Laser-based vision systems speed seam tracking

DECEMBER 22, 2008--Laser vision systems have a place in robotic welding before, during, and after a weld is made. The earlier in the process a potential problem can be identified, the easier and less expensive it is to fix. The technology used for seam-tracking and weld-inspection cameras is based on the principle of laser triangulation. A low-power laser beam is projected on the surface of the part and the reflected scattered light is imaged back onto a CCD (charge-coupled device) or CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor. The controller then extracts signals from the image that can be used for either tracking or joint-preparation and weld-inspection purposes. Of course, the power of this basic technology has been greatly increased over the past years to be most efficiently used for high-speed seam tracking of metal joining. For more information, go to: http://www.servorobot.com/english/Articles/articles_documents/CWA%20journal%20-%20Servo%20Robot.pdf