RobIn - Robust in-process joint finding
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Swerea KIMAB AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 6 115 000 |
| Project duration | December 2014 - November 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Production2030 |
Purpose and goal
The main objective of the project was to develop a robust non-intrusive system, possible to integrate in the laser-beam head, that can find and trace a joint in laser beam welding of a butt joint when the joint gap is close to zero. A second objective was to form a network within laser welding industry to discuss the need for R&D in laser welding. A system has been developed that can identify the joint despite zero gap, scratches close to the joint etc. The Laser group R&D has been formed and has had five meetings sofar.
Expected results and effects
The system that has been developed makes it possible to save considerable costs in the laser welding industry by reducing the amount of pre-testing and quality control. Another results is increased flexibility for introducing new products or altenative material selection by shorter set-up time. It is also possible to increase productivity by using a narrower and more power intensive laser beam. The system needs some further development for full adaptive control (included in a follow-up Produktion2030 project (VarGa - Adaptive control of varying gap in LBW).
Planned approach and implementation
The project group consisted of representatives from both medium and large end producers (GKN Aerospace, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery and Brogren Industries), a laser system integrator (Permanova Lasersystem) and from the academy (Högskolan Väst, Luleå Tekniska Universitet och Swerea KIMAB). This resulted in good possibility to really understand industrial needs and benefits and to connect this with the latest in research as well as practical aspects in product development.