Automated IR-weld seam control

Abstract

In 1975 the concept of visualizing, measuring and studying the thermal condition of welded seams was investigated by a laboratory of the French ministry of defense (at the request of a metal constructor). Gilbert Gaussorgues, the founding father of the company HGH was at the time in charge of the infrared laboratory in question, a department of the general administration of Armament in Toulon, France. His idea was to apply military IR-Technology to above mentioned welding application. Having developed a prototype, tests readily confirmed the validity of using IR-emission from the weld seam close to the actual moment of welding as an indicator of the quality of the fmal assembly. Nearly ten years later, in 1984, HGH decided, due to an increasing demand, to develop above preliminary tests to a complete product/application package designed specifically for welding process-control. The inspection oftubing and of the integrity welds of barrels with hazardous content, were the first applications.