Sensor systems for top‐face penetration control

Outlines the need for the development of a top‐face sensor system to ensure consistent penetration during mechanized arc and laser welding. Lists the characteristics such a system should incorporate and describes current sensor systems which might be adapted. These include ultrasonic techniques, acoustic emission techniques, weld pool sag sensing techniques,weld pool oscillation sensing, weld pool viewing techniques, and thermal sensing techniques. Gives the range of application and accuracy of control of the reported systems and concludes that there is currently no one system,commercially available, which satisfies all the requirements of the ideal system.