Manual Measurement Method
The manual measurement method is the most traditional method, which usually requires the use of measuring tools such as calipers, micrometers, and height gauges to measure the position of the weld seam. This method requires experienced operators to perform the measurement and consumes a lot of time and labor. Moreover, due to human factors, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the measurement. Therefore, this method has been replaced by automated technology.
Vision Sensor Method
The vision sensor method is a more advanced method that uses machine vision technology to identify and locate weld seam positions. This method usually requires the installation of a vision sensor on the welding workpiece, and then using the corresponding software to identify and locate the weld seam. The advantage of this method is that it can achieve automation without the need for operators to perform measurements. However, this method also has some limitations, such as recognition errors in low lighting conditions, and the need to calibrate the parameters of the vision sensor.
Laser Sensor Method
The laser sensor method is a method that uses laser to measure the position of the weld seam. It can quickly and accurately measure the position of the weld seam and is suitable for complex three-dimensional structures. This method usually requires the installation of a laser sensor on the welding workpiece, and then using the corresponding software to identify and locate the weld seam. Compared with the vision sensor method, the laser sensor method is not affected by lighting conditions and can achieve high-precision measurement. However, this method requires higher costs and more complex equipment installation, and is not suitable for small-scale production.
CAD Model-Based Method
The CAD model-based method is a method that compares the computer-aided design (CAD) model with the actual welding workpiece. This method usually requires importing the CAD model of the welding workpiece into the corresponding software, and then using the corresponding algorithm to compare the differences between the actual workpiece and the CAD model to determine the position of the weld seam. The advantage of this method is that it can achieve high-precision and efficient weld seam positioning without the need for physical measurement on the welding workpiece. However, this method requires a corresponding CAD model and needs to ensure a high degree of match between the actual welding workpiece and the CAD model, otherwise it will affect the positioning accuracy of the weld seam.
In summary, there are multiple methods available for locating weld seam positions for welding robots. Different methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice should be based on specific application scenarios and requirements. With the continuous development of automation technology, advanced technologies such as vision sensors and laser sensors will gradually replace traditional manual measurement methods and become mainstream methods for weld seam positioning. The CAD model-based method will also become an important auxiliary positioning method.
