Welding Robots & Robotic Welding Cells for UK Manufacturers
Buy welding robots for MIG/MAG, TIG and spot welding, or a complete robotic welding cell built around one. We stock refurbished ABB, FANUC and KUKA arc and spot robots plus FANUC CRX cobots, and supply the power source, positioner, fixtures, guarding and programming to get them running. Arc robots from £6,500; complete cells from about £50,000.
Refurbished arc robots with controller from
ABB, FANUC and KUKA robots in UK stock
Arc, spot and cobot welding
3D simulation of your welding cell before you buy
What are welding robots?
Welding robots are programmable industrial robot arms fitted with a welding torch or spot-welding gun. They repeat the same path, speed, torch angle and wire feed on every part, so robotic welding gives consistent welds, two to four times more arc-on time than manual welding, and keeps welders away from fumes and arc flash.
Most are 6-axis arms with a hollow or slim wrist, allowing the torch cable to run cleanly, paired with a robot-ready welding power source. Robots in welding operate inside a guarded robotic welding cell with fixtures and often a positioner. Welding robotics used to be a six-figure investment; however, with a refurbished robot, small and medium-sized UK fabricators can automate repetitive MIG, TIG, and spot welding for much less.
New to the topic? Our guide to how robotic welding works walks you through the process step-by-step. This page is designed for selecting, pricing, and purchasing a robot or complete cell. We supply new or refurbished robots in the UK and worldwide.
Welding robots for sale: in stock now
Refurbished robots we currently list, each sold with its controller and teach pendant. Search by model, welding process or controller, or use the quick filters; five robots are shown per page. Prices are for the robot arm and controller; the welding package, positioner and integration are quoted separately (see the cell cost calculator). Stock changes every week, so ask us to confirm availability.
Search the stock
Arc, cobot and spot welding robots for sale
| Welding robot | Best for | Controller | Price from |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABB IRB 14005 kg · 1.44 m reach | MIG/MAG and TIG welding of small parts | S4C, S4C+ or IRC5 | £6,500 |
| ABB IRB 1406 kg · 0.81 m reach | Compact TIG and MIG cells, small brackets | S4C+ or IRC5 | £8,000 |
| ABB IRB 1600 / 1600ID6–10 kg · 1.2–1.45 m reach | General arc welding; ID version has an integrated dress pack | IRC5 | £10,000 |
| ABB IRB 2400 / 2400L7–16 kg · 1.5–1.8 m reach | Larger frames and long seams | S4C, S4C+ or IRC5 | £8,500 |
| FANUC ARC Mate 100iB6 kg · 1.37 m reach | MIG/MAG welding of chassis and brackets | R-J3iB | £7,500 |
| FANUC ARC Mate 120iBe / 120iC20 kg · 1.67–1.81 m reach | Heavier torches and push-pull packages | R-J3iB or R-30iA | £9,500 |
| FANUC M-6iB / M-16iB6–20 kg · 0.9–1.67 m reach | Compact arc welding and cutting cells | R-J3iB or R-J3iC | £7,000 |
| FANUC M-710iC/20L20 kg · 3.11 m reach | Long-reach welding of frames and trailers | R-30iA | £14,000 |
| KUKA KR 16 R201016 kg · 2.01 m reach | Arc welding with ArcTech software | KRC4 | £11,000 |
| FANUC CRX-10iA/L cobot10 kg · 1.42 m reach | Cobot welding with hand-guided teaching | R-30iB Mini Plus | £15,000 |
| KUKA KR 150 / 180 / 210 / 240130–240 kg · 2.7–3.3 m reach | Spot welding guns, body-in-white | KRC2 ED05 or KRC4 | £9,500 |
| ABB IRB 6400R / IRB 6640100–235 kg · 2.5–3.2 m reach | Spot welding and heavy handling | S4C+ or IRC5 | £10,000 |
| FANUC R-2000iA / iB / iC125–250 kg · 2.65–3.0 m reach | Spot welding, sealing and handling | R-J3iB to R-30iB | £10,000 |
No robots match your search. Ask us to source one.
What the price includes
Prices ex VAT for the robot arm, controller, teach pendant and cables, taken from our current stock lists. Looking for every robot we have, not just welding models? See all industrial robots for sale.
