ABB Robotics offers laser-based optical triangulation sensors for seam tracking

Image provided by ABB Robotics

ABB Robotics offers optical seam tracking in two styles. The 2.5D optical sensors have one laser stripe to measure Y and Z and orientation around X. The 6D optical sensors use three laser stripes to measure both joint position (X, Y, Z) and orientation (three Euler angles).

Both styles of laser-based optical triangulation sensors perform a noncontact measurement of the joint profile, refine the garnered joint information, and then forward the information to the robot, allowing necessary weld path corrections to be made on-the-fly.

In addition to providing weld path corrections, optical tracking sensors also can send additional joint information to the welding robot, allowing on-the-fly adjustments to weld travel speed, wire feed speed, and weave shape and size.