Abstract: A welding system and method is provided for welding heavy plate, where the method and device include using a laser which directs a beam to a first weld puddle to weld at least a portion of a work piece and a welding torch to direct a first welding electrode to the first weld puddle while the beam is being directed to the weld puddle. The welding torch deposits the first welding electrode to create a first weld bead. A flux nozzle is employed to deposit a welding flux onto the weld bead, and a submerged arc welding torch is used to direct a submerged arc filler metal to the weld bead to create a second weld bead through a submerged arc welding process, where the submerged arc welding process melts a portion of the first weld bead to consume the melted portion into the second weld bead.

Abstract: A welding system and method is provided which moves a welding consumable during a welding operation, where the consumable is moved downstream of the welding contact tip during welding. A wire manipulation device is provided which causes the consumable to move after it has left the contact tip and before the consumable reaches the weld puddle of the welding operation. The consumable can be moved in different patterns during welding and the welding process parameters, such as wire feed speed, etc. can be changed based on the movement of the wire.

Abstract: In a hard facing process, a core material is applied to the base material of an article, which may incorporate metal components. An additive is introduced into a molten puddle generated by the hard facing process. The additive functions to increase the wear resistant capabilities of the hard faced article. In one embodiment, the additive comprises mineral particulates, which may consist of diamond granules.

Abstract: A welding system and method is provided for welding heavy plate, where the method and device include using a laser which directs a beam to a first weld puddle to weld at least a portion of a work piece and a welding torch to direct a first welding electrode to the first weld puddle while the beam is being directed to the weld puddle. The welding torch deposits the first welding electrode to create a first weld bead. A flux nozzle is employed to deposit a welding flux onto the weld bead, and a submerged arc welding torch is used to direct a submerged arc filler metal to the weld bead to create a second weld bead through a submerged arc welding process, where the submerged arc welding process melts a portion of the first weld bead to consume the melted portion into the second weld bead.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manufacturing conical tower sections is provided in which a plate member is continuously rolled such that a conical shape is imparted on the tower section. A plate is rolled such that a seam angle is continuously changed to effect a diameter change in the tower section to create conical shape.

Abstract: In a hard facing process, a core material is applied to the base material of an article, which may incorporate metal components. An additive is introduced into a molten puddle generated by the hard facing process. The additive functions to increase the wear resistant capabilities of the hard faced article. In one embodiment, the additive comprises mineral particulates, which may consist of diamond granules.