Product Code: ICAL09_705

An Image-Based "Click & Weld" - Method for Laser Beam Positioning in Micro Welding Applications
Authors:
Nicolaj C. Stache, Institute of Imaging & Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen Univ.; Aachen Germany
Jonas Dieckelmann, Institute of Imaging & Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University; Aachen Germany
Jens Gedicke, Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology; Aachen Germany
Alexander Olowinsky, Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology; Aachen Germany
Til Aach, Institute of Imaging & Computer Vision, RWTH Aachen University; Aachen Germany
Presented at ICALEO 2009

In most laser welding applications the welding result is highly sensitive to the weld position and the initial determination of process parameters requires time-consuming adjustments to be made. In case of manufacturing individual parts with low quantities this is a significant cost driver. State-of-the-art CAD/CAM based manufacturing systems ease the adjustment significantly but position deviations resulting e.g. from workpiece tolerances must still be compensated. Seam tracking systems are rather complicated to handle during process qualification as they require adjustment to a start position and are subject to be misguided by disturbances in the material. Besides, it is difficult to apply seam tracking to scanner-based micro welding operations. Therefore, we developed a system that enables the user to position welds easily and accurately by marking the intended weld position in a calibrated live-image of the workpiece, which is used as reference. Thereby, positioning errors are compensated. Because of the live image acquisition, it is also possible to observe the welding process and assess the geometrical properties of the weld surface immediately. Moreover, the paper describes how this idea is extended to a system for more complex weld contours.

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