Method of aligning a welding torch with a seam to be welded and of welding such seam

US4410786A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Carl Cloos Schweisstechink GmbH · DE

Inventor

• Erwin Cloos · Haiger, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 27, 1981
• Grant date: Oct 18, 1983
• Expiry date: Aug 27, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B23K9/1272
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method of locating and welding a seam with a welding torch includes the steps of swinging the welding torch transversely of its feed direction, moving the torch at an angle of up to 30.degree. with respect to a preprogrammed torch path, operating the torch at a low welding current, and comparing welding current or voltage values measured at the laterally outermost points of the torch movement until such values are substantially equal, indicating the torch is centered over the seam. Thereafter, the torch is moved rearwardly along the seam until the measured voltage or current values indicate an end of the seam has been reached, and the torch is then supplied with full welding current and is moved forwardly along the seam at relatively high speed according to the preprogrammed path in order to weld the seam. In a preferred refinement of this method, the torch is slowed and swung laterally at selected locations along the preprogrammed path, and voltage or current values are again measured, compared, and used to center the torch over the actual seam.