Welding robot prices by brand and process
How much is a welding robot? A refurbished arc robot with its controller costs £6,500 to £15,000 from our stock; a new one is typically £28,000 to £45,000 before the welding package. Here is how the three brands compare for welding.
ABB
From £6,500
Arc welding £6,500 – £11,000 · spot £10,000 – £13,000
IRB 1400, IRB 140, IRB 1600 and IRB 2400 for MIG and TIG; IRB 6400R and IRB 6640 for spot welding. RAPID programming with ABB Arc software.
FANUC
From £7,000
Arc welding £7,000 – £14,000 · spot £10,000 – £15,000
ARC Mate 100iB and 120iBe/iC dedicated welding robots with ArcTool, M-6iB/M-16iB compact arms, the CRX cobot and R-2000 spot welders.
KUKA
From £9,500
Arc welding £11,000 · spot £9,500 – £12,000
KR 16 R2010 arc welder with KRC4 and ArcTech, plus KR 150, KR 180, KR 210 and KR 240 robots for automotive spot welding.
Welding robot price comparison by process
| Robot class | ABB | FANUC | KUKA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact arc welding5–6 kg · small parts, tight cells | IRB 1400 / IRB 140 £6,500 – £10,000 | ARC Mate 100iB / M-6iB £7,000 – £9,500 | Ask us to source a KR 5 arc |
| MIG / TIG arc welding6–20 kg · general fabrication | IRB 1600 / IRB 2400 £8,500 – £11,000 | ARC Mate 120iBe / 120iC / M-16iB £9,500 – £14,000 | KR 16 R2010 (KRC4) £11,000 |
| Long-reach arc weldingLarge frames, chassis, trailers | IRB 2400L (1.8 m) £8,500 – £11,000 | M-710iC/20L (3.1 m) £14,000 | KR 16 R2010 (2.0 m) £11,000 |
| Cobot weldingHand-guided, small batches | Ask us | CRX-10iA/L £15,000 | Ask us |
| Spot welding robots100–250 kg · heavy guns | IRB 6400R / IRB 6640 £10,000 – £13,000 | R-2000iA / iB / iC £10,000 – £15,000 | KR 150 / 180 / 210 / 240 £9,500 – £12,000 |
| Typical new priceRobot + controller, for comparison | £28,000 – £45,000 | £28,000 – £45,000 | £28,000 – £45,000 |
Refurbished prices are our current listed prices (robot arm and controller, ex VAT). New prices are indicative UK ranges. For robot prices across every application, see our robot prices and ROI guide.
Types of welding robots
The welding process determines the type of robot: arc welding requires a lightweight, precise arm with a clean torch cable route; spot welding necessitates a heavy-duty robot to handle the gun. These are the welding robots we supply most frequently. Learn more about Types of Robots.
MIG / MAG welding robots
The most common robotic welding process: fast, wire-fed welding of steel and aluminium frames, brackets and assemblies. Typical models: ARC Mate 100iB, IRB 1600, KR 16.
TIG welding robots
Clean, spatter-free welds on stainless steel, aluminium and thin sheet, with optional cold-wire feed. Compact, accurate arms such as the IRB 140 and M-6iB suit TIG.
Spot welding robots
Heavy-payload arms (KUKA KR 210, ABB IRB 6640, FANUC R-2000) carry resistance spot-welding guns for car bodies and sheet-metal assemblies.
Cobot welding
Collaborative robots such as the FANUC CRX are taught by hand-guiding the torch. Ideal for small batches and first-time automation, with lighter guarding.
Laser welding robots
Fast, low-distortion welds with minimal heat input for precision automotive, battery and thin-gauge parts. Built as bespoke cells: ask us for a project review.
Plasma cutting robots
The same arc robots can carry a plasma torch to cut, bevel and trim parts in 3D, often in the same cell as the welding.
What is in a robotic welding cell?
A robot only welds once it sits in a complete robotic welding cell. These are the parts we quote for every cell, whether it is built around a refurbished robot or a new one.
Robot arm & controller
6-axis arm, controller, teach pendant and welding software (ArcTool, ABB Arc, ArcTech).
Welding power source
Robot-ready MIG/MAG, TIG or spot welding package with a digital robot interface.
Wire feeder, torch & cables
Robot-mounted feeder, torch, cable package and collision sensor.
