Optical weld seam inspection: a benefit for quality assurance

Welded components are increasingly subject to quality assurance. Production companies in the automotive industry in particular demand reliable testing systems for the welding quality, which can also be traced if necessary, such as in the case of product recalls. Thanks to the cooperation with SmartRay signed at the headquarters of ABICOR BINZEL, it is now possible for us as a system provider to also offer a so-called end-of-line test procedure worldwide – and thus sustainably optimised welding processes for the highest quality assurance.

What counts: absolute safety

When it comes to vehicle safety, automotive OEMs demand retrievable data records to track the weld seam quality of their produced components. Classical test methods used by automotive suppliers are visual inspection or tests that destroy the component. Both are time-consuming and associated with high reject costs. In comparison, automated weld seam testing is faster, more reliable and even Industry 4.0-compatible. With the new cooperation partner SmartRay and its 3D inline inspection JOSY, ABICOR BINZEL can fully comply with the globally increasing requirements for quality and safety. And you can achieve the return on investment for a 3D inline inspection system faster than you think.

Application fields of sensor-based weld seam inspection

Sensors from SmartRay are used for weld seam inspection at:

• safety-critical or quality-related components
• a large number of welds
• weld seams that are difficult to inspect manually
• manufacturers who already use highly automated welding processes
• hidden welds that cannot be inspected at the end of the process in the standard procedure

Advantages of the ABICOR BINZEL–SmartRay cooperation

As a technology developer of gas-shielded welding and cutting technology, the partnership with SmartRay means that we can expand our already very well-positioned portfolio to include the crucial point of "end-of-line" inspection. This optimally complements our activities to bring welding technology into the age of Industry 4.0. Inspection data can be evaluated and used directly for production. This enables an even better understanding and control of the various process parameters on the welding result. Furthermore, to optimise the rework process and save costs and time. As a result, users of ABICOR BINZEL's welding technology and SmartRay's optical weld inspection sensors get sustainable and continuously optimised welding processes.