Miniature Torch Speed Sensor Based Adaptive Manual Arc Welding

The UK Welding Research Lab (UK-WRL) has used a low cost compact miniature sensor using Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to measure position, orientation and speed. The invention recently received a US patent (Y.M. Zhang and W.J. Zhang, 2018. Measurement of three-dimensional welding torch orientation for manual arc welding process. US Patent # 9,975,196). The goal of the project is to develop a cost-effective solution to monitor the torch travel speed to make smaller fillet welds in compliance with the welding procedure specification such that the cost of overwelding and distortion is minimized, the productivity is increased, the welding consumable cost is reduced, without incurring the cost of procedure re-qualification by the shipyards.