Abstract: Welding power is generated by first generating two different current waveforms, and comparing the waveform values for control intervals to select which waveform provides the greater current. The waveforms are for different transfer modes, such as one for a pulsed arc portion, and another for a short-circuit transfer mode or for short-circuit clearing. The waveforms may be programmed by settings in a state machine. A balance or relative prioritization in the comparison may be influenced by user inputs. The resulting hybrid process has aspects of both spray transfer and short-circuit transfer modes.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a spatter generating event during a welding application. The method includes capturing data that corresponds to a welding current of the welding application. The method also includes detecting parameters associated with a short circuit from the captured data. The method includes analyzing the detected parameters to monitor the spatter generating event during the welding application.

Abstract: An metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method includes: acquiring data representative of arc on time and wire deposition quantity associated with metal fabrication operations of a plurality of metal fabrication resources; via at least one computer processor, analyzing a first subset of the acquired data and a second subset of the acquired data for the plurality of metal fabrication resources; via the at least one computer processor, populating a user viewable page with graphical indicia representative of at least the arc on time and the wire deposition quantity, the user viewable page facilitating a visual comparison of the analysis of the first subset of the acquired data and the analysis of the second subset of the acquired data; and transmitting the user viewable page to a user viewable display.

Abstract: An metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method includes: acquiring data representative of a plurality of parameters sampled during metal fabrication operations of a plurality of metal fabrication resources, the parameters comprising arc on time and wire deposition quantity; via at least one computer processor, analyzing a first subset of the acquired data and a second subset of the acquired data for the plurality of metal fabrication resources; via the at least one computer processor, populating a user viewable page with graphical indicia representative of at least the arc on time and the wire deposition quantity, the user viewable page facilitating a visual comparison of the analysis of the first subset of the acquired data and the analysis of the second subset of the acquired data; and transmitting the user viewable dashboard page to a user viewable display.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a spatter generating event during a welding application. The method includes capturing data that corresponds to a welding current of the welding application. The method also includes detecting parameters associated with a short circuit from the captured data. The method includes analyzing the detected parameters to monitor the spatter generating event during the welding application.

Abstract: A system for detecting welding and cutting parameters is provided. One embodiment of the system includes an input terminal configured to receive signals corresponding to welding or cutting parameters from a first welding or cutting device. None of the signals carry welding power. The system also includes an output terminal configured to provide the signals to a second welding or cutting device. The system includes conductors coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal and configured to carry the signals between the input terminal and the output terminal. The system also includes control circuitry configured to detect the welding or cutting parameters from the signals.

Abstract: Metal fabrication systems, such as welding systems and related equipment may be analyzed and performance compared by collecting parameter data from the systems during welding operations via a web based system. The data is stored and analyzed upon request by a user. A user viewable page may be provided that allows for selection of systems and groups of systems of interest. Parameters to be used as the basis for comparison may also be selected. Pages illustrating the comparisons may be generated and transmitted to the user based upon the selections.

Abstract: A stud welding process may be performed by a power supply that is adapted for other welding processes, such as MIG, TIG, and so forth. A stud welding gun may receive studs preloaded in a magazine or other support. Studs are charged into the chuck of a stud welding gun and positioned where desired over a surface. An extension, such as a wire-type electrode may extend from the stud and aid in establishing the welding arc. The stud may be shielded by a nozzle or other shield to obviate the need for ceramic ferrules. Orientation of the stud welding gun may be detected, displayed and used as a basis for initiating and completing the stud welding process once the gun and/or stud is properly positioned.

Abstract: A metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method, includes accessing data representative of a parameter sampled during a metal fabrication operation of a metal fabrication resource, the resource being selectable by a user from a listing of individual and groups of resources. Via at least one computer processor, the accessed parameter is processed to determine an analyzed system parameter, and a user viewable dashboard page is populated with graphical indicia representative of the analyzed system parameter, and transmitted the user viewable dashboard page to a user.

