Flexible Automation and Integrated Manufacturing 1998

ISBN Print: 978-1-56700-118-1

AUTOMATED PROCESS CONTROL FOR CAPACITOR-DISCHARGE WELDING

DOI: 10.1615/FAIM1998.610
pages 679-688

Abstract

Capacitor discharge welding (CDW) is an autogenous, rapid solidification, joining process ideal for joining small parts of similar or dissimilar metals. Potential applications include welding of electrical contacts, cutting tool inserts, and automotive valves. Because of high cooling rates in excess of one million °C/s, the production rate for CDW process is very high. However, potential industrial users have been hesitant to use CDW due largely to the unavailability of automated process control. The objective of this research was to develop models for an on-line quality control feedback system for CDW. The system described monitors current and voltage curves produced during the welding cycle. These curves have been found to be good indicators of certain types of welding defects. A closed-loop automation architecture for future work will also be discussed.