System development for active deviation compensation in laser-based wire micro deposition using image recognition

Gold plating is used to protect electrical components from corrosion and enhance functionality. A sustainable alternative is localized laser-based wire deposition: Using a laser scanning system, micro gold wires are welded into gold spots locally on the component surface. However, process and system tolerances lead to deviations between the target and actual weld positions. This paper presents a system for active deviation compensation using an on-axis camera and image recognition algorithms. Different adaptive thresholding methods and image processing algorithms are used to determine the welding target position on the part. The actual welding point of the wire on the component is calculated and transferred to the scanner as the new welding position. An approach for designing such a system for active deviation compensation and the possibility of higher-level communication with industrial controls is presented.