TPT January 2016

Technology News

Seam tracking and quality control during laser welding

the position of the joint, the WeldMaster system, in addition to the scanner mirror, can overlay a high-frequency pendulum motion and thus increase the seamwidth. The WeldMaster also controls the laser power, which is freely programmable, in sync with the pendulum motion. This makes ScanTracker the ideal solution for applications involving differing weld seams or extensive retooling. The seam width is freely adjustable via an analogue interface and requires no additional control. A synchronous laser power control is available to avoid intensity peaks at the reversal points, and this can be achieved through the freely selectable performance profile. The minimum lead times for the measurement, less than tenths of a second, and the adapted lateral and longitudinal distribution of the linear energy leave nothing to be desired when it comes to optimal process control. The WeldMaster systems for realtime process control and quality monitoring of laser seams are based on one standardised platform, which is responsible for data processing and operator guidance. Camera systems

NUMEROUS trends are dictating the use of the laser in automotive engineering. The use of high-strength steels, weight- saving aluminium alloys, innovative joint geometries and unusual material mixes has the overarching aim of making the vehicles safer, more cost effective and more energy efficient. Process monitoring systems play a key role here. At the Laser World of Photonics trade fair in Munich, Precitec presented the YW52 laser welding head with integrated ScanTracker for the controlled weld position and weld seam width. In conjunction with the WeldMaster system for realtime process control and quality monitoring, this is a flexible and comprehensive solution for difficult welding tasks under changing conditions. The WeldMaster measures the joining position laterally and the width of the gap. Instead of an external axis, the integrated scanner mirror of the ScanTracker precisely controls the focal position along the measured joint. Additionally, the mechanically controlled collimation lens corrects any change in the standoff distance. If, for example, the gap width or height changes as well as

The WeldMaster

and sensors for measuring and controlling the laser joining process can be connected and evaluated to suit the application concerned. The operator concept is always the same, no matter whether the system is supposed to detect and control the joining position, whether an image is evaluated for detecting welding seam errors or whether only a simple sensor signal, the laser power for instance, is to be depicted.

Precitec KG – Germany Fax: +49 7225 684 900 Website: www.precitec.de Pipe fusion for large-diameter pipe

the growing demand for fusing large- diameter pipe.” The TracStar 1200 butt fuses pipe from 450 to 1,200mm OD (16" to 48"), and can traverse almost any terrain, including mud, loose soil, snow and gradients up to 30 per cent. It is self- contained with an on-board generator for powering the hydraulic pivoting heater and facer. The three- or four-jaw convertible carriage is easily removable for in-ditch use. Other new features include hydraulic outriggers for machine stability and levelling, an ergonomic operator platform and remote engine stop/start capabilities.

features an advanced emission control engine that burns ultra-low-sulphur diesel to meet the EPA’s latest Tier 4 standards. The cowling has also been redesigned so that technicians have better and quicker access to the engine for maintenance. “The TracStar line

THE release of the TracStar ® 1200 brings the largest pipe fusion capability to date in McElroy’s line of self-propelled, track- mounted fusion machines. The TracStar 1200 has many of the same benefits as the smaller models, but with some major upgrades. It

was quickly embraced when it was launched 18 years ago and its design continues to improve based on the input we receive from the field,” said the company’s president, Chip McElroy. “The ability to propel the machine from joint to joint has always been a major selling point and this feature will help meet

McElroy – USA Fax: +1 918 831 9256

Email: fusion@mcelroy.com Website: www.mcelroy.com

The TracStar 1200 from McElroy

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J anuary 2016