Additive remanufacturing of coupler knuckle based on robotic gas metal arc welding

Abstract

Take the wear parts of coupler knuckle as an example, the “Modeling—Slicing — Stacking” mode remanufacturing process is studied. First, the 3D model of the of the worn coupler knuckle surface is acquired by structured light 3D detection. The remanufacturing model of the failure part is built by Boolean operation between the original model and the acquired 3D model. Second, the user can slice layer of the remanufacturing model according to the remanufacturing stacking parameters. The zone that surrounded by the contour of each sliced layer is the robotic GMAW remanufacturing stack region. Third, the robotic GMAW remanufacturing path is planed within the region mentioned above and the executable program is generated to carry out the remanufacturing task layer by layer. Moreover, the worn coupler knuckle was repaired by adopting Robotic GMAW Process. The mechanical performances of component were tested, the results indicate that the remanufactured coupler knuckle satisfying the operating requirements.