New directions for inline inspection of automobile laser welds using non-destructive testing
Machado, M.
;
Rosado, L. S.
; Mendes, N.
; Miranda, R.
; Santos, T. S.
The International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology Vol. 1, Nº 1, pp. 1 - 13, September, 2021.
ISSN (print): 0268-3768
ISSN (online): 1433-3015
Scimago Journal Ranking: 0,92 (in 2021)
Digital Object Identifier: 10.1007/s00170-021-08007-0
Abstract
An innovative pilot installation and eddy current testing (ECT) inspection system for laser-brazed joints is presented. The proposed system detects both surface and sub-surface welding defects operating autonomously and integrated with a robotized arm. Customized eddy current probes were designed and experimentally validated detecting pore defects with 0.13 mm diameter and sub-surface defects buried 1 mm deep. The integration of the system and the manufacturing process towards an Industry 4.0 quality control paradigm is also discussed.
