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China’s manufacturing industry is steadily transitioning toward intelligent and automated production. In this context, the precision and efficiency of the welding process have become key indicators of production capability. For complex structures like transformer tanks, which demand high welding accuracy, the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracker combined with a Yaskawa dual-robot collaborative system delivers an efficient and precise automated welding solution. This significantly enhances both welding quality and production efficiency. Challenges in Transformer Tank Welding As a critical component of power equipment, the welding quality of transformer tanks directly impacts overall sealing performance and service life. Traditional welding methods involve complex programming (teaching), limited precision, and frequent manual intervention—falling short of the high-efficiency, high-consistency demands of modern manufacturing. To address these challenges, Weld Navigator® offers a smarter and more efficient solution with laser seam tracking technology. Solution: Weld Navigator® Laser Tracking + Dual-Robot Collaboration This solution employs two Yaskawa industrial robots equipped with Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking sensors to jointly perform automatic welding across various sections of the transformer tank. Intelligent Path Correction: Capable of dynamically detecting thermal deformation and assembly errors, the system adjusts the torch position in real-time, ensuring the weld seam stays aligned with the optimal path. Dual-Robot Coordination: Two robots work collaboratively via a communication module, each handling different weld zones. This shortens welding cycles and significantly boosts overall efficiency. Multi-Weld Compatibility: The system supports a variety of weld types—including flat, fillet, and lap joints—meeting diverse welding needs across the tank structure. Application Case In this case, the combination of Weld Navigator® laser seam tracker and Yaskawa dual-robot collaboration has demonstrated excellent performance in real-world applications. It effectively reduces welding de

From June 17 to 20, 2025, the 28th Beijing Essen Welding & Cutting Fair (BEW 2025) was grandly held at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. As the world’s largest and most influential welding trade show, this year's exhibition spanned over 80,000 square meters and attracted nearly 800 renowned domestic and international enterprises—a 30% increase from previous years. Beijing WeldNavigator® Technology Co., Ltd. (CRNT), a leading provider of laser vision seam tracking systems in China, showcased its flagship products—the teaching-free robotic system and zero-offset seam tracker—at booth E3272, becoming one of the most talked-about exhibitors at the event. Core Product Highlights Teaching-Free Robotic System The teaching-free robotic seam tracker utilizes laser vision technology and advanced image processing algorithms to scan workpieces and identify weld seams without any manual programming or teaching. With the support of AI algorithms, it autonomously generates optimal welding paths, significantly reducing labor costs and setup time. Zero-Offset Seam Tracker The zero-offset seam tracker redefines traditional laser seam sensor capabilities by eliminating the need for pre-scanning distances. With high-frequency image acquisition and intelligent tracking algorithms, it achieves micron-level accuracy in seam detection. This enables real-time, high-precision seam tracking, expands application boundaries, and effectively addresses challenges such as seam deviation and workpiece deformation. Booth Spotlight: WeldNavigator® Draws Massive Attention Since the exhibition's opening, booth E3272 has been a major hotspot. Industry professionals from key sectors such as machinery manufacturing, rail transportation, oil and gas pipelines, and aerospace continuously visited the booth. WeldNavigator®’s technical team conducted multiple live product demos and in-depth technical explanations. In the dynamic demo zone for the teaching-free robotic system, attendees watched the automated welding process with great interest, many capturing videos on their phones. Meanwhile, the interactive area for the zero-offse

In today's industrial manufacturing landscape, intelligence and automation have become key drivers for improving efficiency and quality. As a crucial part of infrastructure development, the pipeline industry requires intelligent upgrades in its welding processes. To address the many challenges in traditional submerged arc welding, the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system—independently developed—provides strong support for the intelligent automation of specialized welding equipment. Let’s explore how Weld Navigator® is advancing automated submerged arc welding in the pipeline sector. Working Principle of the Laser Seam Tracking System The Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system is built on advanced laser vision sensing technology. Using a high-frequency laser scanner, it continuously scans the weld seam area of the workpiece in real time, extracting the seam profile. With its built-in image recognition and processing algorithms, the system accurately identifies key parameters such as seam centerline, width, and gap. These parameters are transmitted in real time via communication interfaces to the welding control system, guiding the welding torch for automatic correction and ensuring precise seam tracking throughout the process. The system supports the identification of various seam types, including fillet welds, lap joints, butt joints, convex welds, corner welds, and irregular seams, making it adaptable to a wide range of complex welding scenarios. Advantages of the Laser Seam Tracking System High-precision detection: Accuracy up to 0.01 mm ensures precise welding trajectories. No repeated teaching required: Supports automatic seam recognition, significantly reducing operation complexity. Strong environmental adaptability: Performs reliably even in high-temperature, reflective, and electromagnetic interference environments. Open-interface design: Easily integrates with robots and dedicated machines of various brands. Intelligent deviation correction: Real-time offset correction enhances welding consistency and product yield. Challenges in Pipeline Industry Welding

