Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.

Abstract: A welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply to output welding-type power, and a controller connected to the welding-type power supply. The controller is configured to set a value of a control variable of a control loop of the welding-type power supply, the control loop controlling the welding-type power. The controller is also configured to adjust the value of the control variable while monitoring the control loop. In response to detecting oscillation in the control loop, the controller is configured to determine a weld circuit inductance associated with a weld circuit of the welding-type system based on a relationship between the adjusted control variable value and the weld circuit inductance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a welding system configured to perform additive manufacturing, particularly a welding system to achieve a stable a laser metal deposition with hot wire process by controlling the contact point between the welding wire and the workpiece. For example, the resistance of the stick-out wire is measured and the measured resistance is converted to a distance signal, which can then be used for comparison to a desired distance. The distance between the contact tip and the workpiece can then be adjusted based on the comparison. The present disclosure also relates to using a constant enthalpy system to determine and control the contact tip to workpiece distance.

Abstract: A welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply configured to generate output power for an arc welding process and a controller. The controller calculates a representative duration of a plurality of short circuit events and/or arc events during the arc welding process. Each short circuit event and/or arc event comprises a transitional phase, an intermediate phase, and an end phase. The controller calculates a sum of a duration of the transitional phase, a duration of the intermediate phase, and a duration of a ramp down time from a target current of the intermediate phase to a target current of the end phase associated with a given short circuit or arc event. The controller controls the welding-type power supply to adjust a duration of the transitional phase, the intermediate phase or the ramp down time associated with the given short circuit event such that the sum is within the threshold range of the representative duration.

Abstract: Disclosed welding-type systems and methods are directed to employing a wire feeder for feeding an electrode wire from a wire source in a welding system. The wire feeder includes one or more drive rolls to advance the electrode wire by contact force. In disclosed examples, a contact force on the wire from the drive rolls is adjustable. In some examples, the system includes a controller to receive a feedback signal corresponding to the contact force. The controller commands an actuator or other mechanism to adjust the contact force on the wire, such as by adjusting a position of the one or more drive rolls in response to the contact force falling outside a range of threshold contact force values.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed of a welding-type system that includes a welding-type power source configured to generate output power for an arc welding process. A bi-directional wire feeder advances or retracts an electrode wire to or from a workpiece. One or more sensors measure one or more welding process parameters. And a switch is provided to open an alternative current path for arc current between an electrode wire and a workpiece. For example, the switch is to close to redirect all or part of the arc current through the alternative current path in response to one or more welding process parameters exceeding a first threshold value corresponding to a short clearance event.

Abstract: Disclosed welding-type systems include a welding-type power source to generate output power for a periodic welding process that operates in an arc mode, an open circuit mode or a short circuit mode. A wire-feeder advances an electrode wire toward a workpiece. A controller adjusts the current to below a threshold value during the arc mode to result in the open circuit mode prior to occurrence of a short circuit event based on one or more welding process parameters. In some examples, the controller determines the occurrence of the short circuit event based on the one or more welding process parameters, and adjusts the current to rise above a second threshold level to adjust a heat generated in the welding wire in response to the occurrence of the short circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling arc/short between a wire and a work piece is described. A current path parallel to the wire/work is provided. The voltage drop across the parallel path can be preset, to limit the wire/work voltage, or it can be controlled to a desired level. The control can be in response to feedback.

Abstract: A welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply to output welding-type power, and a controller connected to the welding-type power supply. The controller is configured to set a value of a control variable of a control loop of the welding-type power supply, the control loop controlling the welding-type power. The controller is also configured to adjust the value of the control variable while monitoring the control loop. In response to detecting oscillation in the control loop, the controller is configured to determine a weld circuit inductance associated with a weld circuit of the welding-type system based on a relationship between the adjusted control variable value and the weld circuit inductance.

Abstract: A welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply to output welding-type power, and a controller connected to the welding-type power supply. The controller is configured to set a value of a control variable of a control loop of the welding-type power supply, the control loop controlling the welding-type power. The controller is also configured to adjust the value of the control variable while monitoring the control loop. In response to detecting oscillation in the control loop, the controller is configured to determine a weld circuit inductance associated with a weld circuit of the welding-type system based on a relationship between the adjusted control variable value and the weld circuit inductance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a short clearing prediction module that uses the second derivative with respect to time of the output voltage, or an error between a measured output voltage and an output voltage predicted using the first derivative with respect to time of the output voltage.

Abstract: A welding-type system includes a welding-type power supply to output welding-type power, and a controller connected to the welding-type power supply. The controller is configured to set a value of a control variable of a control loop of the welding-type power supply, the control loop controlling the welding-type power. The controller is also configured to adjust the value of the control variable while monitoring the control loop. In response to detecting oscillation in the control loop, the controller is configured to determine a weld circuit inductance associated with a weld circuit of the welding-type system based on a relationship between the adjusted control variable value and the weld circuit inductance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling arc/short between a wire and a work piece is described. A current path parallel to the wire/work is provided. The voltage drop across the parallel path can be preset, to limit the wire/work voltage, or it can be controlled to a desired level. The control can be in response to feedback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling arc/short between a wire and a work piece is described. A current path parallel to the wire/work is provided. The voltage drop across the parallel path can be preset, to limit the wire/work voltage, or it can be controlled to a desired level. The control can be in response to feedback.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi process welding includes providing a controlled short circuit output and a pulse output in response to a user selection across a workpiece output stud and a torch output stud.

Abstract: A system having a welding wire hub with a wire-specific interface. The wire-specific interface may be configured to enable mounting with a first wire spool and configured to prevent mounting with a second wire spool. In some embodiments, the first and second wire spools have different welding wire types.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multi process welding includes providing a controlled short circuit output and a pulse output in response to a user selection across a workpiece output stud and a torch output stud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.