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ARCAgent - Weld Process Quality Monitoring System
The Need
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The
ARCAgent arc weld (GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, SMAW) process
monitoring system provides real-time weld quality analysis
through monitoring, data acquisition, process fault detection
and automated diagnostics. This system is suitable for
application in automated and semi-automated (manual)
arc-welding operations with any standard welding power supply.
The ARCAgent node measures actual welding parameters in
real-time and compares them to limits established for the
particular welding application. |
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The Technology
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The
ARCAgent 2000 is a real-time monitoring and alarming unit for automated
and semi-automated
arc welding (GMAW, GTAW, FCAW, SAW, SMAW) applications. The
ruggedized ARCAgent 2000 uses an embedded microprocessor for
high speed analysis of arc current, supply voltage, gas flow,
wire feed speed, and an additional 4-20 mA sensor to verify
the weld process parameters. When process problems are
detected, context specific diagnostics information is
displayed directly to the operator for corrective action. An
unique "Automated Learn Mode" provides quick setup
for process alarm limits. One or more of the ARCAgent 2000
nodes can be networked to a PC using the ARClient software to
support configuration management, data logging, weld signature
analysis, SPC and production tracking. This software package
provides the ability to capture, analyze and use process data
to solve real-world production welding problems.. |
Semi-Automated
(Manual) Welding Operations |
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Automated
Production Welding Operations |
The Benefits
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- Provides real-time weld
quality analysis
- Reduced Inspection Costs
- Determining Weld Quality
- Increased Cycle Time
- Reduce
weld over-design margin.
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Status
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The
ARCAgent 2000 and ARClient software are commercially available
from IMPACT Engineering. The Construction Industry Institute
is evaluating starting a collaborative project to help
evaluate and focus this technology on Construction Industry
applications. |
Barriers
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Real-time
display and usage of information by individual welders.
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Setup and
usage in highly variable manual operations.
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Portability
and reliability in Construction environments.
- ROI
and cost analysis in Construction industry applications.
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Points of Contact
- Mr. Stephen P.
Ivkovich, IMPACT Engineering, 500 E. Biddle Street, Jackson, MI
49203. Tel: (517) 789-0098, Fax: (517) 789-1038. E-mail: spi@impacteng.com
References
- Impact
Engineering, Inc. <http://www.impactwelding.com/>,
<http://www.impacteng.com/>
Disclaimer Statement
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Neither the Construction
Industry Institute nor Purdue University in any way endorses this
technology or represents
that the information presented can be relied upon without further investigation. |
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