A detailed analysis of the MIG spectrum for the development of laser-basedseam tracking sensors

This paper presents a detailed series of measurements of the spectrum of th e light emitted from a MIG welding are. This work was done in the framework of a larger project concerning the development of a seam tracking sensor. Detailed measurements and analysis of the spectrum produced from welding ar cs have been performed. The measurements extend from the ultraviolet region of the spectrum (150 nm) to the near infrared region (970 nm) and have rev ealed the presence of many strong emission lines in the spectrum. The resul ts are of great importance for the design of any optical or vision system w orking close to a welding are, because the wavelength of the optical system can be selected to be close to a value where the spectrum of the are cause s the minimum interference to the laser light. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Lt d. All rights reserved.