Positioner
Turntable, headstock/tailstock or two-station positioner that presents each joint to the robot.
Fixtures & clamping
Repeatable jigs that hold parts within tolerance. The biggest factor in weld quality.
Torch cleaning station
Automatic reaming, wire cutting and anti-spatter spray between parts.
Fume extraction
On-torch or hood extraction to keep welding fume away from your team.
Guarding & safety
Fencing, arc-flash screens, light curtains and interlocks, with CE/UKCA documentation.
A robotic welding cell performing a production weld. Want to see your own parts? We can create a free 3D simulation of your cell first. Learn more about how welding robotics work.
Robotic welding cell layouts
| Cell layout | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single-station table | Robot welds while the operator waits, then unloads and reloads | Low volumes, large or occasional parts, first cells |
| Two-station (twin table) | Operator loads one station while the robot welds the other | Most fabrication shops: near-continuous arc-on time |
| Turntable or H-frame positioner | A rotating positioner swaps the load and weld sides | Medium-to-high volumes and repeat batches |
| Headstock/tailstock positioner | Rotates long parts so every seam is welded flat (in position) | Frames, shafts, booms and trailer chassis |
| Track or gantry-mounted robot | Robot travels along a rail to reach very long parts | Large fabrications, structural steel |
| Cobot welding table | Cobot on a table with light guarding and fume extraction | Small batches, many part numbers, first-time automation |
How much does a robotic welding cell cost?
A complete robotic welding cell with a refurbished robot typically costs £50,000 to £95,000; a cobot welding cell £45,000 to £70,000; and a cell with a new robot £80,000 to £150,000+. The robot itself is usually only 15–30% of the total.
| Welding system | Typical budget (ex VAT) | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Robot only (refurbished) | £6,500 – £15,000 | Robot arm, controller, teach pendant. You supply the power source and integration |
| Cobot welding cell | £45,000 – £70,000 | Cobot, MIG package, welding table, fume extraction, light guarding |
| Single-station cell, refurbished robot | £50,000 – £65,000 | Robot, MIG package, fixed table, basic fixtures, guarding, programming |
| Two-station or turntable cell, refurbished robot | £60,000 – £95,000 | Adds a positioner or turntable so loading and welding overlap |
| Cell with a new robot | £80,000 – £150,000+ | New robot and controller, latest weld software, manufacturer warranty |
| Multi-robot or spot welding line | £150,000+ | Several robots, spot guns, conveyors or part transfer and PLC control |
What affects the cost of a welding robot system?
- Robot: payload, reach, brand, controller age and new or refurbished
- Welding package: MIG/MAG, pulse, TIG, push-pull or spot gun
- Positioner: none, turntable, single- or multi-axis
- Fixtures: one simple jig or several custom fixtures with clamps
- Safety: fencing, arc screens, light curtains, extraction
- Integration: programming, seam tracking, PLC, installation and training
Download our robot welding cell pricing sheet (PDF) or the buyer’s guide (PDF).
Robotic welding cell cost calculator
Choose the options closest to your planned cell. You get an indicative budget, a cost breakdown and an optional payback estimate, and you can send the result to us with your quote request.
Optional: payback estimate
Indicative estimate only, ex VAT, not a quotation. Payback assumes the cell takes over about 70% of the manual welding hours you enter (an operator still loads parts). Final costs depend on your parts, robot, welding package, fixtures, safety and integration.
Robotic welding payback
Most of the return from robotic welding comes from arc-on time: the arc is lit for roughly 60–85% of an automated shift against 15–35% by hand, so one cell often does the work of two or more welders on repeat parts, with less rework, grinding and wire.
Many single-robot MIG cells built around a refurbished robot pay back in 12 to 24 months, and faster on two shifts. For a full ROI method across all robot types, see the robot prices and ROI guide.
Example: two-station MIG cell
- Refurbished arc robot + controller: £12,000
- MIG welding package: £22,000
- Two-station positioner and fixtures: £22,000
- Guarding, extraction and integration: £24,000
- Total investment: £80,000
- Yearly saving (labour, rework, wire and gas): £58,000
- Payback: about 17 months
Illustrative example only. The same cell with a new £35,000 robot would cost about £103,000 and pay back in about 21 months.
Is your part ready for robotic welding?
