Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.

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 method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.

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 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 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 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 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: Stickout of a welding electrode wire from a welding torch is determined during welding, and based upon a welding parameter, such as welding current. Different relationships are used for the determination depending upon whether the welding wire is in a short-circuit condition or an arc condition. The stickout may be converted to a standardized unit of measure to make it readily understandable to an operator. The stickout may be logged and associated with other parameters and information, such as workpiece, operator, welding system, date and time. The stickout may be used as the basis for an alarm or a disabling operation. Moreover, the stickout may be provided on a readout for the operator. It may also be used as a basis for controlling a wire feeding apparatus that retracts the welding wire to a desired stickout following a weld.

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

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 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 welding uses a power circuit and a controller connected to the power circuit. The controller included a welding program having a limited term. The program may be part of a system, or a stand alone program. The controller has a data port and the welding program and/or an authorization is received by the controller on the data port in one embodiment. The welding program includes a limited time module, a limited time in use module, a limited arc start module, a controlled short circuit program, and/or a pulse program in various embodiments. A second welding program, without a limited term module, may be provided.

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 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 method and apparatus for welding uses a power circuit and a controller connected to the power circuit. The controller included a welding program having a limited term. The program may be part of a system, or a stand alone program. The controller has a data port and the welding program and/or an authorization is received by the controller on the data port in one embodiment. The welding program includes a limited time module, a limited time in use module, a limited arc start module, a controlled short circuit program, and/or a pulse program in various embodiments. A second welding program, without a limited term module, may be provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.

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 welding is disclosed. The output is preferably a cyclical CV MIG output, and each cycle is divided into segments. An output parameter is sampled a plurality of times within one or more of the segments. The CV output is controlled within the at least one segment in response to the sampling. The parameter is output power, a resistance of the load, an output current, an output voltage, or functions thereof in various embodiments. The control loop is preferably a PI or PID loop. The loop may be applied only within a window. The set point may be taught or fixed. The system can be used to weld with a controlled arc length.