Xiris Automation Inc., a pioneer in advanced welding and manufacturing monitoring solutions, has announced the launch of the Cooling Time Tool, a ground-breaking feature integrated into the XIR 1800 thermal camera system.
This innovative tool is designed to empower engineers and manufacturers by redefining process optimization and quality assurance in metal additive manufacturing and welding automation. The Cooling Time Tool uses thermal camera data to calculate cooling rates, reducing the need for traditional assumptions that could result in costly defects and material inconsistencies.
Accurate measurement of cooling rates, such as t8/5 (from 800°C to 500°C in Carbon Steels) or t12/8 (from 1200°C to 800°C in Stainless Steels), is critical in both welding and additive manufacturing (AM). This tool provides instant insights into cooling dynamics, helping engineers optimize thermal management, reduce distortion, and enhance mechanical properties in both wire-based and powder-based additive manufacturing processes.
In welding, controlling cooling rates directly impacts microstructure, hardness, toughness, and residual stresses. In metal AM, where layers of material are added, controlling cooling rates is necessary to ensure uniformity throughout builds, minimizing warping and distortion