Tick the statements that are true for the part you want to automate. Seven or more ticks usually means a robot will pay back well; fewer means some preparation first, or a cobot welding cell as a lower-risk start.
Common mistakes when buying welding robots
Instead: make cut and formed parts consistent first. Touch sensing and seam tracking handle small variations, not large random gaps.
Instead: invest in accurate, repeatable fixtures. Good jigs decide robotic weld quality more than the robot does.
Instead: check every seam with the real torch angle and positioner in a 3D simulation before you buy.
Instead: include the welding package, positioner, guarding, extraction, programming and training.
Instead: prove the cell on a repeat part with simple joints, then add complex parts.
Instead: train a welder as the robot programmer. They understand the weld and keep the cell productive.
Benefits of robots in welding
A shortage of skilled welders, rising labour costs and tighter quality standards are pushing UK fabricators towards welding robotics. This is what automation changes on the shop floor.
2–4× more arc-on time
Robots weld 60–85% of the shift with steady travel speed and no breaks between parts.
Consistent weld quality
Same torch angle, speed and wire feed on every part: fewer defects, less rework and easier inspection.
Safer for your welders
Moves people away from fume, arc flash, spatter and awkward positions.
Less wire, gas and grinding
Correct weld sizes stop over-welding and cut consumables and finishing per part.
Beat the welder shortage
One operator runs the cell while coded welders move to complex and one-off work.
Win bigger contracts
Repeatable quality and capacity let you quote for higher-volume work and customer standards.
Robotic vs manual welding: output, quality and cost per part
| Factor | Robotic welding | Manual welding |
|---|---|---|
| Arc-on time | Typically 60–85% | Typically 15–35% |
| Weld consistency | Identical on every part | Varies by welder, shift and fatigue |
| Hours | Multiple shifts, unattended runs possible | Limited by shifts and availability |
| Upfront cost | From about £50,000 for a cell (refurbished robot) | Low |
| Cost per part | Low at medium to high volumes | High: wages, overtime and rework |
| Health and safety | Operator outside the cell | Exposure to fume, UV and strain |
| Part fit-up | Needs consistent parts and fixtures | Welder adapts to gaps by eye |
| Best for | Repeat batches and high-volume parts | One-offs, repairs and very complex access |
For a deeper comparison of manual and automated arc welding, read advantages of arc welding robots.
Industries using welding robots
Automotive and transport
Spot welding of body panels and MIG welding of chassis, subframes, exhausts and towbars.
General metal fabrication
Robotic MIG welding of brackets, frames, gates, racking, enclosures and steel assemblies.
Agricultural and construction equipment
Long-seam welding of heavy frames, buckets, booms and trailer chassis on positioners.
Furniture, storage and shopfitting
High-volume welding of tube frames, shelving, cages and metal furniture.
Energy, tanks and pressure vessels
Consistent circumferential and longitudinal welds on tanks, pipes and vessels.
Aerospace, rail and defence
Precision TIG and laser welding of high-specification components.
From your drawings to a running welding cell
Part and process review
Send drawings, photos, materials, thicknesses and volumes. We check fit-up, joint access and whether a robot or cobot suits the job.
Free 3D cell simulation
We simulate the robot, torch and positioner on your parts to prove reach, torch angles and cycle time before you commit.
Fixed quote
A clear quote for the robot, welding package, positioner, fixtures, guarding and integration, with new and refurbished options.
Build and test
The cell is built, programmed and test-welded on your sample parts before delivery.
Install and commission
Installation, safety checks and production sign-off at your site, with CE/UKCA documentation.
Training and support
Operator and programmer training, spares and ongoing support so the cell keeps welding.
Programming and training are covered in more depth on our robot programming and robot training pages; complete cell design and installation on robotic integration.
Why buy welding robots from Robot Store?
Welding robots in stock
Arc, spot and cobot models from ABB, FANUC and KUKA, listed with real prices.
Free 3D simulation
See your welding cell layout, robot movements and cycle time before you buy.
Complete welding cells
Welding package, positioner, fixtures, guarding, programming and installation from one supplier.
Refurbished or new
Choose a refurbished robot to cut the robot cost, or a new one with a manufacturer warranty.
UK and European supply
We collaborate with UK and European manufacturers or partners to source robotics and welding equipment.
Training and support
Operator and programmer training, spares and support after installation.
