Design of a vision sensor for monitoring micro-plasma arc welding of metal bellows

摘要

Metal bellows is one of important components for mechanical sealing. Because the seam is very thin, and its spatial position is strictly limited, it is very difficult to observe the welding seam in order to control the variables of welding in real-time, the welding quality can not usually be guaranteed under the traditional technology. A novel approach is proposed, which is able to provide an amplificatory and clear image of the micro-plasma welding seam observed from better perspective, then output the image to computer and process it so that the variables of welding can be controlled in real-time. A special optical sensor has been designed and realized according to the approach. The principle and main technologies of the sensor is described in detail. The results of applying the system in practice approved the approach is successful. The welding quality of the inner circle of metal bellows, as well as the working condition of welder has been improved after the system is applied.