Welding along a seam using a multiple-point alignment method

A method for generating a weld path aligned along a seam between two parts using a computer having a control unit and a storage medium, the method comprising:

• aligning a crosshair line at a first point on the seam and storing a first position value in the storage medium;
• aligning the crosshair line at a second point on the seam and storing a second position value in the storage medium;
• aligning the crosshair line at a third point on the seam and storing a third position value in the storage medium;
• aligning the crosshair line at a fourth point on the seam and storing a fourth position value in the storage medium;
• calculating a first distance between the stored first position value and the stored second position value;
• calculating a radius of the seam based on the stored first position value and the stored second position value by dividing the first distance calculated in half;
• calculating a second distance between the stored third position value and the stored fourth position value;
• calculating a third distance, the third distance defined by a difference between the first distance and the second distance;
• and
• generating the weld path based on the radius, the second distance, and the third distance, the generating of the weld path being performed by the control unit.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a program, which upon being executed, causes a processor to:

• align a crosshair line at a first point on the seam and storing a first position value in the storage medium;
• align the crosshair line at a second point on the seam and storing a second position value in the storage medium;
• align the crosshair line at a third point on the seam and storing a third position value in the storage medium;
• align the crosshair line at a fourth point on the seam and storing a fourth position value in the storage medium;
• calculate a first distance between the stored first position value and the stored second position value;
• calculate a radius of the seam based on the stored first position value and the stored second position value by dividing the first distance in half;
• calculate a second distance between the stored third position value and the stored fourth position value;
• calculate a third distance, the third distance defined by a difference between the first distance and the second distance;
• and
• generate the weld path based on the radius, the second distance, and the third distance, the generating the weld path being performed by the control unit.