Method for tracking joints and edges for welding operations

摘要

A method for automatically tracking the joint between a first component and a second component, or the edge of a component, a welding operation. A preliminary path is defined for the joint or edge (703), a welding torch (100) is moved along the preliminary path while an arc welding current is provided to the welding torch. The welding torch is moved slightly to a first side (705A) of the preliminary path and then to a second side (705B) of the preliminary path as the welding torch is being moved along the preliminary path. A first current measurement is obtained by measuring the arc welding current when the welding torch is to the first side, and a second current is obtained by measuring the arc welding current when the welding torch is to second side. The first current measurement and the second current measurement are compared and used to redefine the preliminary welding path by moving the welding torch slightly to the side having the preferred current measurement.