Robotic Welding Propels Filtration Systems into a New Era of Efficiency 

Over five decades ago, Sidney Goldman launched Filtration Systems (https://www.filtrationsystems.com/) from humble beginnings: a small warehouse, no formal engineering training, and a vision to improve industrial liquid filtration. What he lacked in credentials, he made up for in determination, curiosity, and a relentless drive for innovation. Today, that vision has evolved into a globally recognized, ISO (https://www.iso.org/home.html) 9001:2015 and ASME-certified (https://www.asme.org/) manufacturer operating out of a 50,000-sq-ft facility in Sunrise, Fla. 

Now led by his son, Michael Goldman, and joined by his granddaughter, Jane Goldman, the company remains a family business, but one that competes at the highest levels of global industry. In 2024, the company took a major leap forward — one that has not only enhanced its production capabilities but also reaffirmed its commitment to staying at the forefront of manufacturing technology. 

Legacy Meets Technology 

 Recognizing the need to increase efficiency while maintaining precision, the company invested in automated welding. It implemented a FANUC (https://www.fanucamerica.com/) Arcmate 120iD robotic welding arm powered by a Fronius (https://www.fronius.com/en) TPS 400i power source. This combination brought an immediate impact on production. Where manual welding of complex stainless-steel vessels or stainless-to-carbon steel joints used to take an hour or more per unit, the robotic system now accomplishes the same task in as little as ten minutes — a sixfold increase in throughput with no compromise in quality. 

“The improvement was instantaneous,” explained Michael Goldman. “We were seeing reductions not only in welding time, but in rework, operator fatigue, and variability. The consistency is astounding.” 

 The decision to select the Arcmate 120iD was based on its manufacturer’s track record in industrial robotic welding. The product is ideal for repetitive welds that demand control over positioning and torch angles, especially on cylindrical or curved stainless steel parts. Paired with the TPS 400i, the system becomes more powerful. Together, the units enable the company to maintain the tight tolerances required by ASME Section IX of the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code and AWS D1.6, Structural Welding Code — Stainless Steel. 

In-House Quality Start to Finish 

Despite the adoption of advanced automation, the company has remained committed to its core philosophy: keeping everything in-house. Every component, whether it’s a filter housing, a multilayer filter bag, or a specialized fitting, is fabricated, welded, and inspected at the facility by a team of highly trained technicians. This approach allows for control over quality, timelines, and traceability. Custom-built jigs, proprietary fixtures, and now robotic programming routines ensure products meet strict internal and industry specifications. 

“If we can’t do it ourselves, we won’t promise it to our customers,” Goldman said. 

Serving the World’s Most Critical Markets 

The company’s commitment to excellence has earned it a spot in some of the most demanding industries, including: 

• Chemical and petrochemical processing 

• Pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biotechnology 

• Water treatment and reclamation 

• Food, beverage, and fermentation 

• Electronics and imaging 

• Nuclear power and surface technology 

These sectors require mission-critical performance. There’s no room for error. A failed weld or poorly designed filter in these applications can lead to contamination, shutdowns, or safety hazards. 

The welding procedures used, both manual and robotic, are based on qualified welding procedure specifications supported by procedure qualification records in accordance with ASME Section IX. Even with automation, nothing is left to chance. 

A Different Way of Doing Business 

One of the most striking aspects of the company is its approach to inventory and customer readiness. While many manufacturers have adopted just-in-time supply chain models, the company has deliberately chosen a different path. 

“We carry a two-year inventory of critical raw materials and finished goods,” Goldman explained. “Some see that as inefficient. We see it as a strategic advantage.” 

This strategy has paid off. While competitors scramble during global supply chain disruptions, the company continues to ship quickly, even fulfilling last-minute or emergency orders without delay. 

Building a Brand 

Another unique aspect of the company is its complete lack of a traditional sales force. All business comes through referrals, repeat clients, and reputation. From high-temperature filter housings used in chemical plants to precision bag filters for biotech labs, the company’s products are in use worldwide. 

A Future Welded with Precision 

The addition of robotic welding marks the latest chapter in a story defined by hands-on innovation, long-term thinking, and technical mastery. For the company, automation is not a replacement for human skill; it’s a force multiplier. 

Looking ahead, the company plans to further expand its robotic capabilities, integrating automated fixture changing, in-line inspection systems, and more advanced adaptive weld programming based on real-time sensor feedback. 

Tradition, Technology, and Trust 

Filtration Systems embodies what it means to merge old-school craftsmanship with modern technology. From the company’s beginnings in a small Florida warehouse to its present-day position as a global filtration innovator, it has never lost sight of its mission: to create superior products that customers can trust. The integration of robotic welding is more than a productivity win — it’s a symbol of how this family business continues to evolve, always guided by quality, precision, and an unwavering commitment to doing things right. 

This article was written by James Scott, the applied welding technologies instructor at McFatter Technical College (https://www.mcfattertechnicalcollege.edu/), Davie, Fla., for the American Welding Society. The photos are courtesy of Filtration Systems.