Quality welding tables for cobot & robot welders store UK: Surface flatness: The table surface should be flat and even to ensure accurate and consistent results. A warped or uneven surface leads to distortion in the welded components, and extra cost to fix problems or scrap them and start over. However, increasing flatness drives up cost exponentially! Material quality: Welding tables are typically made from steel though there are some other common materials which I’ll outline later. The actual quality of the material is important for safety and predictability, as well as thickness to ensure enough mass to resist warping or deforming from the heat generated by welding. See more info on welding tables for cobot & robot welders shop UK.
Welding demands precision, skill, and top-tier equipment for unmatched results. While many prioritise advanced welding machines and protective gear, an often undervalued yet vital tool is the welding table. Learning how to choose a welding table isn’t just about ease of use; it’s a decision that profoundly influences the quality, safety, and speed of your tasks. For professionals, the right table can lead to substantial time and cost savings during setups. In this in-depth guide, we unravel the intricacies of how to choose a welding table that aligns with your needs. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just embarking on your welding adventure, selecting an ideal welding table is a crucial decision. A well-chosen table will stand by you for numerous years, emphasising the importance of a thoughtful selection process.
Most commonly imported tables from countries such as India and China, especially in relation to cast iron, use super cheap materials which are often just blends of whatever scrap they threw into the mix. With other blends of material they often lack quality control capabilities, or simply lie, meaning you can’t rely on it when it matters. And since welding tables need to be durable and hold their flatness forever, it’s far from guaranteed with some import tables. There is also risk of an unknown blend of material breaking and causing injury. Surface Type – Welding tables are generally produced with a few variations. Traditionally, welders built their own tables using flat plates, however currently welding tables now employ some type of holes for built-in fixturing using tools specifically made for the purpose. (More on that later.) Fixture tables can reduce setup times by utilizing rapid jigs, allowing welders to quickly and easily secure workpieces.
Brand Reputation – Some welding table manufacturers have established themselves as reliable and reputable brands within the welding industry. Research the brand reputation and consider: Customer Support: Investigate the brand’s customer support and warranty policies. Reputable brands often provide excellent support and back their products with warranties. Industry Recognition: Look for brands that have received awards or recognition for their welding tables within the industry. Product Range: Consider whether the brand offers a range of welding table options and the ability to customise the table to cater to different needs and budgets. Recommendations from Fellow Welders – If you have fellow welders or colleagues in the industry, don’t hesitate to seek their recommendations based on their personal experiences. They can provide valuable insights into which welding table models have worked well for them and why.
Heat Resistance – Welding tables are designed to withstand high temperatures. They won’t warp or degrade under the intense heat generated during welding, ensuring your work surface remains flat and level. Protection – They protect your work environment by containing sparks, slag, and hot metal, preventing them from damaging your floor, equipment, or other materials in your workspace. Workpiece Alignment – Welding tables can often accommodate various welding fixtures and clamps, allowing you to securely hold and align your workpiece, ensuring precise welds. In the video below we show you how a good clamp setup can ensure you get very accurate results on your welding jobs. Different Types of Welding Tables – Before we dive deeper into choosing the right welding table, it’s essential to understand that not all welding tables are created equal. There are various types available, each tailored to specific needs and preferences.
Other Tooling – Magnetic squares, clamps, and stops are also popular for quick adjustments without the need for mechanical fastening, assuming you aren’t using a stainless or aluminum table. And of course any tool that could be used with an old fashioned flat steel plate welding table will also be useful with the tables we’ve been discussing here. Care and Techniques – Several welding table manufacturers offer tables which have some sort of surface treatment such as plasma nitriding, or other hardening / coloring processes. They ALL claim these treatments will prevent rust, spatter and damage. A surface treatment will help protect the table and provide some rust protection and some will provide very, very shallow surface hardening (like .002?). But we have experienced that simply laying a piece of wet plywood on a nitrided surface will rust it within 1 hour and permanently damage the surface.