A Study on Development of the Optimization Algorithms to Find the Seam Tracking

Abstract The Gas Metal Arc(GMA) welding, called Metal Inert Gas(MIG) welding, has been an important componentin manufacturing industries. A key technology for robotic welding processes is seam tracking system, whichis critical to improve the welding quality and welding capacities. The objectives of this study were to developthe intelligent and cost-effective algorithms for image processing in GMA welding which based on the laservision sensor. Welding images were captured from the CCD camera and then processed by the proposed algorithm to track the weld joint location. The proposed algorithms that commonly used at the present stage were verifiedand compared to obtain the optimal one for each step in image processing. Finally, validity of the proposed algorithms was examined by using weld seam images obtained with different welding environments for image processing. The results proved that the proposed algorithm was quite excellent in getting rid of the variable noises to extract the feature points and centerline for seam tracking in GMA welding and could be employed for general industrial application. Key Words : GMA welding process, Seam tracking, Image process, Laser vision sensorISSN 2466-2232Online ISSN 2466-2100