Abstract: A plasma cutting system includes a power supply that outputs first and second plasma cutting currents. A torch is connected to the power supply and includes a first cathode that receives the first plasma cutting current, a first electrode and swirl ring, a second cathode that receives the second plasma cutting current, and a second electrode and swirl ring. The torch simultaneously generates a first and second plasma arcs from the electrodes. A gas controller is configured to separately control a flow of a first plasma gas to the first swirl ring and a flow of a second plasma gas flow to the second swirl ring. A torch actuator moves the torch during cutting, and includes a motor having a hollow shaft rotor for rotating the torch during cutting. A motion controller is operatively connected to the torch actuator to control movements of the torch during cutting.

Abstract: A real-time virtual reality welding system including a programmable processor-based subsystem, a spatial tracker operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem, at least one mock welding tool capable of being spatially tracked by the spatial tracker, and at least one display device operatively connected to the programmable processor-based subsystem. The system is capable of simulating, in virtual reality space, a weld puddle having real-time molten metal fluidity and heat dissipation characteristics. The system is further capable of importing data into the virtual reality welding system and analyzing the data to characterize a student welder's progress and to provide training.

Abstract: A welding system can include a carriage having a top surface and a bottom surface. A first set of wheels can be coupled to the top surface of the carriage, and a second set of wheels can be coupled to the top surface of the carriage, spaced apart from the first set of wheels to create a first beam channel. The welding system can further include a first beam that includes a rack extending along a side of the first beam. The first beam can extend through the first beam channel and engage with the first and second sets of wheels. The welding system can further include a first positioning motor that includes a pinion gear. The first positioning motor is removeably coupled to the carriage such that the pinion gear is positioned to engage the rack extending along the first beam.

Abstract: The disclosed technology relates generally to welding, and more particularly to consumable electrodes based on aluminum and methods of welding using the same. In one aspect, a consumable welding electrode comprises a base metal composition comprising at least 70% by weight of aluminum and a fluidity-enhancing metal capable of forming a binary eutectic with aluminum, wherein the binary eutectic undergoes a binary eutectic solidification at a eutectic temperature of 595-660° C. The fluidity-enhancing metal is present in form and a hypoeutectic concentration of 0.05-0.5 weight % such that a solidification temperature range of a molten weld metal formed by melting the consumable welding electrode is less than 65° C.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes a cathode extending along an axis of the torch, a pilot arc conductor, and a nozzle body. A first fluid conduit and second fluid conduit extend parallel to the axis of the torch. A first offset fitting includes a first duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the first fluid conduit, and a second duct in fluid communication with the first duct and outwardly radially offset from the first duct and extending away from the first duct in a proximal direction. A second offset fitting includes a third duct coupled to and in fluid communication with the second fluid conduit, and a fourth duct in fluid communication with the third duct and outwardly radially offset from the third duct and extending away from the third duct in the proximal direction. A spring compression plug electrically connects the pilot arc conductor to the nozzle body.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing system includes an electrode head comprising an array of electrodes for depositing material to form a three-dimensional part. The array includes a first plurality of electrodes formed from a first metallic material having a first ductility and a first hardness, and a second plurality of electrodes formed from a second metallic material having a second ductility and a second hardness, wherein the first ductility is greater than the second ductility and the second hardness is greater than the first hardness. A power source provides electrical power for establishing a welding arc for each electrode. A drive roll system drives each electrode.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for evaluating one or more conditions or preliminary weld condition related to a welding system and/or method that utilizes a welding sequence to perform two or more welds with respective welding schedules. In an embodiment, an operator registration is provided that verifies the operator and identifies welding sequences to which the operator is authorized to perform. In another embodiment, one or more fixture locations are monitored to determine whether a workpiece is accurately configured prior to a welding operation. In still another embodiment, locations on a workpiece can be displayed to assist an operator in performing two or more welds utilizing a welding sequence. Moreover, a wireless system communications a data signal to a welding work cell in which such data is used to identify a welding sequence.

Abstract: A method of preventing arc flaring events for a welding system is provided. The method includes determining, by a controller, a real-time welding output characteristic of the welding system. The method additionally includes comparing, by the controller, the real-time welding output characteristic to a threshold welding output characteristic. The method further includes controlling an operating characteristic of the welding system in response to a determination that the real-time welding output characteristic exceeds the threshold welding output characteristic.

Abstract: A welding or additive manufacturing power supply includes output circuitry configured to generate a welding waveform, a current sensor for measuring a welding current generated by the output circuitry, a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of the welding waveform, and a controller operatively connected to the output circuitry to control the welding waveform, and operatively connected to the current sensor and the voltage sensor to monitor the welding current and the output voltage. A portion of welding waveform includes a controlled change in current from a first level to a second level different from the first level. The controller is configured to determine a circuit inductance from the output voltage and the controlled change in current, and further determine a change in resistance of a consumable electrode in real time based on the circuit inductance.

Abstract: A system and method of welding or additive manufacturing is provided where at least two welding electrodes are provided to and passed through a two separate orifices on a single contact tip and a welding waveform is provided to the electrodes through the contact tip to weld simultaneously with both electrodes, where a bridge droplet is formed between the electrodes and then transferred to the puddle.