Test block for use in a welding process
First Claim
1. A test block that simulates a work piece relative to a welding process of the work piece, the test block comprising:
- a test welding path on the test block that replicates a production welding path on an outer surface of the work piece;
a melt-thru surface on the test block that underlies the test welding path, the melt-thru surface being spaced apart from the test welding path by a spacing that decreases along a length of the test welding path, the spacing varying from more than a standard weld penetration depth to less than the standard weld penetration depth.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and test block for controlling weld penetration depth in a work piece are disclosed. The test block simulates a work piece relative to a welding process of the work piece. The test block includes a test welding path. The test welding path replicates a production welding path on a weld surface of the work piece. The test block includes a melt-thru surface that underlies the test welding path. The melt-thru surface is spaced apart from the test welding path by a spacing that decreases along a length of the test welding path. The spacing varies from more than a standard weld penetration depth to less than the standard weld penetration depth.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A test block that simulates a work piece relative to a welding process of the work piece, the test block comprising:
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a test welding path on the test block that replicates a production welding path on an outer surface of the work piece; a melt-thru surface on the test block that underlies the test welding path, the melt-thru surface being spaced apart from the test welding path by a spacing that decreases along a length of the test welding path, the spacing varying from more than a standard weld penetration depth to less than the standard weld penetration depth. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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3. The test block of Claim wherein a laser weld is formed in the test block.
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9. A method of qualifying a welding process on a production work piece, the method comprising steps of:
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providing a test block that simulates the production work piece relative to the welding process; shaping a test mounting surface on the test block that replicates a production mounting surface on the production work piece; shaping a melt-thru surface on the test block that underlies the test welding path; spacing the melt-thru surface apart from the test welding path by a spacing which decreases along a length of the test welding path, the spacing varying from more than a standard weld penetration depth to less than the standard weld penetration depth; mounting the test mounting surface to a production holding fixture; welding the test block along the test welding path using the welding process; removing the test block from the production holding fixture; and inspecting the melt-thru surface to measure a numerical value of a spacing where the welding penetrates the melt-thru surface. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification