APPARATUS FOR MAINTAINING THE POINT OF IMPACT OF AN ELECTRON BEAM IN THE INTENDED WELD LINE BETWEEN TWO WELDMENTS

To control an electron beam welder to maintain the point of impact of an electron beam (16) on an intended weld line (6) between two weldments (2,4) and (if required) to monitor or control the beam area, strips of material (8, 10) are provided on each side of the weld line (6). The materials (8, 10) emit radiation predominantly of a specific wavelength when impinged upon by the electromagnetic radiation produced by the electron beam (16). Means is provided for generating an output signal proportional to the difference in radiation emitted by the two strips of material (8, 10), which output signal is available for controlling the transverse positioning of the electron beam as required to maintain the point of impact of the electron beam (16) along the intended weld line (6). Means may also be provided for generating an output signal proportional to the sum of the radiation emitted by the two strips of material (8, 10), which output signal is available for monitoring or controlling the area of the electron beam.