Robust in-process joint finding - RobIn

The basis for success is the building of a strong network of research organisations with complementing experience, an equipment supplier and demanding industrial applications of importance for Swedish competitiveness. The partners have identified a first problem to address in this project; the challenge of finding the welding joint even if the gap between the parts is hardly visible by the naked eye. Existing seam tracking (joint finding) solutions are not sufficiently robust for the demanding applications addressed. Another challenge is the limited space for additional sensor equipment in the joint area.

These challenges are expected to be met through the joint efforts of researchers in laser technology at LTU, welding automation solutions at HV and industrial welding solutions at Kimab. The laser equipment supplier Permanova has long experience of cooperation with the partners and especially competence to integrate equipment in the welding tool, which is of utmost importance for the success.

The manufacturers GKN, Siemens and Brogrens share the strong need to increase robustness in their production, and the project outcome is expected to considerably reduce time in the workshop and increase the welding quality that will facilitate introduction of new products. The approach to reach the objectives of the project is by innovative sensor system development, integration and thorough experimental validation.