Experimental Setup
The experimental setup consisted of an xyz table, a plasma welding torch which used argon, a digital wire feeder, a Quadra 900 Macintosh computer, Labview, Computer Eye image processing program, a Sony camcorder, and a miniature laser for program feedback, and Symmantec C++ programming to provide the interface between all the software being used. (See Representatonal Diagram )


digital wire feeder (left)
and coolant (center)
x-y table and plasma torch

coolant (left)
power supply with
wire feeder (top)

Simultaneously along with the experimental work done on the controls for the new process, a homepage was also setup for the Robotics and Controls Laboratory and the Manufacturing and Automation Laboratory. The purpose was to disseminate experimental results and technological progress taking place within the two labs. Pages were made for faculty and students involved, equipment in use at the labs, and related articles towards experiments were made available through the scanning of articles from various professional publications for industry.

Additional research was also conducted in the CAD-to-Prototype Production interface aspect. I explored the possibility of an Autocad-Labview interface. The purpose of this was to find a way in which CAD drawings could be used as input data which would then be used by Labview to control the xyz table to form the solid metal prototype. Matlab was also explored as a way of creating data input for the Labview Program.

During the summer, a need was also found to redesign the wire feeder and torch holder interface as well as the base material clamps, which held the platform on which the solid metal prototype was to be deposited. The reason for the redesign of the base material clamps was to make the changing of the base material after experimental use easier and more efficient. The reason for the redesign of the holder was to create a more uniform weld bead deposit, which was found to be needed during early experiments.

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