POST WELD INSPECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING SAME

摘要

An apparatus for use in verifying weld seams, including weld seam sensors selected from a pin hole sensor, a weld surface topography sensor and a weld penetration sensor. The pin hole sensor includes a light emitter having a light source configured to project a beam at a first upper or lower surface of the weld seam, and a light receptor disposed on the seco nd other side of the weld seam generally opposite to the light source. A lens is provided to focu s the light generally perpendicular to the weld seam, and the weld seam is moved relative to the light source. As the blank weld seam and pin hole sensor are moved relative to each other, pin holes through the weld seam are detected by light passing from the light source through the weld se am and to the light receptor. The surface topography of the weld seam is sensed by a vision came ra system laterally across the upper and/or lower surface of the weld seam to determine whether the weld seam possesses acceptable degrees of concavity. Weld penetration is sensed by analyzing the intensity of the weld flame which is emitted from the lower surface of the tailored blanks during welding. The weld penetration sensor includes an optic sensor positioned on the underside of the weld seam, which is positioned to receive emitted light from the weld flame.