Data Analysis Tool and Image Acquisition System for Linear Arc Weld Deposition Evaluation

The Electric-Arc Welding process is affected by several physical phenomena which have a direct impact on the final product quality. To understand and improve weld deposition is a key challenge to upgrade the overall metallic welding process. However, controlling the welding process of continuously fed melting wire electrode is still an open problem, which has not yet been solved. In order to study the phenomenon involved in the metallic transfer in linear welding, we employ a high-speed camera and laser lighting equipment to record the deposition images using two distinct imaging setups. Combining the image acquisition setup with voltage, current and wire speed data, we are able to obtain a dataset of distinct welding conditions, which allow us to observe critical aspects of the deposition. We present an acquisition methodology for generating a weld image dataset, as well as a software tool that makes possible to analyze, process and visualize each frame from recorded linear welding, providing per sample statistics and a framework to draw annotations of the due video. Through visual information and inferential statistics, we are able to identify how each parameter influences the weld of thick steel plates. Furthermore, we believe the tools provided will enable researchers to evaluate the deposition process and, thus, foster the development of hardware, software, and control techniques related to the field.