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Model JST Optical
Seam Tracker
Non-Contact Operation
Laser Sensor
High Precision
All Types of Weld Joints
Complete Range of Slides
Multi-Pass Capability
Introduction
Conventional seam tracking systems with tactile
probes have been used for many years and have
a proven record of success. There are, however, a
number of applications where the use of a probe
which must "feel" the weld joint can lead to irregular
and unreliable results. In these applications, it has
been traditional to resort to special probe designs
and to have the operator monitor the weld process
in order to take corrective action if the seam tracker
probe is seen to leave the joint.
The introduction of laser tracking permits automatic
joint tracking to be used in the more difficult joint
configurations. As the system functions with no
contact between the sensor and the joint, there is
no tendency for the system to run out of the joint.
The system is suitable for all types of joint design
and all arc welding purposes.
Description
The complete seam tracking system consists of the
following elements:
Laser Sensor
Seam Tracker Control
Pendant Control
Motorized Cross-Slide
All the elements of the system have been developed to be compatible. There is no need for you to
mix and match components from different manufacturers with all the problems that entails.
System Elements
Laser Sensor
The compact laser sensor is normally mounted on
or near the welding torch. It is of a robust design
and construction to function satisfactorily, even in
high current and heat environments. Units have
been used in applications with welding currents
up to 700 amps.
The sensor houses laser diodes with optics which
project a fan of visible laser light on to the work
piece. A CCD camera in the sensor, set at a triangulation angle to the laser diodes, receives a
reflection from the surface of the part which is a
contour map of the joint geometry. Using triangulation permits not only the horizontal features to be
detected, but also the height (sensor to work piece
distance) to be determined.
The sensor is supplied complete with a spatter shield
with disposable protective window. This protects
the laser diodes and the camera from the heat
and fumes of the welding arc. Dry compressed air
can be fed to the sensor to assist in cooling and to
keep the protective window free of fume buildup.
For high heat applications, a water cooled sensor
mount is included to integrate with an optional or
customer supplied water chiller.
15 Goodyear St, Irvine, California 92618 U.S.A. Tel: (949) 951-1515 Fax: (949) 951-9237
Segmentation Module
This stage analyzes the stripe data from the acquisition board and divides it into lines. This is done using preprogrammed information about the slopes
(angles) to be looked for, and also by knowing the
size of the step or break to be expected based
upon the seam type being sensed.
The line
segmentation is based upon features which are
sensed, e.g. a step caused by a lap joint, a break
caused by the gap between sheets in a butt joint
or the angle sensed in a groove or fillet.
Comparator Module
This software section looks at the lines defined by
the segmentation software and determines which
lines form the seam. This is done by comparing
what is actually seen with a theoretical shape
which has been entered into the computer for this
type of weld joint.
Extractor Module
This software stage extracts the seam information
and, according to preprogrammed instructions,
sets the torch in its correct relative position with the
joint, either in the center or a different position.
Using this information, the control moves the slides
to maintain the correct relative position of the
welding torch.
The system is capable of working with different
joint configurations. The seam tracker control is
preprogrammed with a number of standard joint
geometries.
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM
Note:
Video monitor and PC are
additional price options.
CAMERA
LENS
FILTER
LASER DIODES
LASER OPTICS
LASER
STRIPE
FEATURE
(LAP)
Motorized Cross-Slide
Because Jetline is a manufacturer of weld fixturing,
a large number of slide configurations can be used
with this seam tracking system. Unless otherwise
ordered, each optical seam tracking system is
supplied with a set of standard slides. These slides
permit cross seam and arc gap tracking to be carried out. Slides are available with various weight
capacities and stroke lengths to permit the right
slide for the job to be selected.
Stroke
Specifications
Sensor Unit
Choosing a seamtracker
The correct choice of seam tracker depends on
many variables. Optical seam tracking is the ideal
choice in many circumstances but there may be
applications where a different type of unit is ideal.
Jetline manufactures tactile as well as optical style
tracking systems and so has the correct type of
tracking system for most of your applications.
The following chart shows the comparison of various seam tracker types for different joint configurations.
Joint
Narrow Butt
Seam with tacks
Bends
Fillet
Seam Find
Adaptive Weld
Laser
Vision
5
5
4
4
4
5
1
3
5
5
2
2
5
1
1
1
2
0
2
2
4
5
5
0
5
5
2*
1*
1
1
2*
1*
Multi-Pass Welds
Initial Root
Fill Passes
5
4
3
2
1
0
*
Excellent
Good
Average
Poor
Inadequate performance
Not possible
Circumstances could improve performance
Laser diodes:
Cross Slide
Stroke
in:
10x10
mm: 250x250
Capacity lb:
250
kg:
110
Height
in:
23
mm:
580
Width
in:
22
mm:
550
Depth
in:
9.5
mm:
240
Weight
lb:
80
kg:
36
5x5
125x125
250
110
18
450
17
430
9.5
240
65
30
3x3
75x75
40
18
12
300
11
280
5.5
140
18
14
Distributed by:
JST-04/2006