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ITAtube Journal No2/September 2013
Oxfordshire-based vision system
manufacturer, Meta Vision Systems,
has received an order from a large
Chinese windtower manufacturer
for 14 of its DLS digital laser scan-
ners. They will be used to automate
welding operations during produc-
tion of monopiles for offshore wind
installations.
Meta’s DLS is unique among laser
vision sensors for welding in that
it uses the scanning spot principle
rather than the more usual laser
stripe method. The scanning spot
system has significant advantages
when welding the deep joints that
are common when manufacturing
monopoles, where wall thickness
can be over 100 mm.
Dr Jing Zhao, Meta’s Country Man-
ager for China, commented:
“We are very happy to have won
this contract against tough compe-
tition and following a direct com-
parative evaluation in the custom-
er’s factory.
The performance of the DLS in gen-
erating accurate profiles of deep,
narrow weld joints is a significant
benefit for our customers. The large
depth of the joints results in ex-
tended welding times, so contin-
uous, consistent performance over
long periods is vital.
Monopile welding has to be done
quickly and efficiently to meet pro-
duction targets but, at the same
time, high quality standards are de-
manded. This project demonstrates
that the quality and productivity
benefits of advanced welding auto-
mation are persuasive, even in sit-
uations where cost considerations
are very important.
Thanks to our emphases on qual-
ity and customer satisfaction, the
Meta brand is well established and
highly respected in China. This im-
portant new project gives us an op-
portunity to reinforce our leader-
ship position in the market there.”
The windtower industry worldwide
has become extremely competi-
tive with the evolution of designs
that place increasing requirements
on fabrication and welding. To be
competitive, it is necessary for
windtower manufacturers to com-
bine high productivity with excel-
lent quality by using the best prac-
tices available.
Meta has extensive experience in
the field, having been working on
windtower and monopile welding
for over fifteen years, with a range
of installations in the UK, USA,
Canada, China, Korea, Netherlands
and elsewhere.
Companies
META gets wind of a big order in China
Meta Vision Systems wins major contract from Chinese wind turbine producer
A DLS laser sensor on a typical
monopile application.
Meta Vision Systems Ltd
Oakfield House
Okfield Industrial Estate,
Eynsham
Oxfordshire OX29 4TH, UK
Tel.: +44 1865 887900
Fax: +44 1865 887901
