Image processing system

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Physical Measurement Techniques IPM, Freiburg, Germany, have developed a laser welding control system that adapts beam power output to the given situation. "Our system analyzes 14,000 images per second and uses the acquired data to adjust the laser output," explains IPM project manager Andreas Blug. "We use special cameras in which a computer processor is integrated in each pixel. All the processors--25,000 total--work simultaneously. In conventional image processing systems, data are handled consecutively by a small number of processors."

In laser welding of sheet metal, the beam moves over the slightly overlapping sheets and melts them in a spot measuring several tenths of a millimeter, producing a so-called full-penetration hole that closes again when the beam moves on. Laser output power must be set correctly--if too low, joint strength is reduced because the weld does not extend through the full cross section of the sheets; if too high, the laser cuts right through the sheets.

For closed-loop control of beam output using a camera-based system, frame rates of more than 10 kHz are needed for a robust surveillance of the rapidly moving full-penetration hole. Conventional video devices can't approach this frame rate, but the IPM-developed system comfortably exceeds it.

For more information: Andreas Blug, Fraunhofer-Institut fur Physikalische Messtechnik IPM, Freiburg, Germany; +49 761 8857-328; andreas.blug@ipm.fraunhofer.de; www.ipm.fraunhofer.de.

Source Citation:"Image processing system controls laser welder's power output.(PROCESS TECHNOLOGY)(Brief article)." Advanced Materials & Processes 167.5 (May 2009): 27(1). Computer Database. Gale. BROWARD COUNTY LIBRARY. 18 June 2009
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