Off-line system for orientation of automotive airbag rupture disks prior to laser welding. The system analyzes the acquired image for markings on the disk to determine proper orientation for welding. Improperly oriented rupture disks are unable to be welded by the laser unless corrected oriented by the operator. The system uses a proprietary lighting technique to eliminate glare from the shiny disk surface.

This on line system measured seventeen critical dimensions on airbag diffusers. The system utilized both digital and analog camera technology to determine the accurate measurements of both Two and Three Dimensional contours. The system relied on multiple lighting strategies and image acquisition techniques.

The stators were assembled by hand and contained a series of springs and bearings. The Off line system accepted the assembled stators and inspected the bearings and springs for proper count, order and orientation.

The system provides automated visual guidance and tracking for laser welding of bellows seams. The totally automated system accepts bellows assembles mounted on a mandrel. It then move to the fist seam, and visually determines the contour of the seam in both X & Y coordinates. This data is fed to the integrated motion control module. The motion control module controls the laser output and 5 axis positioning system to laser weld each of the bellows seams. To accomplish this task, the system was required to be capable of following the contour to +/- 0.002” and a speed of 200 inches per minute. This one system was capable of producing the same output as 30 manual operators.