Recently launched by Riftek LLC, the optoelectronic measurement and systems manufacturer – and available
with full support from its UK and Ireland distribution partner Ixthus Instrumentation, the new RF627WELD
laser seam tracking and measurement system enables precise control of the welding head position in robotic
welding systems. The system harnesses the advanced features of Riftek’s Lamia application software, a
choice of three РФ627Weld series 2D laser scanners to suit the required measurement area, and the RF017
series controller (or alternatively a PC) that interfaces with the customer’s welding controller.
With the laser scanner mounted on the customer’s welding robot close to to the welding torch the
scanning area, located directly in front of the welding electrode, is pre-calibrated with a supplied
calibration plate. Riftek’s Lamia software processes the 2D positional information received from the
scanner to determine the exact coordinates of the welding joint which are then transmitted to the
robot controller in real time. In this way the robot controller is able to precisely align the position of
the welding torch during the welding process.
Three РФ627Weld series laser scanners feature Class 2M lasers offering various 2D scanning
areas from around 22 x 24 mm to 65 x 180 mm. Linearity through each range is up to +/- 0.1% in
Z-axis and +/- 0.2% in X-axis. Optional red or blue laser sources allow use with different welded
materials and temperature ranges, and various operating modes allow working frequency changes
for optimal sampling rates. With an IP67 sealed aluminium air or water cooled housing, changeable
toughened glass windows and a splash guard included these laser scanners are based on the well
proven RF627 range that guarantees durability and offer vibration, shock and temperature ratings
that meet the demands for heavy industrial use.
Riftek’s multifunctional Lamia software application is designed to be used to interface its laser
scanning range with automated industrial systems to provide recognition, tracking and
measurement of geometric parameters or objects in real time. Perfectly suited to welding joint
detection or for surface and dimensional profiling on a wide range of industrial processing tasks,
the software interfaces with the client controller to transmit scanning results and data visualisation.
Riftek offers a choice of protocols for communication with most common industrial robots. For the
RF627WELD system a selection of weld seam templates combine with control algorithms for seam
position recognition and corresponding location of joint coordinates.
Riftek can supply its own RF017 series industrial controller as a Tablet PC with Lamia software
installed or a customer supplied PC can be used. Cable options for connecting the RF017 or PC to
the Riftek laser scanner are included along with an RJ45 cable for Ethernet interfacing the robot
controller. The RF017 includes Wi-Fi so that a remote desktop or access point can be facilitated.
For system set-up, diagnostics and calibration, a detailed manual is available – free of charge and
prior to purchase – from Ixthus Instrumentation who provide complete technical support for the
RF627WELD system as well as Riftek’s comprehensive range of 2D laser scanners, laser
triangulation sensors, speed and length sensors, railway and other measurement instrumentation
systems. Ixthus Instrumentation works closely with Riftek and many other leading instrumentation
component manufacturers to supply sensors, transducers and complete systems for the
measurement of displacement, force, torque and vibration.
