Abstract: An ultrasonic welding system that includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to convert electricity to generate ultrasonic waves, wherein the waves propagate along a first direction from the transducer; and a sonotrode that includes a single-component body having nodal and anti-nodal regions, and configured to propagate ultrasonic waves received at a nodal region along a first direction; a plurality of redirecting features formed in the body and configured to cause received ultrasonic waves propagating along the first direction to propagate along a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, upon encountering one or more of the redirecting features; wherein the body is further configured to stretch and compress along the second direction based on corresponding peaks and valleys of the waves propagating along the second direction; and at least one ultrasonic welding surface at an anti-nodal region of the body configured to oscillate based on the stretching and compressing, wherein opposing ends o

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring manual welding that includes a welding system that further includes hardware and software components for gathering and processing data in real time, wherein the data is derived from an actual welding exercise conducted by a welder; providing the system with part information, process variable control targets, and acceptability limits; selecting a part to be welded from the part information; indicating a production task to be completed on the part; performing the indicated production task; providing real-time feedback to the welder performing the task; evaluating the quality of the welder's performance of the task based on the process variable control targets and acceptability limits; if necessary, requiring remedial action with regard to the quality of the performance of the task; and storing data gathered from the evaluation of the performance of the task.

Abstract: A method for manual welder training that includes providing a welding training apparatus that includes both hardware and software components and that is operative to gather and process data in real time, wherein the data is derived from an actual training exercise conducted by a welding trainee; selecting training objectives from a predetermined number of predefined objectives; initializing a curriculum, wherein the curriculum is based on the selected training objectives; performing at least one training exercise, wherein the training exercise is a component of the curriculum; providing real-time feedback to the trainee, wherein the real-time feedback is based on the performance of the trainee during the training exercise; evaluating the performance of the trainee based on data gathered and processed during the training exercise; optionally, adapting the curriculum based on the trainee's performance evaluation; and awarding credentials or certifications to the trainee following successful completion of the cu