Abstract
Multi-layer/multi-pass welding (MLMPW) technology is widely used in the energy industry to join thick components. During automatic welding using robots or other actuators, it is very important to recognize the actual weld pass position using visual methods, which can then be used not only to perform reasonable path planning for actuators, but also to correct any deviations between the welding torch and the weld pass position in real time. However, due to the small geometrical differences between adjacent weld passes, existing weld position recognition technologies such as structured light methods are not suitable for weld position detection in MLMPW. This paper proposes a novel method for weld position detection, which fuses various kinds of information in MLMPW. First, a synchronous acquisition method is developed to obtain various kinds of visual information when directional light and structured light sources are on, respectively. Then, interferences are eliminated by fusing adjacent images. Finally, the information from directional and structured light images is fused to obtain the 3D positions of the weld passes. Experiment results show that each process can be done in 30 ms and the deviation is less than 0.6 mm. The proposed method can be used for automatic path planning and seam tracking in the robotic MLMPW process as well as electron beam freeform fabrication process.
Highlights
Welding is widely used in the energy industry to join the thick components, such as hydraulic turbine blades, power plant pipelines, and steam generators and low pressure rotors in nuclear engineering
Results marked in the image(c) when the marked left-sidein
This paper proposes a weld position recognition method based on directional light and structured light information fusion during multi-layer/multi-pass welding
Summary
Welding is widely used in the energy industry to join the thick components, such as hydraulic turbine blades, power plant pipelines, and steam generators and low pressure rotors in nuclear engineering These components are usually large and thick, and must be welded by multi-layer/multi-pass welding (MLMPW) technology (Figure 1) [1]. Based on geometrical the triangulation technique, the welding path can detected accurately whenimage there are significant differences between the base metal andbe the groove/bead. Based on the triangulation technique, the welding path can be detected accurately when there are significant geometrical differences between the base metal and the groove/bead. Relevant[13], image processing methods have been proposed by many researchers to detect the weld positions as are significant geometrical differences between the base metal and the groove/bead. Image processing method researches using Detailed the structured lightWorks detection method
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
