Abstract: Molybdenum is alloyed into stainless steel surface by electro-spark deposition technique. Shielding gas is used during electro-spark deposition process to minimize the oxidation of materials. Control of electro-spark voltage, frequency, capacitance, time can determine the alloying depth of Molybdenum. The alloyed surface thickness varies from 5 ?m to 80 ?m depending on the electro-spark deposition parameters. The alloyed surface comprises, by weight, 15 to 40% of Molybdenum, 8 to 22% of Cr, 0-15% of other alloy elements and impurities. The molybdenum alloyed stainless steel surface exhibits improvement in micro-hardness, wear resistance, and especially corrosion resistance in sodium chloride solutions. Thus, the present invention would be utilized in marine and handling of brines application, as well as in other applications which better corrosion resistance of stainless steel is desired.

Abstract: A surface modification process and apparatus for the electro-spark deposition (ESD) on a workpiece may include mounting a workpiece on a rotationally driven mounting. The contact surface of the workpiece is ESD coated. Ultrasonic vibration is applied to the deposition layer during its crystallization phase. The workpiece may be a resistance spot welding electrode. The apparatus may have a vibrating applicator, ESD power supply, integrated ultrasonic transducer assembly, a work station having a rotational drive and an ultrasonic generator. The ultrasonic generator is connected to the ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer assembly and the rotating driving work bench unit are integrated in a single assembly. The workpiece seats on the ultrasonic transducer assembly. The deposition of a surface coating occurs during simultaneous application of electro-spark deposition and ultrasonic vibration.

Abstract: A welding ground apparatus comprising at least two members, the at least two members engaged and having at least one angular degree of freedom between them, the grounding apparatus including a biasing member for applying a force to at least one of the at least two members when compressed, the line of action of the force traversing a contact footprint, the contact footprint having a footprint periphery and defined by one of the at least two members.

Abstract: A welding process involves a fixture for holding a workpiece and a welder, or welding electrode. The fixture imposes ultrasonic vibration on the workpiece. The welder vibrates during vibration, and is operable at a first voltage for welding and a second voltage for peening. The peening may occur while the weld metal is crystallizing. The welding process may be a process of welding two parts together, or of filling a groove or other feature, or of applying or restoring a surface, or of applying a hard facing or ceramic to a parent metal or object. The weld metal may be the same, or substantially the same, as the parent metal, or it may be different. The different material may be a ceramic material.

Abstract: A welding electrode is mounted in a tool holder that is part of a handle apparatus. The handle apparatus has an electrode power connection. The handle apparatus has a housing defining a haft that can be grasped in the hand of an operator. A vibrator is mounted inside the haft. The vibrator includes a force transmitter in the form of a cantilevered beam. The cantilevered beam is electrically conductive and carries power to the tool holder. The tool holder has a handle that permits the welding rod to be rotated about its axis as it wears during deposition of welding rod material on the object work piece.

Abstract: Molybdenum is alloyed into stainless steel surface by electro-spark deposition technique. Shielding gas is used during electro-spark deposition process to minimize the oxidation of materials. Control of electro-spark voltage, frequency, capacitance, time can determine the alloying depth of Molybdenum. The alloyed surface thickness varies from 5 ?m to 80 ?m depending on the electro-spark deposition parameters. The alloyed surface comprises, by weight, 15 to 40% of Molybdenum, 8 to 22% of Cr, 0-15% of other alloy elements and impurities. The molybdenum alloyed stainless steel surface exhibits improvement in micro-hardness, wear resistance, and especially corrosion resistance in sodium chloride solutions. Thus, the present invention would be utilized in marine and handling of brines application, as well as in other applications which better corrosion resistance of stainless steel is desired.

Abstract: A welding electrode has a body having a shank and a contact region for placement against a workpiece during welding. A portion of the body may be formed on a parabolic profile. A coating is formed on the contact region. The coating may have a first layer, and a second layer formed over the first layer. The first and second layers may have different compositions. The electrode may have internally formed cooling finwork for interaction with a liquid cooling system.