Get a welding robot quote
Tell us about the parts you weld and we will recommend a robot or complete cell, with refurbished and new options and a free 3D simulation where it helps. If you used the calculator or readiness check above, your results are added to the form automatically.
- Part drawings or photos (or describe the part)
- Material and thickness, e.g. 3–8 mm mild steel
- Welding process: MIG/MAG, TIG or spot
- Batch sizes and yearly volume
- Your current welding set, if you want to reuse it
Prefer email? info@robot-store.co.uk
Welding robots: frequently asked questions
What are welding robots?
They are programmable industrial robots fitted with a welding torch or spot-welding gun, and automate MIG/MAG, TIG, spot and laser welding, repeating the same path, speed and torch angle on every part for consistent welds at higher output than manual welding.
What is robotic welding?
Robotic welding is the use of a programmable arm to carry out welding. The arm moves the torch along a programmed path while a robot-ready power source controls the arc, usually inside a guarded robotic welding cell with fixtures and a positioner. Our guide explains how robotic welding works in detail.
How much does a welding robot cost?
A refurbished arc robot with its controller costs £6,500 to £15,000 from our stock, and a spot robot from £9,500. A new one is typically £28,000 to £45,000 before the welding package. See robots in stock.
How much does a robotic welding cell cost?
A complete cell with a refurbished robot typically costs £50,000 to £95,000, a cobot welding cell £45,000 to £70,000, and a cell with a new robot £80,000 to £150,000 or more. Use the welding cell cost calculator for an estimate based on your options.
Do you sell used welding robots?
Yes. Every robot on this page is a used, refurbished ABB, FANUC or KUKA model supplied with its controller and teach pendant. We can also supply the welding package and integrate the robot into a complete cell.
What types of welding can robots do?
Robots in welding are used for MIG/MAG arc welding, TIG welding, resistance spot welding, laser welding and plasma cutting. The process decides the arm: light, accurate models for arc work and heavy-payload models for spot guns.
Which welding robot is best for a small fabrication shop?
A compact arc robot such as the FANUC ARC Mate 100iB, ABB IRB 1400 or IRB 1600 on a two-station table suits most small shops. If you weld many different parts in small batches, a cobot welding cell is often easier to program.
What is the difference between a welding robot and a cobot welder?
A cobot welder is a collaborative arm taught by hand-guiding the torch, with lighter guarding and lower speeds. An industrial robot is faster and carries heavier torches but needs full guarding. Cobots suit small batches; industrial robots suit higher volumes.
Can a welding robot do TIG welding?
Yes. With a robot TIG package, optional cold-wire feed and an accurate arm, robots produce clean, repeatable TIG welds on stainless steel, aluminium and thin sheet. TIG cells need good fit-up and fixturing.
Do I need a positioner for robotic welding?
Not always. Simple flat parts can be welded on a fixed table, but a turntable or positioner lets the operator load while the arm welds and turns parts so seams are welded in the best position. Most production cells use one.
Can I use my existing welding machine with a robot?
Sometimes. Many modern power sources from brands such as Fronius, Kemppi, Lincoln and ESAB have robot interfaces, but older manual sets usually do not. Tell us your model and we will check compatibility.
What thickness and materials can a welding robot weld?
Robots weld mild steel, stainless steel and aluminium from thin sheet up to thick plate in multi-pass welds. Thickness depends on the process and power source rather than the robot; MIG/MAG covers most fabrication from about 1 mm upwards.
How long does it take to install a robotic welding cell?
A standard cell built around a stock robot usually takes around 8 to 14 weeks from order to production, including fixtures, programming and testing on your parts. Cobot welding cells can be quicker.
Will welding robots replace welders?
Welding robotics usually works alongside skilled welders. They take on repetitive, high-volume welds, while welders move into programming, set-up, inspection and complex one-off work.
How long does a robotic welding cell take to pay back?
Payback depends on volumes, shifts, labour costs and the total cell cost. Many single-robot MIG cells with a refurbished robot pay back in 12 to 24 months, and faster on two shifts.
Can Robot Store supply a complete robotic welding cell?
Yes. We supply robots and complete robotic welding cells, including the power source, positioner, fixtures, guarding, programming, installation and training. Request a quote.
Send us your parts and we will recommend the right robot or cell, with a free 3D simulation and a clear quote.
