Tracking and inspection for laser welding

High precision, high productivity and high quality are the three absolute requirements in today's laser welding production. Automated laser welding places extreme demands on tool position accuracy. Accurate real-time tracking and inspection systems for laser materials processing make use of high-performance laser sensors. The reliability of the monitored signal can be significantly increased by using high resolution, digital CMOS sensors and high speed real-time image processing technologies. This paper presents the latest developments in high-performance optical joint tracking systems and optical inspection systems based on these technologies. Optical joint tracking systems allow for precise control of part fit-up, machine self-alignment, and adaptive process control; optical inspection systems allow for automated in-line verification, insuring laser welds meet quality standards and customer's specification. Geometric features of welds can be precisely measured and compared to allowable tolerances while undesirable attributes like surface porosities and external defects can be accurately detected.