Abstract: A metal fabrication resource performance monitoring method includes collecting data representative of a parameter sampled during one or more metal fabrication operations of one or more metal fabrication resources, the one or more resources being selectable by a user from a listing of individual and groups of resources, receiving event data comprising a time that an event occurred, via at least one computer processor, determining a first analyzed system parameter from the collected data, via the at least one computer processor, populating a dashboard page with graphical indicia representative of the first analyzed system parameter before and after the event, and transmitting the dashboard page to a user-viewable display.

Abstract: Metal fabrication systems, such as welding systems and related equipment may be monitored and parameters sensed or calculated during metal fabrication operations. The parameter values are stored and transmitted to a web based analysis system. Sampled values of the parameters are used to generate graphical presentations that are used to populate user viewable pages. The pages may be configured by users, and systems and parameters of interest selected.

Abstract: A system for detecting welding, and cutting parameters is provided. One embodiment of the system includes an input terminal configured to receive signals corresponding to welding or cutting parameters from a first welding or cutting device. None of the signals carry welding power. The system also includes an output terminal configured to provide the signals to a second welding or cutting device. The system includes conductors coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal and configured to carry the signals between the input terminal and the output terminal. The system also includes control circuitry configured to detect the welding or cutting parameters from the signals.

Abstract: Metal fabrication systems, such as welding systems and related equipment may be analyzed and performance compared by collecting parameter data from the systems during welding operations via a web based system. The data is stored and analyzed upon request by a user. A user viewable page may be provided that allows for selection of systems and groups of systems of interest. Parameters to be used as the basis for comparison may also be selected. Pages illustrating the comparisons may be generated and transmitted to the user based upon the selections.

Abstract: A system for detecting welding, and cutting parameters is provided. One embodiment of the system includes an input terminal configured to receive signals corresponding to welding or cutting parameters from a first welding or cutting device. None of the signals carry welding power. The system also includes an output terminal configured to provide the signals to a second welding or cutting device. The system includes conductors coupled between the input terminal and the output terminal and configured to carry the signals between the input terminal and the output terminal. The system also includes control circuitry configured to detect the welding or cutting parameters from the signals.

Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.

Abstract: Present embodiments include an additive manufacturing tool configured to receive a metallic anchoring material and to supply a plurality of droplets to a part, wherein each droplet of the plurality of droplets comprises the metallic anchoring material and a mechanical oscillation system configured to mechanically oscillate a structural component of the additive manufacturing tool toward and away from the part, wherein the mechanical oscillation system comprises a motor, a cam coupled to the motor, and a piston coupled to the cam, wherein the piston is fixedly attached to the structural component.

Abstract: A travel speed sensing system includes an optical sensor configured to be coupled to a welding torch. The optical sensor is configured to sense light incident on the optical sensor, and the travel speed sensing system is configured to determine a travel speed of the welding torch, a direction of the welding torch, or both, based on the sensed light.

Abstract: Welding power is generated by first generating two different current waveforms, and comparing the waveform values for control intervals to select which waveform provides the greater current. The waveforms are for different transfer modes, such as one for a pulsed arc portion, and another for a short-circuit transfer mode or for short-circuit clearing. The waveforms may be programmed by settings in a state machine. A balance or relative prioritization in the comparison may be influenced by user inputs. The resulting hybrid process has aspects of both spray transfer and short-circuit transfer modes.

Abstract: Ammunition dispensing receptacles have an elongated tubular body having opposed first and second ends, the body defining a storage chamber, the body having an opening at the first end operable to receive and dispense ammunition, a follower received in the chamber and operable to reciprocate between the first end and the second end, the follower being spring biased toward the first end, and the follower being operable to pivot with respect to the body, such that a varying number of tapered ammunition elements may be supported by the follower. The body may define an elongated channel, and the follower may include a protruding pivot element received within the channel. The channel may have an end portion adjacent to the first end, such that the motion of the follower toward the first end is limited by the end portion of the channel.

Abstract: Welding power is generated by first generating two different current waveforms, and comparing the waveform values for control intervals to select which waveform provides the greater current. The waveforms are for different transfer modes, such as one for a pulsed arc portion, and another for a short-circuit transfer mode or for short-circuit clearing. The waveforms may be programmed by settings in a state machine. A balance or relative prioritization in the comparison may be influenced by user inputs. The resulting hybrid process has aspects of both spray transfer and short-circuit transfer modes.