When robotic welding systems were first introduced to the industrial world, they ushered in a level of precision, accuracy, and repeatability that was virtually unheard of. Automated robotic welding systems have allowed businesses around the world to drastically increase productivity while reducing welding costs – this has effectively allowed machinists and fabricators to maximize their return on investment and give more back to their customers.

However, taking full advantage of robotic welding isn't just up to the machinery. Achieving better results and improved productivity also relies on careful equipment purchases, effective software programming, operator training, and – in many cases – the types of complementary equipment used to help deliver the necessary results.

While robotic welding equipment provides a high degree of efficiency in and of itself, the peripherals that many fabrication companies add bring the performance delivered by robotic welding equipment to an entirely new level. In terms of a definition, peripherals include virtually any equipment integrated into the robotic welding process to add to its effectiveness, ranging from custom grips to advanced inspection fixtures (commonly known as "gooseneck fixtures").

For example, many machining and fabrication processes require welding with consistent wire stick out. One common peripheral, a wire cutter, cuts the welding wire to a specific length or stick-out to achieve numerous, reliable and highly repeatable welds for extended production runs.

Another important (and common) peripheral frequently used to improve robotic welding systems is the nozzle cleaning station, also called the "reamer". The reamer peripheral is used by itself or with a sprayer to apply anti-spatter compound while also cleaning the robotic gun nozzle throughout the welding process.

Regardless of the specific peripheral used – the level of innovation being applied to robotic welding continues to make the available level of precision and efficiency higher than ever before. Especially in a time where there is a noticeable shortage of certified welders, robotic welding has skyrocketed as an increasingly common automation technology.

One of the most active industry sectors in terms of robotic welding has been the automotive industry, which has been groundbreaking in providing greater production and cost efficiency throughout the welding process. In virtually any television program about car production and manufacturing, you will notice a plethora of robotic welding machines, which speaks to the popularity and utility of the machines.

Robotic welding, while relatively new, has experienced a tremendous amount of growth since its introduction to the US industry in the 1980s, around the time when the automotive industry started to use robots for spot welding. When that happened, the automotive companies seemed to collectively wonder, "How else can we use robotics?"Since then, their application has continued to grow. In many cases, some might say, "But what about honest, hardworking welders working around the world?" Fortunately for them, robotic welding equipment continues to exist harmoniously beside its rational (but less predictable) human counterpart – mainly due to the fact that robotic welding is still only feasible for high-volume production welding.