Abstract: A method for controlling an output current of a welding power supply includes detecting, using control circuitry of the welding power supply, a root mean square (RMS) current setting. The method also includes calculating, using the control circuitry, an average current command based on the RMS current setting. The method also includes controlling, using the control circuitry, the output current using the average current command to produce an output substantially the same as the RMS current setting.

Abstract: A system and method for a plasma system includes a plasma torch actuated by a trigger, a consumable installed in the plasma torch, and a gas flow system constructed to receive pressurized gas and provide a gas flow to the plasma torch. A gas flow regulating system is included and configured to regulate the gas flow, and a sensing device is included and configured to monitor a gas pressure in the plasma torch. The plasma system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensing device and to determine one of a length parameter of the plasma torch and a type of the consumable therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.

Abstract: A method for controlling an output current of a welding power supply includes detecting, using control circuitry of the welding power supply, a root mean square (RMS) current setting. The method also includes calculating, using the control circuitry, an average current command based on the RMS current setting. The method also includes controlling, using the control circuitry, the output current using the average current command to produce an output substantially the same as the RMS current setting.

Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.

Abstract: The present invention includes a welding system that has at least two metal inert gas (MIG) welders configured to perform a cooperative pulsed MIG welding process. The welding system also includes at least one communications link connecting the at least two MIG welders to deliver at least one of subordination commands and superiority commands to either of the at least two MIG welders to synchronize the cooperative pulsed MIG welding process.

Abstract: A system and method for start flow approach control for a proportional valve in a plasma cutter is provided that includes a controller configured to determine a target gas pressure set point for a plasma cutting operation and determine a ramp pressure set point offset from the target gas pressure set point. The controller is also configured to apply a full-open drive signal to an air pressure-closing proportional valve and monitor a pressure of gas flow output from the air pressure-closing proportional valve via a sensing device. The controller is further configured to apply a ramping drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the ramp pressure set point and apply a target-pressure drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the target gas pressure set point.

Abstract: A welding system and method utilizing internal Ethernet communications is provided. One welding system includes a power supply configured to generate power for welding. The power supply includes a first processing circuit for implementing a predetermined welding regime and a first Ethernet interface coupled to the first processing circuit and configured to communicate via an Ethernet protocol. The system also includes a wire feeder coupled to the power supply to receive the power from the power supply and to provide welding wire for welding. The wire feeder includes a second processing circuit for controlling operation of the wire feeder and a second Ethernet interface coupled to the second processing circuit and configured to communicate via an Ethernet protocol. The welding power supply and the wire feeder exchange welding parameter data in accordance with the Ethernet protocol via an Ethernet media cable coupled between the Ethernet interfaces.

Abstract: A system and method for start flow approach control for a proportional valve in a plasma cutter is provided that includes a controller configured to determine a target gas pressure set point for a plasma cutting operation and determine a ramp pressure set point offset from the target gas pressure set point. The controller is also configured to apply a full-open drive signal to an air pressure-closing proportional valve and monitor a pressure of gas flow output from the air pressure-closing proportional valve via a sensing device. The controller is further configured to apply a ramping drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the ramp pressure set point and apply a target-pressure drive signal to the air pressure-closing proportional valve after the pressure of the gas flow has reached the target gas pressure set point.

Abstract: A system and method for a plasma system includes a plasma torch actuated by a trigger, a consumable installed in the plasma torch, and a gas flow system constructed to receive pressurized gas and provide a gas flow to the plasma torch. A gas flow regulating system is included and configured to regulate the gas flow, and a sensing device is included and configured to monitor a gas pressure in the plasma torch. The plasma system also includes a controller configured to receive a signal from the sensing device and to determine one of a length parameter of the plasma torch and a type of the consumable therefrom.

Abstract: A system and method for tracking, storing, and distributing inventory of welding-type consumables within an industrial facility includes conveyors for moving and storing welding-type consumables on pallets or other shipment units to the proper work zones. Various sensors or detectors are employed at the loading and unloading ends of the conveyors to provide data for determining quantity, type, and/or location information for monitoring inventory or even automated reordering. Therefore, such a system and method provides robust, reliable, and inexpensive inventory management that can be adaptable and compatible with multiple brands, types, and shipment varieties of inventory materials.