## 3 Experimental Setup and Plan
Additionally, two yellow-colored patterns previously marked around the welding area were considered for removal, resulting in the extraction of the welding pattern. The Sobel edge detection algorithm was then applied to detect the edges of objects in the image. Figure 8 illustrates the flowchart of the steps mentioned above. In the present study, an experimental design was employed, and a complete factorial approach was utilized to investigate the effects of welding voltage parameters (V), wire feed speed (mm/min), nozzle travel speed (mm/min), and nozzle angle (\({}^{\circ}\)) on the smoothness of the weld bead's top surface. Image processing and Wavelet transform techniques were \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c} \hline \hline
**Amount** & **Specifications** \\ \hline
60 frames per second & Data rate \\ \hline
1280 \(\times\) 960 & Resolution \\ \hline Ccd & Sensor \\ \hline Diameter 30 mm and focal length 12 mm & Lens m1614-mp2 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 1: Digital camera specifications. utilized for analysis. For each input parameter, three levels were considered, resulting in 81 experiments. Table 2 below presents the levels of these parameters. Automated control of motion in three axes is crucial for producing intricate components. In pursuit of this goal, this research endeavor involved the construction of a three-axis table. This specialized table was equipped with ball screws, rails, and carriages, offering a generous range of 80 cm for the \(x\)-axis and \(y\)- axis and 70 cm for the \(z\)-axis. The motive force behind these axes was a robust 35 KW stepper motor with a 1.8\({}^{\circ}\) motion. Figure 9 provides an overview of the CNC system employed for additive part manufacturing. \begin{table}
\begin{tabular}{c c c c} \hline \hline
**Parameter** & **Level 1** & **Level 2** & **Level 3** \\ \hline Voltage (V) & 17 & 22 & 27 \\ Wire feed speed (cm/min) & 210 & 231 & 252 \\ Nozzle travel speed (mm/min) & 200 & 250 & 315 \\ Nozzle angle (\({}^{\circ}\)) & 75 & 90 & 105 \\ \hline \hline \end{tabular}
\end{table} 
Table 2: Levels of experimental design parameters. Figure 8: Flowchart of image processing steps. Figure 9: CNC system employed for additive manufacturing. To generate toolpaths, converting the three-dimensional design into two-dimensional layers and subsequent definition of the toolpath within them are essential steps. The transformation of the three-dimensional design into two-dimensional layers was carried out using Catia software V5R18, as depicted in Figure 10, which outlines the procedural steps for creating a toolpath for fabricating a curved-blade component based on its three-dimensional model. These steps encompass the following:  
**Stage 1:** Drawing upon experimental tests conducted to ascertain the dimensions of the weld bead geometry and armed with knowledge of the height of each layer created by GMAW, it becomes imperative to partition the desired geometry into evenly sized planes equal to the height of each layer. The central planes within the part are delineated in white. **Stage 2:** In the following stage, determining the plane intersections is imperative to derive the cross-sections of the desired layers. **Stage 3:** The generated cross-section should be transposed to a new component, with squares of precise dimensions established around this section to preclude any alterations in subsequent stages or other software. **Stage 4:** The preservation of the cross-section of the body as a DXF file entails the input of the section into the drafting section of Catia software. To accomplish this, the cross-section must be endowed with volume. **Stage 5:** In this phase, the voluminous cross-section is dispatched to the drafting section, and by selecting the front view, the cross-sectional drawing is generated. This drawing can subsequently be stored in DXF format. **Stage 6:** The saved DXF file is accessed through AutoCAD software (2016 version), whereby the lines of each layer are meticulously extracted. Finally, the programmed file is executed.