Abstract: A welding torch includes a contact tip and a wire electrode guide extending distal of the contact tip. The wire electrode guide includes a metallic outer sheath and a plurality of ring-shaped electrical insulators stacked axially within the metallic outer sheath so as to form a central wire electrode receiving bore through the plurality of ring-shaped electrical insulators.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for characterizing weldments are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method of generating an algorithm for classifying weldments as meeting or not meeting a specification. Training data is read by a machine learning system. The training data includes cross-sectional images of training weldments, truth data indicating whether the training weldments meet the specification or not, and training weld data associated with creating the training weldments. The machine learning system trains up an algorithm using the training data such that the resultant algorithm can classify a subsequent test weldment as meeting the specification or not meeting the specification when a cross-sectional image of the test weldment and test weld data used to create the test weldment are read and processed by the classification algorithm as trained.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates welding wires, and more particularly to coated welding wires. A consumable welding wire comprises a base wire comprising a steel composition and a coating comprising an iron surrounding the base wire, wherein the iron oxide has an oxygen to iron (O/Fe) ratio such that an outer surface of the welding wire has a dark gray to black color.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for characterizing weldments are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method of generating an algorithm for classifying weldments as meeting or not meeting a specification. Training data is read by a machine learning system. The training data includes cross-sectional images of training weldments, truth data indicating whether the training weldments meet the specification or not, and training weld data associated with creating the training weldments. The machine learning system trains up an algorithm using the training data such that the resultant algorithm can classify a subsequent test weldment as meeting the specification or not meeting the specification when a cross-sectional image of the test weldment and test weld data used to create the test weldment are read and processed by the classification algorithm as trained.

Abstract: The invention provided is a system and method for welding or cladding using a strip electrode which is capable of delivering a desired chemistry, where the strip electrode contains an alloying or flux material. In embodiments, the strip electrode has at least two bulge portions separated by a web portion where the bulge portions have a larger thickness than the web portions. Other embodiments deliver each of a strip electrode and a cored electrode to the same puddle, while the electrodes make contact with each other before the puddle and share the deposition current.