A machine vision system, based on CCD camera, is used to control the molten pool size during the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. The technique is tested by making a metallic part with a complex 3-D network of conformal channels on a hybrid rapid prototyping machine based on welding and milling. The test part demonstrated manufacturing flexibility and new technological opportunities required for prototyping injection mold tools. The real metallic part made in a layered fashion had good surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and high density.
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