Abstract: Provided herein is a welding diagnostic device, a method of identifying a metal transfer mode of a welding process presently being performed and a transfer mode identifier for use with a GMAW welding machine. In one embodiment, the welding diagnostic device includes: (1) a welding data interface configured to receive a welding voltage from a welding machine during a welding process and (2) a data acquisition system configured to, during the welding process, determine a metal transfer mode of the welding process based on the welding voltage and provide a sensory indication thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for joining two materials, and a system for accomplishing the same. The method for joining two materials, in this aspect, includes placing an article including two dissimilar materials within a waveguide structure, the article located between a microwave source and reflective surface of the waveguide structure. The method for joining the two materials, in this aspect, further includes subjecting the article to microwaves from the microwave source while changing a relative position of the article with respect to the reflective surface to dynamically change a microwave field distribution within the waveguide and join the two dissimilar materials.

Abstract: Provided herein is a welding diagnostic device, a method of identifying a metal transfer mode of a welding process presently being performed and a transfer mode identifier for use with a GMAW welding machine. In one embodiment, the welding diagnostic device includes: (1) a welding data interface configured to receive a welding voltage from a welding machine during a welding process and (2) a data acquisition system configured to, during the welding process, determine a metal transfer mode of the welding process based on the welding voltage and provide a sensory indication thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for joining two materials, and a system for accomplishing the same. The method for joining two materials, in this aspect, includes placing an article including two dissimilar materials within a waveguide structure, the article located between a microwave source and reflective surface of the waveguide structure. The method for joining the two materials, in this aspect, further includes subjecting the article to microwaves from the microwave source while changing a relative position of the article with respect to the reflective surface to dynamically change a microwave field distribution within the waveguide and join the two dissimilar materials.

Abstract: In the fabricating of a mandrel bar, a plurality of used mandrel bar segments are provided, each of which has a central bore comprising a smooth surface portion and a threaded portion. Each segment has a circumferential recess at an end thereof and a bevelled surface adjoining the recess and extending inwardly of the segment at an angle to the vertical. A coupling has a smooth central boss section and threaded ends. A connection is made by threadedly connecting the ends of the coupling with a pair of opposed mandrel segments, with the smooth boss of the coupling fitting inside the smooth portion of the bore of each segment to effect, with the threaded joint, a straight, tight joint. A weld groove of gull-shaped cross-section is provided between the opposed ends of a pair of mandrel segments, having a body portion formed by a pair of opposed bevelled surfaces and wings formed by a pair of opposed recesses.