WELD QUALITY METER FOR ADAPTIVE CONTROL.

The development of a device to provide on-line indications of weld quality is described. A special purpose computing system is used. A minicomputer is interfaced with process variable inputs from the welding machine. A special display panel is the output port for weld quality predictions. A controlled welding experiment is performed to record on-line variable data and corresponding characteristics of the finished weld. Statistical analysis of the welding data yields relationships which can be implemented on-line with a minicomputer. Predictions of surface and subsurface welds characteristics are made on a second-by-second basis for on-line operator feedback. The statistical accuracy of the predictions may qualify the instrument for quality control use. More important, on-line indications of weld quality make adaptive control feasible. An adaptive control approach for fully automated welding is presented.