A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
In-process computer vision monitoring of laser welding for Strenx 700 E high-strength steels
Authors: Hsu, Li-Wei; Chozaki, Saeid Parchegani; Libutti-Núñez, Henrique Hiram; Ribeiro, Kandice Suane Barros; Bessa, Wallace Moreira; Salminen, Antti
Publisher: AIP Publishing LLC
Publication year: 2026
Journal: Journal of Laser Applications
Article number: 032011
Volume: 38
Issue: 3
ISSN: 1042-346X
eISSN: 1938-1387
DOI: https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0001893
Publication's open availability at the time of reporting: No Open Access
Publication channel's open availability : Partially Open Access publication channel
Web address : https://doi.org/10.2351/7.0001893
This study presents an integrated approach for monitoring and characterizing autogenous laser welding of Strenx 700 E high-strength steels, aiming to enhance weld quality and process reliability. A multisensory monitoring system was developed, incorporating a laser illumination welding camera with a computer vision algorithm based on morphological transformations to extract keyhole contours and analyze capillary wave behavior. Optical coherence tomography was employed to reconstruct internal keyhole geometry, providing valuable insights into subsurface features and melt pool dynamics. Additionally, an optical microphone exhibited a correlation between spectral magnitude and laser power in bead-on-plate welds. Metallurgical analysis, including cross-sectional examination and Vickers hardness testing, revealed complete penetration and good weldability at higher laser powers, with moderate to high hardness observed in the fusion and heat-affected zones. The findings illustrate the advantages and complementarity of advanced monitoring techniques, offering improved quality assurance and facilitating further advancements for more reliable and efficient laser welding processes in industrial applications requiring durable joints.
Keywords:
Acoustic emission, Computer vision, keyhole monitoring, Laser welding
Funding information in the publication:
The authors acknowledge for the support from the project CaNeLis-carbon-neutral lightweight ship structures using advanced design, production, and life-cycle services, which is funded by Business Finland (No. 3360/31/2022), Meyer Turku Oy, Cavitar Oy, and SSAB Europe Oy. The project is part of NEcOLEAP leading company of Meyer Turku Oy.