With the rapid advancement of industrial automation, welding — one of the key manufacturing processes — is undergoing a transformation from traditional manual operations to intelligent and automated solutions. As a pioneer in intelligent welding technology, Weld Navigator® has independently developed a teaching-free laser seam tracking system, which has become a powerful tool for upgrading welding processes across various industries. This system has shown outstanding performance particularly in tube-to-tubesheet welding. Today, let's explore how Weld Navigator®’s teaching-free laser seam tracking system is applied in this field. 1. Challenges in Tube-to-Tubesheet Welding Tube-to-tubesheet structures are widely used in critical equipment such as heat exchangers, boilers, and pressure vessels. Welding quality directly affects the safety and service life of the entire unit. However, several challenges are commonly encountered in this type of welding: Complex structure and dense weld distribution make traditional teaching-based path programming difficult to implement; Frequent assembly errors and thermal deformation place high demands on seam tracking capabilities; Manual teaching is time-consuming and labor-intensive, making it unsuitable for mass production; Weld seam positions and profiles vary frequently, leading to slow response and low efficiency with traditional welding equipment. 2. Teaching-Free Laser Seam Tracking System   Weld Navigator® has launched a teaching-free laser seam tracking system that integrates high-precision laser sensors with advanced AI image recognition algorithms. It enables automatic seam detection, trajectory planning, and dynamic tracking—eliminating the need for the traditional "teach first, then weld" approach. Advantages of the Teaching-Free Welding System: Automatic Positioning without Teaching: Eliminates manual teaching, solving on-site programming problems such as complex trajectory setup, low programming efficiency, and poor robot utilization; High-Precision Laser Sensors: Real-time seam data acquisition with recognit

With the global energy structure transitioning towards cleaner sources, LNG storage tanks, as core infrastructure, have manufacturing quality that directly affects transport safety and operational efficiency. However, the welding process of LNG tanks is extremely complex and demands exceptionally high seam quality. Traditional welding techniques rely heavily on manual operations and struggle to meet the stringent requirements for high precision and reliability. Weld Navigator® has introduced a high-precision laser seam tracking system, offering a reliable solution for the automation upgrade of LNG tank welding. Introduction to the Laser Seam Tracking System The laser seam tracking system is a high-end welding auxiliary device based on laser vision sensing technology. By scanning the weld profile in real time using laser sensors, the system can accurately detect the weld position, width, depth, and direction, and provide immediate feedback to welding robots or automatic welding equipment, enabling dynamic path adjustments and high-quality welding operations. Compared to traditional mechanical guiding or manual intervention methods, the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system offers significant advantages: High-precision identification and real-time adjustments ensure the weld seam always follows the correct welding path; Compatibility with various weld types, including grooves and irregular surfaces; Significantly improved welding consistency and overall seam quality; Reduced manual intervention, enhancing production efficiency and safety. The Weld Navigator® system supports various welding processes (such as MIG/MAG, TIG) and materials (like cryogenic steel and stainless steel), offering high compatibility across scenarios. It can be seamlessly integrated into automated welding equipment, greatly enhancing welding quality and efficiency while reducing the need for manual input. Welding Challenges in LNG Tank Manufacturing LNG storage tanks are typically made of thick-walled stainless steel or cryogenic alloy steel and feature complex internal structures with long welds in numerous positions and varying orie

In the wave of global industrial automation, spiral pipes are widely used in industries such as oil, gas, and water supply. The quality of their welding is directly related to the safety and reliability of the pipeline. Traditional welding methods rely on manual operations, which are prone to weld misalignment and inconsistent quality, making it difficult to meet modern manufacturing demands for high precision and efficiency. Weld Navigator® has provided intelligent welding solutions for multiple overseas spiral pipe manufacturing projects. The weld tracking system uses high-precision laser sensors and advanced image processing technology to monitor weld seam positions in real-time and automatically adjust the welding path, enabling precise tracking and control of both internal and external welds. The system offers strong adaptability, capable of accommodating various specifications and diameters of spiral pipes, significantly improving weld quality and production efficiency. Customer feedback indicates that the use of this system has greatly reduced welding defect rates, resulted in smoother and more uniform weld appearances, and improved production efficiency. Manual intervention has decreased, labor intensity has been reduced, and overall production costs have been effectively controlled. Industry Challenges Due to the unique helical structure of spiral pipes, the weld seam forms a continuous spiral, which places high demands on the tracking accuracy and adaptability of welding equipment. In actual production, variations in pipe diameter, wall thickness, and thermal deformation can cause weld seam misalignment. Traditional welding methods often result in defects such as weld deviation and incomplete fusion, seriously compromising the sealing and strength of the pipeline system. Advantages of the Weld Navigator® Laser Weld Tracking System High-Precision Real-Time Tracking: Real-time scanning of the weld seam position with laser sensors ensures accuracy and consistency during the welding process. Intelligent Deviation Correction: The system automatically detects weld misalignments and adjusts welding parameters in real-time to mainta

