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.

On-line system for automated visual guidance and tracking of the lasing head during the welding of metal doors. The integrated motion control system positions and presents the weld seam to the camera. The system analyzes the image and communicates precise seam positional data to the laser welder. The motion control system uses the data to make precision lasing head position adjustments during the laser welding process.

The system provides automated visual guidance and alignment for the lasing head during the welding of rivets. The system uses a single camera to deliver X and Y coordinates to the laser positioning system prior to welding to an accuracy of +/- .001 inch. The system analyzes the image and communicates precise positional data to the laser welder.

On-line system for guidance and centering control of a steel strip to within 1/8" of the mill center line traveling at 2000 feet per minute on a slitter line. The quality of the steel coil can vary greatly based on how they are wrapped, and can be telescoped up to an inch per wrap. The wrapping distortion problem is compounded by protective oil coating on the steel coils. A steel coil weighing up to 60,000 pounds is placed on a hydraulically driven centering mandrel. The system measures the width and displacement from mill center of the steel strip. The PID control loop uses the measurement data to produce an analog signal that the drives the hydraulic positioning valve. The valve drives the mandrel and steel coil to the left and right of mill center.