Thee trailer manufacturing industry has proven to be especially resilient in recent years amid somewhat challenging economic conditions.
As the freight task continues to grow, so too does demand for higher productivity heavy vehicles and trailing equipment. For some OEMs, the financial constraints of innovation and labour can affect a business’s bottom line and so a decision must be made – do you invest in people or invest in technology? It is a paradoxical situation – you need a workforce to design and produce yet you need access to state-of-the-art equipment to remain competitive.
Fortunately, Valk Welding has the answer to this conundrum.
ARP, powered by ArcNC, is a groundbreaking collaboration between Valk Welding and ArcNC. Although ArcNC is focused on the general industry, the software has become incredibly user-friendly for trailer manufacturing, thanks to input and questions from numerous trailer manufacturers. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies to offer trailer manufacturers a unique opportunity to drastically reduce production costs using welding robots, while still providing the flexibility to meet individual customer requirements. Notably, ARP powered by ArcNC is fully adapted to the unique and high performance of the Panasonic welding robots. The advantages of a real welding robot, compared with general robot arms, are significant when it comes to arc welding.
Valk Welding has been a key player in the trailer manufacturing sector for years. With a strong focus on arc welding and a deep understanding of the industry’s needs, Valk Welding has consistently delivered high-quality robotic solutions that enhance production efficiency and quality. Their expertise in welding automation is unparalleled, making them a trusted partner for many trailer manufacturers. Valk Welding’s very close relationship with Panasonic has spanned more than 35 years, underscoring its commitment to using only the best welding robots.
ArcNC, on the other hand, brings cutting-edge technology and innovation to the table with advanced software solutions that complement Valk Welding’s robotic systems, creating a seamless integration that maximises productivity and flexibility.
The combination of Valk Welding’s robust and fully calibrated hardware, and ArcNC’s sophisticated software, results in a powerful solution that addresses the unique challenges of the trailer industry.
The ARP powered by ArcNC system is designed to offer several key benefits:
•Cost Reduction: By automating the welding process, trailer manufacturers can significantly reduce labour costs and increase production efficiency. This is particularly crucial in an economic downturn, where every penny counts.
•Flexibility: Despite the automation, the system allows a high degree of customisation. Trailer manufacturers can easily adapt the production process to meet specific customer requirements, ensuring that each trailer is tailor-made to perfection.
•Quality Assurance: Valk Welding’s expertise in arc welding ensures that the highest quality standards are maintained throughout the production process. This is essential for building durable and reliable trailers that meet industry standards.
•Scalability: The ARP system is scalable, allowing trailer manufacturers to expand their production capabilities as needed. This flexibility is vital for adapting to market demands and staying competitive.
In addition to these benefits, the development of a Management Information System, is also a key advancement for real-time performance and quality control. This MIS is a special in-house development by Valk Welding, enabling trailer manufacturers to monitor and register every aspect of the production process, ensuring optimal use of manufacturing resources. The system provides valuable insights into production efficiency, helps identify areas for improvement, and ensures that quality standards are consistently met.
The ARP powered by ArcNC system represents a significant advancement for the trailer manufacturing industry. By combining cost reduction with flexibility, quality assurance, and real-time performance monitoring with the Valk Welding MIS software, this innovative solution empowers trailer manufacturers to navigate the current economic challenges while meeting the evolving demands of their customers.
Valk Welding and ArcNC’s collaboration is a testament to the power of innovation and partnership in driving industry transformation.