.
  • Work in Shared Spaces: The enhanced maneuverability allows the cobot to work more effectively alongside other equipment or workers without interference.

Obstacle Avoidance

In a busy welding environment, collision risks can slow down production and increase costs. A 7-axis cobot excels at:

  • Avoiding Obstructions: The additional axis enables it to move around obstacles like clamps, fixtures, or other components with precision.
  • Minimizing Downtime: By reducing collision risks, the 7-axis cobot protects both the robot and the workpiece, ensuring smoother operations.


Higher Precision and Consistency

Precision welding requires exact torch positioning, which the seventh axis enhances by:

  • Increasing Torch Agility: The cobot can fine-tune its positioning with greater accuracy, improving weld quality.
  • Reducing Errors: By maintaining a consistent weld path even in challenging positions, the 7-axis cobot minimizes rework and scrap.

Cost-Effective Versatility

The 7-axis cobot offers a significant performance boost without drastically increasing costs. Key economic advantages include:

  • Lower Overall Costs: The increased efficiency, fewer errors, and reduced setup times directly translate to cost savings.
  • Competitive Pricing: Despite its advanced capabilities, a 7-axis cobot is typically priced similarly to a 6-axis cobot, offering more value for your investment.

Adaptability for Evolving Needs

Production demands often change, and the 7-axis cobot is better equipped to adapt due to:

  • Multi-Tasking Capabilities: It can handle a broader range of tasks, from simple welds to complex multi-axis operations.
  • Ease of Redeployment: The extra axis simplifies redeployment to new welding cells or tasks without extensive reprogramming.

Why This Matters

The choice between a 6-axis and a 7-axis cobot directly impacts productivity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. A 7-axis cobot overcomes challenges such as limited motion, inefficient workflows, and quality inconsistencies, making it a superior option for complex welding operations.

In environments where precision, speed, and adaptability are essential, the 7-axis cobot enhances operations by streamlining workflows, reducing costs, and delivering consistent high-quality results. Its versatility makes it a forward-thinking solution, capable of adapting to evolving production needs with minimal disruption.

Interested in seeing how a 7-axis cobot welding cell works? Schedule a virtual demo with Spartan Robotics to explore its capabilities in action.

Technical and Operational Benefits of 7-Axis Cobots in Welding Applications
BlueBay Automation, LLC, J.T. Wood January 23, 2025
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