News

In the field of industrial welding, maintaining stable and controllable welding quality has always been a key concern for manufacturers. Due to intense arc light, excessive spatter, and limited visibility, traditional welding processes make it difficult for operators and management systems to accurately understand real-time welding conditions. As a result, quality control mainly relies on post-weld inspection. Today, let’s explore how the Weld Navigator® Molten Pool Camera enables real-time monitoring of welding quality. The Weld Navigator® molten pool camera system is designed to address these industry challenges. By utilizing high-frame-rate and high-dynamic-range industrial vision technology, the camera captures clear real-time images of the welding area, revealing critical zones such as the arc, molten pool, welding wire, and fusion line. This transforms the welding process into a visualized and data-driven operation. 1. Real-Time Welding Observation The Weld Navigator® molten pool camera adopts specialized anti-glare imaging technology that effectively suppresses interference from intense arc light. Even during active welding, the system captures detailed changes in the molten pool morphology. Operators or system engineers can monitor the welding process in real-time via a display, allowing them to quickly assess pool stability, wire alignment, and detect potential welding defects. 2. Welding Quality Analysis Equipped with intelligent algorithm modules, the monitoring system analyzes parameters such as weld width, molten pool status, and wire feeding position. It supports welding quality trend prediction, automatic anomaly alerts, and full-process data logging—offering solid evidence for quality traceability and process optimization. 3. Wide Range of Applications The Weld Navigator® molten pool camera supports various welding methods, including MIG/MAG, TIG, and laser welding. It is compatible with robotic welding, dedicated welding machines, and rail-mounted systems. With a compact protective design and modular structure, the system ensures reliable performance in industrial environments and offers flexible installation and

As manufacturing demands increasing efficiency and automation, high-speed welding technologies have seen widespread adoption in industries such as automotive, rail transit, and construction machinery. In these high-throughput, high-intensity production scenarios, welding accuracy plays a critical role in determining product quality and consistency. Among the most common challenges in high-speed welding is weld seam deviation. Today, we explore how Weld Navigator® offers a systematic solution to this issue. Weld Seam Deviation: A Persistent Challenge in High-Speed Welding In automated welding operations, factors such as clamping errors, handling inconsistencies, and thermal deformation often cause slight misalignments or deviations in the workpiece. In manual welding or low-speed automation, such deviations can sometimes be compensated by experienced welders. However, in high-speed welding, even a deviation of less than 1 millimeter can result in the welding torch missing the seam, leading to defects like incomplete welds, missed welds, or excessive spatter. Moreover, weld seam deviation is inherently unpredictable and dynamically variable. Different product batches and workstation setups can lead to changes in seam shape and location, which traditional programmed path or teach-based welding methods struggle to address effectively. Weld Navigator®: Laser-Based Seam Identification Technology   To address seam deviation, Weld Navigator® employs laser recognition and real-time path control technologies. It offers an advanced seam tracking solution with autonomous sensing and intelligent guidance capabilities. Using high-precision laser sensors, the system performs real-time contour scanning of the weld seam and applies image recognition algorithms to quickly extract key features such as the center, angle, and width of the seam. This data is then processed and used to dynamically adjust the welding robot’s torch trajectory. Whether the seam has slight deviations or the groove shape varies, the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system can sense and respond in real time, ensuring that the welding torch remains accurately aligned with the

In the pressure vessel manufacturing industry, welding quality has always been a critical factor affecting product safety and reliability. For high-standard gas containers like fluorine gas cylinders, requirements for weld sealing, strength, and consistency are extremely stringent. The Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking sensor, independently developed by the company, is emerging as a key technology in intelligent welding system upgrades. With its high-precision detection and real-time correction capabilities, it plays an irreplaceable role in applications demanding exceptional accuracy and stability, such as fluorine gas cylinder welding. Laser Seam Tracking Sensor The Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking sensor utilizes laser profile scanning technology to capture real-time data on weld position, shape, and height. Equipped with intelligent recognition algorithms, the system can automatically identify various weld features—such as groove centers and fusion lines—and correct lateral and vertical deviations of the welding torch based on the scanning data. Compared to traditional manual teaching methods, this sensor enables automatic weld detection and intelligent path planning, providing a solid technical foundation for high-precision automated welding of complex components. It is especially suited for industries like gas containers and pressure equipment, where consistent welding quality is critical. Challenges in Fluorine Gas Cylinder Welding   Fluorine gas cylinders, as high-pressure gas containers, pose several welding challenges: Complex structures: Typically cylindrical or irregular in shape, these cylinders require precise control over complex weld paths. Severe thermal deformation: High heat input during welding can cause significant deformation, leading to weld misalignment. Cumbersome teaching: Traditional teaching methods involve time-consuming manual point-to-point programming, which is inefficient and unsuitable for batch variations. High precision requirements: Even minor weld deviations can compromise the sealing and safety of the product. Advantages of the Laser Seam Tracking System

As the rail transit industry continues to develop, train body manufacturing is also steadily moving toward greater intelligence. Welding, being a core process that directly affects the structural safety and performance of train bodies, is now subject to higher demands for precision and automation. Especially in the welding of structurally complex components, traditional manual welding struggles with inefficiency and inconsistency, failing to meet modern standards. To address this, the Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system has been deeply integrated with FANUC industrial robots to provide an efficient and precise intelligent welding solution for train end walls. Technical Challenges in Automatic Welding of Train End Walls Train end walls are critical structural components that connect key parts of the vehicle. They are typically characterized by long weld seams, narrow welding spaces, and strict geometric tolerances. In traditional welding, manual teaching or offline programming is required—processes that are not only time-consuming and imprecise but also vulnerable to issues caused by assembly deviations and thermal deformation. These factors often result in weld seam misalignment or defects, which could compromise the structural integrity of the entire vehicle. Thus, fast seam recognition, real-time tracking, and automatic correction have become essential for achieving intelligent welding upgrades of end walls. Working Principle of the Laser Seam Tracking System The Weld Navigator® laser seam tracking system uses a line laser scanning principle. It employs a high-precision laser sensor to perform non-contact scanning of the weld seam, capturing real-time data on its position, shape, and deviation. In end wall welding, two core functions of the tracking system are utilized: Laser Seam Finding: Before welding begins, a pre-scan identifies the starting point and overall contour of the seam. The system corrects seam deviations and generates a precise welding path—eliminating the need for repetitive manual teaching. Real-Time Tracking: During welding, the system dynamically monitors seam deviations and adjusts the welding to

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