Automation in WeldingThe requirements for welding process control are discussed in terms of today's numerical control, adaptive control and optimum control concepts and the future requirements for welding process automation are indicated. The advances in automatic welding made over the last 20 years are reviewed by example. Multiaxis positioning, seam tracking systems, penetration controls and other fusion welding control devices as developed during the 1960's are reviewed. The utilization of almost completely automated resistance spot welding operations in the automotive industry is also covered. Although the development of automated fusion welding processes has been slow, the advent of minicomputers should quicken the pace of automated welding applications in industry. Wider applications for automated welding systems outside quantity production, will come with new quality sensing systems, standardization and adaptation of weldment designs for automated welding. |
Common terms and phrases
acceptable band adaptive control system Adjustment analog analog computer arc length arc welding Astro-Arc automatic welding systems axis capability changes clamp completely automated control of welding control unit electrode electron beam welding expansion external welders Fabrication feedback filler metal filler wire fitup fixture flange functions fusion welding processes gas-tungsten-arc welding in-process inch industry joint following manual measuring motion needed nugget numerical control system numerically controlled welding optimal control penetration control photocell pipe positioner process control produce punch card punched tape quality control resistance spot welding resistance welding root pass rotating seam tracking sensing devices sensors shielding gas shown in Figure signal surface tape transducers travel speed utilizes variables voltage weld joint weld monitoring weld pass weld penetration welding control welding current welding engineer welding head Welding Journal welding machine welding operations welding parameters welding program welding speed welding station welding torch weldment wire feed workpiece