Laser offline sensor

Optical measurement

The laser offline sensor follows the path stored in the programme offline before the welding process. The sensor emits a light beam onto the workpiece, receives the reflections and in this way obtains all the measurement information on the actual seam position and seam geometry. This process can be used for high-alloy steels and aluminium as well as for unalloyed materials or galvanised steels. The laser offline sensor can be easily combined with the arc sensor.

Short search paths, short cycle times

To achieve extremely short search paths, the sensor is positioned on the hand flange of the robot. In addition, the torch position for the search movement is almost identical to the position during the subsequent welding process. This means that significantly shorter cycle times can be achieved than with conventional sensors, which require additional movements of the welding robot.

Non-contact measurement

As a non-contact, optical measuring system, the CLOOS laser offline sensor is largely independent of the material. The scanning process is fast and, thanks to its high resolution and insensitivity to reflections, provides reliable information and data on positions as well as geometric information on the various seam shapes.

Customisation of the programming

During the scanning process, the laser sensor determines the position of the start and/or end of the seam as well as the position of tubes and bolts, measures gap widths, detects workpiece edges and recognises seam geometries. Following the search run, the measurement data transmitted to the robot computer is compared with the programmed specifications. Deviations are corrected in the programme and the robot starts the welding process adapted to the actual workpiece situation.

Advantages:

• Process-independent
• Documentation: Evaluation of the stored tolerances
• Short search intervals thanks to optimised sensor position
• Insensitive thanks to non-contact measuring method
• Memory function - data storage for welding the cover layers
• Maximum flexibility: Can be used with almost any material; adjustable scanning width
• Programming and analysing via the QIROX® robot controller's programming pendant
• High workpiece accessibility due to compact design