Illinois Tool Works Inc.
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HEIGHT CONTROL IN LASER METAL DEPOSITION

Abstract:

Disclosed is a welding system configured to perform additive manufacturing, particularly a welding system to achieve a stable a laser metal deposition with hot wire process by controlling the contact point between the welding wire and the workpiece. For example, the resistance of the stick-out wire is measured and the measured resistance is converted to a distance signal, which can then be used for comparison to a desired distance. The distance between the contact tip and the workpiece can then be adjusted based on the comparison. The present disclosure also relates to using a constant enthalpy system to determine and control the contact tip to workpiece distance.