Abstract: Present embodiments include systems and methods for stick welding applications. In certain embodiments, simulation stick welding electrode holders may include stick electrode retraction assemblies configured to mechanically retract a simulation stick electrode toward the stick electrode retraction assembly to simulate consumption of the simulation stick electrode during a simulated stick welding process. In addition, in certain embodiments, stick welding electrode holders may include various input and output elements that enable, for example, control inputs to be input via the stick welding electrode holders, and operational statuses to be output via the stick welding electrode holders. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a welding training system interface may be used to facilitate communication and cooperation of various stick welding electrode holders with a welding training system.

Abstract: A welding system includes a welding torch. The welding torch includes a sensor configured to detect a motion associated with the welding torch, a temperature associated with the welding torch, or some combination thereof. A display of the welding torch is activated, a determination is made that the welding torch has been involved in a high impact event, live welding using the welding torch is disabled, a software selection is made, or some combination thereof, based on the motion, the temperature, or some combination thereof.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: Systems for simulating joining operations, such as welding, are disclosed. In some examples, a system may use a mobile device for conducting welding simulations, such as for purposes of training. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, use modular workpieces. In some examples, the system may additionally, or alternatively, conduct the welding simulation based on one or more selected pieces of welding equipment.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system includes a marking tool configured to apply one or more markers on a first surface of a workpiece for a live welding session. The one or more markers have known geometric properties that may facilitate determination of the first surface and a weld joint. An embodiment of a method includes applying a first set of one or more markers to a first surface of a workpiece, detecting the applied first set of one or more markers with a camera, and determining, via processing circuitry coupled to the camera, at least one of the first surface of the workpiece and a weld joint based at least in part on the detected first set of one or more markers.

Abstract: A method of operating a welding system includes receiving welding data corresponding to a welding session for a weld, receiving a location selection from an operator, and displaying on a display a graphical representation of welding parameters of the welding selection corresponding to the location selection. The welding data includes welding parameters, including a work angle of a welding torch, a travel angle of the welding torch, a contact tip to work distance, a travel speed of the welding torch along a path of the weld, an aim of the welding torch, or any combination thereof. The location selection corresponds to a point along the path of the weld traversed by the welding torch.

Abstract: Connection boxes for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) training systems are described. In some examples, a connection box of the GTAW training system coordinates delivery of welding-type power to a GTAW torch during training. In some examples, a remote control (e.g., foot pedal) may be activated at different levels to command different levels of welding-type power be delivered to the GTAW torch from a welding-type power supply. In some examples, the connection box may selectively enable or disable communication between the remote control and welding-type power supply during training.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) training systems are described. In some examples, a GTAW training system includes a GTAW torch and filler rod attachment having one or more markers to facilitate position and/or orientation detection and/or tracking of the GTAW torch and/or filler rod. One or more sensors of the GTAW training system may be configured to capture data relating to the markers of the GTAW torch and/or filler rod attachment. A training controller of the GTAW training system may use the markers and/or sensor data to track and/or determine positions, orientations, and/or movement of the GTAW torch and/or filler rod. The positions, orientations, and/or movement may be analyzed in conjunction with welding parameter data to provide training feedback.

Abstract: Systems and methods for learning management systems with shared weld training results are described. In some examples, weld training results may be shared with a learning management system and/or associated with a particular learning activity of the learning management system. In some examples, the weld training results (and/or a networked location where the weld training results are accessible) may be encoded in a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode). In some examples, the machine readable graphic may be read and/or decoded by a user device to obtain the weld training results. In some examples, a particular learning activity may also be encoded in the machine readable graphic.

Abstract: Systems and methods for weld training systems with shared training results are described. In some examples, weld training results may be uploaded to a central training system that provides access to the weld training results at a networked location (e.g., a webpage). High quality weld training results may be more easily shared via the networked location (e.g., using the webpage address, a mobile device, and/or some other networked device). In some examples, the weld training results (and/or the networked location where the weld training results are accessible) may be encoded in a machine readable graphic (e.g., a one dimensional, two dimensional, and/or matrix barcode).

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: A welding training system includes one or more welding operator device which provides positional feedback relevant to a quality weld. The positional feedback is analyzed and, when the positional feedback is outside of a predetermined range, a signal is provided to the welding operator. In one embodiment, tactile feedback is provided in a welding gun.

Abstract: A welding system includes a first sensor associated with a welding helmet and configured to sense a parameter indicative of a position of a welding torch relative to the welding helmet. The travel speed sensing system also includes a processing system communicatively coupled to the first sensor and configured to determine a position of the welding torch relative to a workpiece based on the sensed first parameter.

Abstract: A method of operating a welding system includes receiving welding data corresponding to a welding session for a weld, receiving a location selection from an operator, and displaying on a display a graphical representation of welding parameters of the welding selection corresponding to the location selection. The welding data includes welding parameters, including a work angle of a welding torch, a travel angle of the welding torch, a contact tip to work distance, a travel speed of the welding torch along a path of the weld, an aim of the welding torch, or any combination thereof. The location selection corresponds to a point along the path of the weld traversed by the welding torch.

Abstract: Present embodiments include systems and methods for stick welding applications. In certain embodiments, simulation stick welding electrode holders may include stick electrode retraction assemblies configured to mechanically retract a simulation stick electrode toward the stick electrode retraction assembly to simulate consumption of the simulation stick electrode during a simulated stick welding process. In addition, in certain embodiments, stick welding electrode holders may include various input and output elements that enable, for example, control inputs to be input via the stick welding electrode holders, and operational statuses to be output via the stick welding electrode holders. Furthermore, in certain embodiments, a welding training system interface may be used to facilitate communication and cooperation of various stick welding electrode holders with a welding training system.

Abstract: A welding system includes a welding power source having a user interface disposed thereon and a weld controller disposed therein and being adapted to generate a welding power output for use in a welding operation. The welding system also includes a personal computer having control circuitry disposed therein and being removably interfaced with the welding power source via a docking mechanism. When the personal computer is docked within the docking mechanism, the personal computer is enabled for receiving operator input, and the control circuitry communicates with the weld controller to coordinate control of a welding operation in accordance with the operator input.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed relating to a weld module for weld training systems. In some examples, a weld module is configured for attachment to (and/or detachment from) a plug of a welding tool (e.g., welding torch, gun, stinger, foot pedal, etc.). The weld module may be configured to detect tool events based one or more signals received from the plug of the welding tool. The weld module may communicate the tool events to the weld training system for use during a weld simulation, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and/or methods are disclosed relating to welding systems that monitor welds performed by an operator. In some examples, the welding system monitors one or more welds performed using a welding tool, evaluates characteristics of the one or more welds in comparison to certain predetermined criteria, and determines a performance score for the operator based on the evaluation. In some examples, the characteristics of the one or more welds include the location of each of the one or more welds and/or the order in which the one or more welds are executed. In such an example, the predetermined criteria may include target locations for each of the one or more welds and/or a target order of execution. In some examples, the welding system may respond to deviations from the target locations and/or target order, such as by reducing a performance score, disabling weld operations, providing guidance to the operator, etc.

Abstract: Systems are disclosed relating to a mobile device mounted to a welding helmet such that a wearer of the welding helmet can see a display of the mobile device when wearing the welding helmet. In some examples, the mobile device is mounted such that a camera of the mobile device is unobscured and positioned at approximately eye level, facing the same way the wearer's eyes are facing. In some examples, the simulated training environment may be presented to the user via the display screen of the mobile device, using images captured by the camera of the mobile device, when the mobile device is so mounted to the welding helmet.