Arc Machines has developed and used arc viewing systems in our specialized products for remote Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG welding) for over 20 years. Historically these arc viewing systems have been predominantly used for performing automated welds in hazardous environments and repetitive manufacturing applications. For the most part these video systems were designed for a specific series of applications (using a specialized AMI weld head and torch combination) in conjunction with an AMI power supply/control system. In the past AMI has not offered our video arc viewing systems or components for sale as a separate product.

As a result of our continuing research and development efforts over the past several years AMI has developed a unique color video system based on our own patent for arc light/image filtration. The result has been a series of new generation arc viewing camera assemblies and associated components that are adaptable to a number of GTAW or PAW (Plasma Arc Welding) applications.

The AMI color arc viewing systems have been used in applications with weld current ranging from 15 to 400 amps using Argon or Helium gas and shielding gas mixes containing Helium, Argon, and/or Hydrogen. Virtually no adjustments are required for operating the arc viewing systems under this range of arc power and gas settings. All filtration is automatically adjusted by the patented optical system in the AMI camera assembly, without the use of any mechanical devices, external lenses or reduction of camera sensitivity. No interface connection between the video system and the welding equipment is required at all. The AMI arc viewing systems are a truly user friendly stand-alone system for many GTAW and PAW welding applications. Once the system is set up it works repeatably every time with no adjustment.

AMI's arc viewing systems produce a superior, sharp, clean image of the welding arc as well as the surrounding weld puddle and other part details. The camera systems can effectively focus on an image from 2 to 7 inches (50mm to 180mm) from the object lens. The image is so clear that you can see details in the arc better than viewing them with your eyes and a welding shield, and the system is so easy to use that welding equipment operators eventually will not want to weld any other way.

Physical description:
All AMI video camera units use a common water-cooled housing that contains a modified miniature color CCID video camera. From there you can choose from a wide variety of optical lens systems suited for your physical application. The lens assemblies come in a variety of types. Illustrated in the following pages is an "in-line" camera system for general-purpose arc viewing where the camera can be located along the weld seam. Also illustrated are left and right-hand video cameras that can be used when axial clearances are limited. This configuration allows the camera housing itself to be mounted at an offset position that can take up less axial or radial space. The objective lens is then rotated into position to allow viewing of the arc. Other lens assembly configurations are available. Contact AMI with your application details.

Lighting:
AMI can also offer a variety of high-power area view lighting fixtures. These lighting fixtures allow the operator to view the weld zone and torch set-up while the arc is not ignited. The AMI video systems can then be also used for pre and post weld inspections.

Quality Control:
Videotapes or digital recordings of real-time arc view images can provide a permanent record of the welding process and completed welds.


Direct Arc View Color Video Systems

A typical AMI vision system includes these basic components at a minimum:

1) Color Camera Assembly(s):
Examples:
P/N 13152012-01, Assy Optic housing In-line H/W torch NTSC.
P/N 13152027-01, Optic housing LH assembly NTSC video M-15 "N" torch NTSC
P/N 13152026-01, Optic housing RH assembly NTSC video M-15 "N" torch NTSC
Note: Camera Assemblies in PAL standard are also available.

2) Camera Cable adapter(s):
Example:
P/N CPC51 31 -05, cable camera control, 5m (16-ft)
(One cable assembly required for each camera)
Extension Camera Cables Are Available.

3) Video Amplifier/Control Unit:
Example:
P/N CS5131-AMI-01C, Video Control Unit, (NTSC) 120 VAC
(One required for each camera)
Note: Video Control Units in PAL standard are also available.

Options Include:
1) Water cooling components for the video cameras.
2) Lighting fixtures. Example: P/N 13152030-03, illuminator front, 12V.
3) Video camera extension cables.
4) Color Video Monitors.
5) Color Video Recorders.
6) Video viewing stations as below:

Stand-alone direct vision system Console (based on P/N13D152500-01) Consisting of:

1. two (2) 9" color monitors
2. two (2) Camera amplifiers/controllers
3. Storage drawer

Above housed in a portable/shippable container with an internal shock mounted 19 inch rack system. Front and rear shipping covers have water and dust resistant seals and are removed when the unit is in service.


The Vision Console will also be equipped with


4. P/N 13D150804-01 Cable Video Extension 50 feet
5. P/N 13D150811-01 Cable Video Console Adapter 10 feet

Note: Powered by 110 volt AC. Standard Video output is NTSC. 240 volt PAL Standard video systems also available.

Information provided here about AMI's Direct Arc View Color Video Systems is currently all that is available. Please contact the AMI sales department at sales@arcmachines.com for a quotation. Thank you.