Abstract

A method and apparatus for welding sectional members onto a large-format aluminum structural component using laser beams is especially applicable for welding stringers onto cylindrically or spherically pre-curved fuselage skin components in the construction of aircraft. The apparatus includes an adjustable support arrangement for supporting the large-format structural component, a roller guide and clamping system by which the sectional member, after it has been prepositioned, is guided by a computer numeric control (CNC) system and fixed onto the structural component, and a laser guide system that simultaneously directs two laser beams from two opposite sides of the sectional member onto a weld point along a joint seam between the sectional member and the structural component. The method and apparatus are applicable and readily adaptable with high flexibility to a great variety of geometries of the components to be welded, because the laser guide system is not coupled to the roller guide and clamping system. By means of signals provided by a seam locating and tracking system, the laser guide system automatically guides the laser beams to the actual weld seam position of the components to be welded independently of the motion of the roller guide and clamping system.

Other References

an Article by Peter Heider, entitled "Lasergerechte Konstruktion und lasergerechte Fertigungsmittel zum Schweissen grossformatiger Aluminium-Strukturbauteile"; published by Fortschritt-Berichte VDI Verlag; vol. 2; No.: 326, pp. 1-101, Jul. 1994.