In weld seam tracking systems, industrial cameras play a central role in capturing, processing, and feeding back weld seam position data. By utilizing high-speed, high-resolution image acquisition and real-time image processing powered by intelligent algorithms, industrial cameras act as the “eyes” of the tracking system. They can identify the weld seam position and shape in complex welding environments, enabling the system to dynamically adjust the welding torch path and achieve high-precision, high-efficiency automated welding. Today, let’s explore the key roles of industrial cameras in weld seam tracking. Welding Challenges and Visual Requirements In traditional welding, factors such as workpiece positioning errors, fixture tolerances, and thermal deformation often lead to weld seam deviation, while manual intervention is inefficient and makes consistent quality difficult to ensure. Welding environments are typically filled with arc light, smoke, and high temperatures. These interferences can cause camera images to be overexposed or obstructed, posing significant challenges for real-time tracking. Key Roles of Industrial Cameras in Weld Seam Tracking 1. High-Speed Real-Time Imaging Industrial cameras need to capture images at several hundred frames per second to detect even the slightest weld seam shifts in time, providing the system with sufficient response time. High-speed imaging offers more redundant information to image processing algorithms, enhancing the stability of seam tracking. 2. High Resolution and Fine Feature Extraction High-resolution sensors can clearly distinguish weld seam edges at the millimeter and sub-millimeter level, providing reliable data for measurements of width, depth, and profile. With feature extraction algorithms based on high-definition images, the system can accurately locate the weld seam centerline and provide high-precision references for path correction. 3. Strong Anti-Interference Capability During welding, intense and rapidly changing arc light often causes image overexposure or shadows. Industrial cameras are typically equipped with automatic exposure control, optical filters, and hi

With the rapid development of industrial automation and intelligent manufacturing, welding quality has become a critical factor directly affecting product performance and lifespan in high-end manufacturing. To meet increasingly stringent requirements for welding precision, laser seam tracking sensors—capable of achieving 0.01mm-level precision positioning—have emerged as a core technology for efficient and high-quality production. Today, let's explore the core technologies behind the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking sensor and how it achieves 0.01mm precision. I. Core Technology Principles 1. Laser Triangulation Technology The Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking sensor is primarily based on the principle of laser triangulation. The sensor emits a laser line onto the surface of the workpiece, forming a specific spot or line pattern at the seam. A high-resolution image sensor captures the reflected laser image on the weld seam surface. Using geometric triangulation, the sensor calculates the spatial position of the seam, enabling precise positioning. 2. High-Speed Image Processing and AI Algorithms To track the weld seam position in real time during welding, the sensor is equipped with a high-speed image processing unit capable of rapidly processing the captured image data. Combined with Weld Navigator®’s proprietary AI recognition algorithms, the sensor can accurately and reliably identify the seam location even under challenging conditions such as strong arc light and spatter, ensuring continuity and stability in the welding process. II. Key Factors for Achieving 0.01mm Precision 1. High-Resolution Sensor The use of a high-resolution image sensor allows the capture of subtle seam feature changes, providing a hardware foundation for achieving 0.01mm-level precision. 2. Precision Optical System The sensor features a precision optical system that ensures the stability and consistency of the laser line, reduces optical distortion, and improves measurement accuracy. 3. High-Speed Data Processing Capability Equipped with a high-performance processor, the sensor can process large volumes of image data in real tim

As the manufacturing industry moves toward intelligent and digital transformation, the level of automation in welding workshops is constantly improving. As a core component of smart welding, the performance of a weld seam tracking system directly affects both welding quality and overall production line efficiency. Today, let’s explore the key factors for selecting the right weld seam tracking system to support intelligent upgrades in welding workshops. I. The Value of Weld Seam Tracking Systems In an intelligent welding system, the weld seam tracking system is primarily responsible for real-time detection of weld positions and dynamic adjustment of the welding torch trajectory, ensuring precision and stability throughout the welding process. The core values of Weld Navigator® seam tracking solutions are reflected in the following aspects: Reducing the impact of workpiece assembly errors on welding quality Minimizing manual teaching and repetitive adjustment workloads Enhancing automation levels to improve welding consistency and product yield Supporting flexible manufacturing needs for high-mix, low-volume production II. Six Key Points for Selection and Evaluation 1. Tracking Accuracy and Stability High precision is fundamental to ensuring welding quality. An ideal tracking system should maintain micron-level accuracy even in dynamic welding environments, with strong consistency and deviation compensation capabilities. 2. Compatibility and System Integration When selecting a system, it is essential to assess whether it can seamlessly integrate with existing welding robots, welding machines, and control systems. Support for multiple communication protocols and open interfaces is also critical for future expansion and integration. 3. Response Speed and Real-Time Processing Weld seam changes occur rapidly during the welding process. A good tracking system must offer high-frame-rate data acquisition and low-latency response to enable fast compensation and control. 4. Adaptability and Environmental Reliability Welding workshops often face harsh conditions such as high temperatures, heavy dust, and strong light