A Study of Quality Monitoring System for Manufacturing Process Automation during Laser Tailored Blank Welding

Welding using lasers can be mass-produced in high speed. In the laser welding, performing real-time monitoring system of the welding quality is very important in enhancing the efficiency of welding. In this study, the plasma and molten metal which are generated during laser welding were measured using the UV sensor and IR sensors. The results of laser welding were classified into five categories such as optimal heat input, little low heat input, low heat input, partial joining due to gap mismatch, and nozzle deviation. Also, a system was formulated which uses the measured signals with a fuzzy pattern recognition method which is used to perform real-time evaluation of the welding quality and the defects which can occur in laser welding.