Abstract: A modular welding wire feed drive for use in a welding system. The welding wire feed drive is designed to be detachably connected to the welding wire feed system of the welding system. The welding wire feed drive includes a drive housing designed to be detachably connectable to the welding wire feed system, a wire contact arrangement designed to controllably feed welding wire through the welding wire feed drive, and a drive motor that is connected to or interconnected to the wire contact arrangement to at least partially drive the wire contact arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus for an electric arc welder comprising a first electromagnetic device including a first core assembly, wherein the first core assembly has a first stack of laminations which are press-fitted or snapped together into interlocking engagement with a complementary second stack of laminations so as to form two flux paths through the first core assembly, each of which passes through a center portion of the first core assembly; a second electromagnetic device, such as a transformer, including a second core assembly, wherein the second core assembly has a first stack of laminations which are press-fitted or snapped together into interlocking engagement with a complementary second stack of laminations so as to form two flux paths through the second core assembly, each of which passes through a center portion of the second core assembly; and wherein the two core assemblies of the electromagnetic devices are press-fitted or snapped together into interlocking engagement with each other.

Abstract: A modular welding wire cartridge for use in a welding system. The welding wire cartridge is designed to be detachably connected to the welding wire feed system of the welding system. The welding wire cartridge includes a drive housing designed to be detachably connectable to the welding wire feed system, a wire contact arrangement designed to controllably feed welding wire through the welding wire cartridge, and a spool of welding wire.

Abstract: A power module cartridge for a welder includes a chassis tray that is dimensioned to fit inside an external case of the welder. The chassis tray includes a fan receptacle, a capacitor receptacle, a rectifier mounting slot and a transformer receptacle. A fan fits into the fan receptacle; a capacitor fits into the capacitor receptacle; a rectifier plate fits into the rectifier mounting slot; and a transformer fits into the transformer receptacle. The chassis tray can also include a clip for receiving a printed circuit board (“PCB”). The PCB can be electrically connected to the aforementioned components. A second chassis tray can fit on the top of each of the components such that the components are sandwiched between the first and second chassis trays. A method of manufacturing a welder is also disclosed.