A rapid seam tracking device for YAG and CO2 high speed Laser Welding

Abstract

Industrial applications of high power laser, for welding, remain limited by the necessary uses of rapid and precise robotics tools. Improvement of intrinsic performances of robotics machines is difficult, so the use of intelligent system allowing to reach precision for high speed laser welding is required. The use of vision (seam tracking camera) is then necessary. Electro mechanical devices are also needed to insure the correction determined by seam tracking camera. The CLFA has developed an rapid actuator allowing robotic welding with a YAG laser, on lap welding, with speeds greater than 6 m/mn. Achievement of off line programming is then possible with our actuator.