Automated welding of moulds and stamping tools
AssigneeAriel Andre Waitzman
InventorsPascal Zaffino, Jan Paul Huissoon, David Marentette
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tool welding system is disclosed that includes a table that heats a tool. A multi-axis robot includes a welding head that is moved relative to the table in response to a command. A controller is in communication with the robot and generates the command in response to welding parameters. The weld parameters are based upon a difference between an initial tool shape and a desired tool shape. The difference between the initial tool shape and the desired tool shape corresponds to a desired weld shape. The desired weld shape is adjusted based upon initial tool shape variations, which includes thermal growth of the tool. The tool is welded to provide the desired weld shape to achieve a desired tool shape.
Claims10
A method of welding a tool comprising the steps of:
- providing a first set of digital data corresponding to an initial tool shape;
- providing a second set of digital data corresponding to a desired tool shape;
- determining weld path and weld parameters based upon a difference of the first and second sets of digital data, which results in a desired weld shape;
- heating a tool having the initial tool shape;
- adjusting the desired weld path based upon initial tool shape variations, the adjusting step including detecting a position of a heated mould surface indicative of the thermal growth of the tool;
- and
- automating welding of the tool according to the weld path and weld parameters to provide the desired weld shape to achieve the desired tool shape.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.