Procedimento de cálculo para custos de soldagem no processo GMAW

Abstract

Welding is a highly important industrial process, both technically and financially. Managing welding costs, which include consumables, energy, labor, and maintenance, is essential for the competitiveness and profitability of an operation. These costs are strongly influenced by factors such as the type of metal, the welding process, and operational efficiency, requiring detailed analysis to avoid waste and optimize resources. Aiming to optimize this management, this study developed a calculation procedure using electronic spreadsheets to estimate the costs of the GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) process. For this, the main consumables were identified, a routine for cost estimation was created, joint geometries were analyzed to determine the mass of deposited metal, and the procedure was implemented in spreadsheet software. During the study, three key parameters were considered: wire feed speed, welding voltage, and wire diameter, all of which directly affect weld quality and process cost. Carefully analyzing these parameters is essential for project optimization. The study highlights that enhanced control of input costs is crucial for operational efficiency and financial sustainability. This allows for better use of materials, contributing to waste reduction and more accurate pricing, enabling more efficient financial management and effective strategic planning, which positively impacts overall productivity. The developed tool automates cost calculations, providing greater clarity and agility for making adjustments across different production scenarios.