Support Bead Deposition for Inclined Surface Weld Build-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge is to prevent dripping and humping of weld beads when forming a built-up object on an inclined base surface, as existing techniques are prone to these issues due to gravitational influence, and increasing torch speed to avoid dripping can lead to humping.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the portion with maximum gravitational influence and forming a low-heat-input supporting bead to stabilize the weld beads, which are then deposited on top of this supporting bead to prevent dripping and humping, using a welding robot and controller to manage the torch movement and heat input based on pre-defined process windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the travelling speed of the welding torch is heightened to avoid dripping, then productivity is improved, but humping occurs where the weld bead breaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidweld bead quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A supporting bead is formed in advance at the lower-end portion where gravitational influence is maximum, before the main weld bead is deposited. This supporting bead creates a stable foundation that prevents humping when welding at higher speeds, allowing improved productivity without sacrificing weld bead quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If the travelling speed of the welding torch is reduced to prevent humping, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld bead qualityVSAvoidwelding speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By forming a supporting bead beforehand at the critical lower-end portion, the system enables maintenance of high welding speeds without humping. The supporting bead acts as a pre-prepared structure that stabilizes the weld bead formation, allowing both high productivity and manufacturing precision to be achieved simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If welding is performed on an inclined base surface, then adaptability is improved, but dripping occurs due to gravitational influence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapability to weld on inclined surfacesVSAvoidweld bead quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A supporting bead is formed in advance at the lower-end portion of the inclined surface where gravitational influence is maximum. This supporting bead counteracts the gravitational force that would otherwise cause dripping, enabling welding on inclined surfaces while maintaining weld bead quality and achieving both adaptability and manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for efficient formation of weld beads without dripping or humping, ensuring a high-quality built-up object by stabilizing the weld beads with supporting beads, even on inclined surfaces, while reducing production time.

Implementation Method 1

a 3D printer employing a metallic material melts the metal powder or metal wire using a heat source such as a laser or an arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a 3D printer employing a metallic material melts the metal powder or metal wire using a heat source such as a laser or an arc

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc heating: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

deposits the molten metal, thereby producing a built-up object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSolidification: Freezing

Implementation Method 4

there is a possibility that dripping might occur due to the influence of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3711889B1Method and apparatus for producing a built-up object by melting and solidifying a filler metal
Publication Date: 2024.12.04 KOBE STEEL LTD
  • EP3711889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3711889B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3711889B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

Provided are a method for producing a molded article with which it is possible to mold a molded article by efficiently forming weld beads without producing defects such as sagging and humping, a production device, and a molded article. In this method for producing a molded article, a filler material is melted and solidified, a weld bead is formed on a base surface along the trajectory of a torch, and a molded article is formed by the weld bead. At such time, the molded article has a bead formation portion at which the influence of gravity is strongest, and a support bead that has higher viscosity during production of the weld bead than does the weld bead is formed on the bead formation portion. Another weld bead is then formed so as to overlap the support bead.