QUALITY II - Advanced quality assurance of joints

Purpose and goal

A robotized prototype (hardware, software, algorithms) of a laser ultrasonic inspection system for on-line nondestructive quality control of a variety of joint types has been developed. Experimental setups, procedures and algorithms were developed in a lab environment and then tested in production-like environments (demonstrators) where the prototype was mounted on industrial robots in industry. The system´s capability has also been theoretically explored with simulations.

Expected results and effects

The project has shown that: non-destructive testing with laser ultrasound can be utilized for quality control of welds and adhesive joints; robust robotized data-collection is possible. The method’s applicability for different joint types and defects have been evaluated for different welding- and joining methods. Result seminars have been held. The expected effects: The method has not been implemented in industry yet (not included in the project plan) and further research is required.

Planned approach and implementation

The participating industry have defined and prioritized the applications, manufactured samples with and without defects, conducted non-destructive and destructive characterization, investigated the barriers for an industrial implementation, and hosted demonstrators and seminars. The researching organizations have done mathematical modeling and developed a prototype for robotized inspection with laser ultrasound (experiments). Together with Svetskommissionen the results was spread to welding courses and a broadening seminar with project external speakers was held.