Signal analysis for characterizing defects in HSTig arc welding systems

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HSTig Arc Welding is preferred in many industrial applications due to its superior performance advantages. Accordingly, HSTig has recently garnered significant interest from Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems Canada, Ltd. (MHPSCA), as part of the company's strategic vision on robotic automation in welding. In this context, an automated HSTig welding system should be able to deliver improved accuracy and productivity, by providing the ability to weld under a wide range of operating parameters, with various materials and objects. However, while HSTig is able produce good root bead penetration in many instances, some defective cases are inevitable, e.g., incomplete penetration and burning through. More importantly, these defective cases can severely affect the quality of the welding product. Thus, a system capable of efficiently preventing these cases is highly desirable. In response, this project evaluates the potential of characterizing the defects, based on the analysis of various signals being monitored in the system. This is a crucial first step, conducive to the systematic classification, and thus detection, of the defects in a timely and efficient manner.