Quality assurance algorithm using fuzzy reasoning for resistance spot weldings

퍼지추론을 이용한 저항 점용접부위의 품질평가 알고리듬

In resistance spot weld, the assurance of weld quality has been a long-standing problem. Since the weld nuggets if resustance spot welding form between the workpieces, visual detection of defects in usually impossible. Welding quality of resistance spot welding can be verified by non destructive and destructive inspections such as X-Ray inspection and testing of weld strength. But these tests, in addition to being time-consuming and costly, can entail risks due to sampling basis. The purpose of this study is the development of the monitoring system based on fuzzy inference, aimed at diagonosis of quality in resistance spot welding. The fuzzy inference system consists of fuzzy input variables, fuzzy membership functions and fuzzy rules. For inferring the welding quality(strength), the experimental data of the spot welding were acquired in various welding conditions with the monitoring system designed. Some fuzzy input variables-maximum, slop and difference values of electrode movement signals-were extracted from the experimental data. It was confirmed that the fuzzy inference values of strength have a .${\pm}$5% error in comparison with actual values for the selected welding conditions(9-10.5KA, 10-14 cycle, 250-300 $kg_f$). This monitoring system can be useful in improving the quality assurance and reliability of the resistance spot welding process.