In-process part tracking and shape measurement using vision-based motion capture for automated English wheeling

An English wheel is an exceedingly adaptable instrument in traditional metalworking. It is a manual manufacturing technique, enabling skilled craftsmen and blacksmiths to shape complex compound curves in sheet metal panels. Accurate measurements and precise adjustments are essential when operating an English wheel to ensure that the metal is shaped with the desired curvature. An automated method to form English wheeled panels through robot forming has recently been proposed. For such a method to be successful, accurate tracking of sheet information including positions, orientations, and deformation is important for error compensation and the design of the subsequent tool paths. In this study, a Vicon motion capture system is employed to monitor the position and shape of the sheet metal during the English wheeling process. The initial experimental results demonstrate the potential of such an in-process metrology system, along with possible avenues for future work.

英式轮（English wheel）在传统金属加工中是一种适应性极强的工具。它是一种手工制造技术，使熟练的工匠和铁匠能够在金属薄板上塑造复杂的复合曲线。操作英式轮时，精确的测量和调整至关重要，以确保金属被塑造成所需的曲率。最近有人提出了一种通过机器人成型来制造英式轮加工板材的自动化方法。要使这种方法成功，对板材信息（包括位置、方向和变形）的精确跟踪对于误差补偿和后续刀具路径的设计非常重要。在这项研究中，采用了维康（Vicon）运动捕捉系统来监测英式轮加工过程中金属薄板的位置和形状。初步的实验结果展示了这种加工过程中测量系统的潜力，以及未来工作可能的方向。