Laser Profilometry Application in Welding Geometrical Characterization

Welding processes are commonly used in the industry for the manufacture of large parts or due to their complex geometry that does not allow the part to be manufactured as a whole. Nevertheless, the union can show worst mechanical properties than the rest of the piece, affecting negatively its service behavior, so it is necessary evaluate weald seam to ensure the correct process application. Electrical welding operations are commonly used due to the reduced equipment size or their possibilities application in numerous metallic materials. Notwithstanding, different variables have to be taken into account during the metal deposition, as intensity or speed deposition, among others. Weald seam geometrical evaluation is usually utilized to validate the union surface conditions. Despite this, surface irregularities caused during the process make its difficult to measure correctly with conventional equipment. However, laser profilometry is a non-contact technique that can be used to generate 3D profile of weald seam, facilitating its measurement with high accuracy. Therefore, in this work an initial analysis of the influence of material deposition speed and arc welding intensity on the weald seam geometry will be carried out using a laser profilometry equipment. In addition, to ensure a correct information acquisition, the laser profilometer requires a constant speed movement in relation with the weald seam analyzed, so new equipment has been manufactured, using additive manufacturing techniques, to support the profilometer throughout the information acquisition process.