Vega Makina introduces the industry to artificial intelligence

Vega Makina, a provider of welding technologies to industrial establishments, introduced the sector to artificial intelligence through MILLER welding machines, for which it holds Turkish distribution rights. American-made MILLER products, used in Turkey's mega projects, are simplifying work processes in the most demanding applications with the aid of artificial intelligence. Vega Makina General Manager Serdar Selim Zengin, noting that MILLER welding machines and equipment, which have an average service life of 20 years, command 15% of the market in Turkey, stated that the company manages the process through AI-enabled solutions called Insight core and Center point, both of which gather parameters used in production and convert them into efficiency reports, as well as enable traceability of manufactured parts. He continued his remarks as follows: "Artificial intelligence helps perform a number of important tasks in MILLER welding machines, such as data analysis, forecasting and automation. Data obtained through sensors is processed by artificial intelligence algorithms and can be used to monitor machine condition, predict maintenance requirements and optimize production processes. This increases machine efficiency while also helping prevent failures and reduce operating costs. Additionally, AI-supported MILLER welding machines significantly ease the production of complex workpieces. Artificial intelligence algorithms analyze workpiece design, determine optimal processing methods and can optimize cutting or welding operations. This increases efficiency in production processes while also improving quality."

Planning improvements for welding machines

Zengin noted that through the Insight core and Center point functions, welding efficiency can be measured, allowing tracking of the time each welder spends welding, the amount of shielding gas used and the quantity of welding wire consumed, and that storage costs can be reduced accordingly. "This way you can calculate welding costs and plan improvements. The greatest advantage of these MILLER solutions is that they are very easy to set up and can be viewed online from any web-connected device. Additionally, by generating easy-to-understand reports, you can track general trends in production. However, widespread adoption of AI-enabled welding machines may also bring some challenges. The complexity of these machines increases operators' training needs and requires learning new skills. Additionally, concerns such as data security and privacy should be taken into account. Since AI-enabled systems rely on large amounts of data, ensuring the security of that data becomes important. Miller leaves data storage and archiving to the user with the Insight core module, while with the Center point module it maintains this data on its own high-security servers," he said.

Creating incentive systems to motivate employees

Zengin recalled that part tracking can be performed on a welder-by-welder basis using Center point, allowing monitoring of welder performance, and that artificial intelligence guides decisions regarding what types of training each welder should receive. Noting that error repair rates can be significantly reduced through the training provided, Zengin stated, "You can track the time a welder actively spends welding, and based on these data you can create incentive systems to motivate employees. Through modules integrated with or externally connected to MILLER welding machines, the aforementioned functions can be added to these machines thanks to artificial intelligence." Selim Zengin also noted that implementing artificial intelligence requires an investment of approximately USD 1,500-2,000 per machine.