Low-cost infrared sensing system for monitoring the welding process in the presence of plate inclination angle

A point infrared sensing system was developed for weld penetration control in the presence of plate inclination angle change for the tractor-based submerged arc welding process. Changes in the temperature distribution surrounding the weld pool were measured using a thermopile infrared detector and used to control weld penetration through changes of wire feed speed (welding current). Plate inclination angle on weld bead parameters was investigated. IR sensor signal variation was examined in the presence of plate inclination angles. Process control in the presence of plate inclination angle can be applied by using a point infrared sensor monitor the temperature distribution at a point adjacent to the weld pool and adjusting welding current.