Control of the welding process using infrared sensors

Integration of sensors in a welding system enhances the quality of the welds produced. Variations in three welding process parameters-weld bead width, penetration depth, and torch position-were monitored using an infrared sensor. Intentionally induced variations in each of these welding parameters were found to affect uniquely the plate surface temperature distributions measured by the infrared sensor. The effects of weld bead width and torch position perturbations on the temperature distribution were separated so as to identify and control these two weld process parameters simultaneously. Preliminary results suggest that simultaneous penetration depth, bead width, and torch position control is possible