Inline Laser Welding quality assessment The Laser Welding inline quality assessment system based in infrared imaging technology (i3LasWeld-QA) has been developed as a key enabling technology for different industries with an aim of a zero-defect manufacturing and process optimization. The system is a real-time defect detection system, integrated in the production line, for laser welding processes based in the use of uncooled infrared imaging sensors working in the MWIR range, capable to operate at frame rates up to 1 kHz. The sensor is coupled directly to the welding head allowing an on-axis stand-off observation of the process area. Melt pool images are acquired during the laser welding process and analysed on-line in order to assess in real-time the quality of the process. The recorded data is available for offline analysis. Suitable for CO2, Nd:YAG, diode and Yb:YAG laser sources. Main specifications • • • • Optical coupling on to standard laser welding heads Inline quality assessment of the process Real-time analysis and defect detection Defects: holes, pores, lack of penetration, false friend, lack of fusion, underfilling • Welding configurations: overlap joint, butt weld, fillet weld System components • Infrared imaging sensor coupled directly to the laser head • Processing unit New Infrared Technologies Calle Vidrieros 30, Nave 2 28660 Boadilla del Monte, Madrid SPAIN www.ni

Processing software The i3LasWeld-QA system relies on a specific software for defect detection, which is based on supervised-learning strategies in order to detect defects. The software package includes applications for inline monitoring, offline monitoring and training. Main capabilities: • • • • • • Real time processing up to 1000 images per second Inline diagnosis and defect counting Real time information visualization Process data recording Offline monitoring Labelling and training Laser: Yb:YAG, 1.064 um, 16 kW Welding head: Trumpf-BEO D70 Type of welding: overlap joint Materials: DP 600...