Laser guidance system for SAW includes noncontact tracking of true root position

Meta Vision Systems has introduced a new version of its VistaWeld laser guidance system for increasing the speed and accuracy of SAW in longitudinal pipe mills. The new version includes noncontact tracking of the true root position and built-in look-ahead compensation as standard features.

The system integrates a Smart Laser Sensor (SLS) head with an updated architecture based on an Ethernet backbone and the company's new, flexible Ethernet I/O board. The combination has made it feasible to include the desired features while reducing system complexity and simplifying use.

ruRoot tracking finds the actual root of the joint for OD SAW, even though the root may be covered by the tack weld. The software uses the sensor, along with image-analysis algorithms from the company's multipass welding system, to detect the edges of the tack weld in the bottom of the joint.

From this and the overall joint profile, the true root position can be computed. Tracking the actual root derived in this way helps improve penetration for the OD weld itself while also improving ID/OD weld interpenetration, the company reports.