Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a cost calculator.

Abstract: A data structure for weld programs associates configuration data for a welding system with a plurality of weld programs and weld sequence data. The data structure allows the welding system to be configured for a particular part, operator, or stage in a welding process, and to be easily reconfigured when the part, operator, or stage changes, providing improved efficiency and flexibility in operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes an RTC module and/or a non-volatile memory.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a USB host and/or non-volatile memory, for example, an SD card and a memory stick. The controller preferably includes a receptacle for receiving a USB flash drive according to one embodiment. The controller can include one or more of a data monitoring module, a data logging module, a data logging module for providing diagnostic data, a code update module, an IP address logging module, disposed to provide data to the USB flash drive or non-volatile memory, according to various embodiments.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a database, preferably with a DBMS, and preferably embedded. The welding-type system includes a source of power, and a controller connected to the source of power. The DBMS may be part of the welding controller. A method of monitoring a welding-type system is also disclosed, and includes monitoring data and storing the data in an embedded database. The database may include data organized in a plurality of columns and rows, and the date may relate to one or more welding processes, data relating to welding parameters, including one or more of commanded welding voltages, welding current, wire feed speed, data relating to one or more welding sequences, and/or one or more fedback welding parameters such as current, voltage, welding time, ramp rates and wire feed speed. The data may be located in a file in an operating system, in a file on a personal computer, and/or in a file networked to the welding-type system.

Abstract: A controller for a welding system adapted to determine a value of a weld secondary parameter across a weld secondary component based on a sensed parameter is provided. The controller may also be adapted to compare the determined value to a reference value range and to alert a user to a presence and location of a weld secondary error when the determined value is outside the referenced value range.

Abstract: A duty cycle controller having a processor configured to control a welding-type apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the processor may be configured to control the welding-type apparatus according to a variable maximum duty cycle to substantially delay entry into a thermal shutdown mode of the welding-type apparatus based on at least one operating condition. Various additional devices and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a duty cycle controller having a processor configured to control a welding-type apparatus according to a variable maximum duty cycle to substantially delay entry into a thermal shutdown mode of the welding-type apparatus based on at least one operating condition.