Weld defect inspection based on machine vision and weak magnetic technology

This study proposes a weld defect inspection method based on a combination of machine vision and weak magnetic technology to inspect the quality of weld formation comprehensively. In accordance with the principle of laser triangulation, surface information about the weldment is obtained, the weld area is extracted using mutation characteristics of the weld edge and an algorithm for identifying defects with abnormal average height in the weld surface is proposed. Subsequently, a welding seam inspection process is developed and implemented, which is composed of a camera, a structured light sensor, a magnetic sensor and a motion control system. Inspection results from an austenitic stainless steel weldment show that the method combining machine vision and magnetism can identify defect locations accurately. Comprehensive analysis of the test results can effectively classify surface and internal defects, estimate the equivalent sizes of defects and evaluate the quality of weld formation in multiple dimensions.