Flexible robotic measuring of weldments on production lines©Servo‐Robot inc.

Weldments, like any other mass produced components, must meet very specific quality requirements. Critical data must be collected where robotic welding and associated processes are applied: these processes are particularly sensitive to fit‐up and are governed by a significant number of parameters. On production lines, local robotic inspection systems are being developed and implemented to detect presence, absence, and position of beads; position and orientation of brackets; presence, absence and dimensions of holes, etc. The flexible gauging system uses a precision laser‐profiling camera that when connected to a robot wrist is easily programmed to move over the area to be inspected, in order to gather the dimension data and to locate defects. Whereas standard gauging systems failed in the past to perform on weldments, recently developed ones that benefit from new sensing technology and increased computer power allow a 100% capability inspection as well as the analysis of manufacturing trends, including decision‐making process under programmable acceptance criteria.