Product category:
Linear Position Sensors
News Release from: Meta Vision Systems | Subject: A700 sensor
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 10 October 2002
Weld seam sensor is better on reflection
A novel weld seam tracking sensor works by scanning a high intensity laser spot across the joint, allowing seam tracking on shiny surfaces.
Until now, weld seam tracking sensor manufacturer Meta Vision Systems has supplied equipment based on the projection of a laser stripe onto the surface of a fabrication However, for about 10% of applications, this technique suffers from reflectivity problems when fillet welding on shiny surfaces such as aluminium, or when dealing with edges premachined for V-groove or multipass narrow gap welding
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 14 Jul 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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This precludes Meta sensors from being used in these types of application, many of which are complex, such as automated welding of pressure vessels, oil rig legs and off-road vehicles.
Now, for the first time, the company has introduced a product that works by scanning a high intensity laser spot across the joint, allowing seam tracking on shiny surfaces.
Called A700, the sensor looks slightly ahead of the weld torch while an onboard linear camera, scanned in sync, captures a 3D cross-section of the joint which the system software uses to determine its exact position before and during welding.
Further reading
Laser video improves manual welding
A new technique, called MetaView, to improve the speed and accuracy of welding systems which are manually controlled, has been introduced by Meta Vision Systems
Laser vision speeds welding of tailor blanks
An automatic, laser-based weld seam tracking system is incorporated as standard into all tailor blank welding lines manufactured by Automated Welding Systems (AWS), Ontario.
The sensor can be used with Meta's Laser Pilot MTR for robot applications and with the VistaWeld system on automated welding machines.
Of particular note is that the image intensity is adjustable in real time and the frequency and scan width are both programmable, giving the user extensive control over the operating parameters for optimum results.
Benefits claimed as a result of fitting such a system include improved weld quality by eliminating human variability and error, setup time and cost reductions as fixtures are not needed, increased productivity, less scrap and negligible requirement for rework.
Depending on the application and shift patterns, payback time for investment in weld seam tracking can be as short as six months, as reported by some of Meta's customers which operate a combined total of 700 laser tracking systems - the largest worldwide installed base.
Most welding processes including GMAW, GTAW, sub-arc, plasma and laser are suitable for A700 tracking.
The system can be optimised and programmed for a variety of joint profiles, depths and sizes, allowing it to tackle almost any application irrespective of the sensor stand off requirements, profile or surface type.
As with all Meta sensors, the A700 may be effectively applied in post weld situations such as tracking ultrasonic and X-ray inspection on flat and curved surfaces as well as other inspection and measurement applications where shape and profile need to be monitored.
In combination with the VistaWeld system, additional functions performed include closed loop control, adaptive fill control, parameter measurement such as step height and gap, data logging and process history information.
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