Development of Real Time Welding Control System by Using Image Processing

Welding control system for Narrow gap GTAW was developed. It is capable of simultaneous control of both welding torch position and welding heat input by image processing the thermal pattern of melting zone. This system is characterized in that an isothermal pattern of weld zone is detected with infrared camera, and the thermal pattern of melting zone is selected by image processing. The position of welding torch is controlled according to the judgement of asymmetric extend of thermal pattern. Welding heat input control is conducted by comparing the area of thermal pattern with the area of standard pattern, too. According to this system, it is possible to maintain an optimum welding condition nn real time.