Abstract: A device providing a temperature control and/or monitoring and a method for use of the device are disclosed. In the disclosed method and device, a controller receives a minimum temperature value and a maximum temperature value of a temperature range to be measured. The controller correlates a known output signal range of a temperature sensor to the temperature range to be measured. Further, the controller receives an output signal from the temperature sensor, and generates a measured temperature value based on the output signal of the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method includes ramping down a welding current, generated by a power supply, that reaches a welding zone via a welding circuit, storing inductive energy from the welding circuit that is generated as a result of the ramping down to obtain stored energy, and selectively feeding the stored energy to the welding circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring weld cell and related activity is disclosed. The activity is sensed using a variety of sensors, and reported to the controller, or to a remote location.

Abstract: A welding or additive manufacturing power supply includes output circuitry configured to generate a welding waveform, a current sensor for measuring a welding current generated by the output circuitry, a voltage sensor for measuring an output voltage of the welding waveform, and a controller operatively connected to the output circuitry to control the welding waveform, and operatively connected to the current sensor and the voltage sensor to monitor the welding current and the output voltage. A portion of welding waveform includes a controlled change in current from a first level to a second level different from the first level. The controller is configured to determine a circuit inductance from the output voltage and the controlled change in current, and further determine a change in resistance of a consumable electrode in real time based on the circuit inductance.

Abstract: A resistance spot welding method includes: performing test welding; and performing actual welding after the test welding, wherein in subsequent current passage in the test welding, current passage is performed by constant current control under a condition: 0.5 ? Vtp/Vtm ? 2.0 when tc<800 ms; 0.5?0.3·(tc?800)/800 ? Vtp/Vtm ? 2.0?0.5·(tc?800)/800 when 800 ms ? tc<1600 ms; and 0.2 ? Vtp/Vtm ? 1.5 when tc ? 1600 ms, and wherein in main current passage in the actual welding, adaptive control welding is performed, and in subsequent current passage in the actual welding, current passage is performed by constant current control under a condition: 0.8·Itp ? Imp ? 1.2·Itp.

Abstract: A method for determining ambient temperature of a device in a building control system. The method includes obtaining a measurement of ambient temperature from a first temperature sensor of the device and obtaining a measurement of temperature of a processing circuit of the device. These temperature measurements along with a brightness level of a display of the device and a state of a relay of the device are provided as input to a neural network. The neural network is trained to recognize these inputs in order to more accurately determine the ambient temperature of the device. The reading from the first temperature sensor may otherwise be inaccurate due to heat generated by electronic components of the device.

Abstract: A resistance spot welding method comprises: performing test welding; and performing actual welding after the test welding, wherein in the test welding, 0.2?Vtp/Vtm?1.5 is satisfied where Vtm is an average value of a voltage between the electrodes in main current passage in the test welding and Vtp is an average value of a voltage between the electrodes in subsequent current passage in the test welding, and in each of main current passage and subsequent current passage in the actual welding, a time variation curve of an instantaneous amount of heat generated per unit volume and a cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume that are stored in a corresponding one of the main current passage and the subsequent current passage in the test welding are set as a target, and adaptive control welding is performed to control a current passage amount according to the target.

Abstract: A resistance welding control system includes a pair of electrodes, a driving mechanism, and a control device. The control device includes a detector, a determining unit, and a stop controller. The detector is configured to detect a position of a first electrode of the pair of electrodes and a distance from the first electrode to a second electrode of the pair of electrodes in the approaching-separating direction while electricity is being passed between the first and second electrodes. The determining unit is configured to make a determination as to whether predetermined variation has occurred in the position or the distance. The predetermined variation indicates that a temperature of the member to be welded is at a feature point temperature. The stop controller is configured to stop the electricity passed between the first and second electrodes on the basis of a result of the determination.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a computer language and code for software application development, data compression, and use with conventional, optical, hybrid electro-optical and quantum computers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method generally comprises monitoring real-time electrical data at Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) transmitting power over a cable to a Powered Device (PD), calculating thermal characteristics for the cable based on the monitored data, and periodically updating the thermal characteristics based on the monitored data. The power comprises multi-phase pulse power, the data comprises voltage and current measured for each phase of the multi-phase pulse power, and the voltage is greater than 60 volts at the PSE.

Abstract: A welding quality inspection apparatus for inspecting the welding quality of a plurality of welding parts formed on the material through the upper electrode and the lower electrode of the welding gun includes a position detection unit for detecting a position of the upper electrode, a control unit generating a position table based on a signal detected by the position detection unit during a total welding time of welding the plurality of welding parts of the material, generating first position data for a first welding time and second position data for a second welding time of a spot welding time of each of the welding parts based on the position table, checking whether the welding parts are defective by using the first position data, the second position data, and reference data, and generating result data based on whether the welding parts are detective, and an output unit for outputting the result data.

Abstract: The present invention relates micro resistance welding apparatus and to a method of welding. In particular, the present invention relates to small scale or micro welding apparatus and to a method of micro resistance welding using a controlled sequence of current, voltage and/or power signal profile for an electric arc. The invention provides a welding apparatus comprising: a controller supplying a controlled drive current to a weld head circuit in which the controller supplies said controlled drive current in dependence upon electrical feedback from the weld head circuit and in which the controlled drive current is defined by a sequence of segments and for each segment the welding apparatus operates in a mode defined by setting one of a predetermined current target, a predetermined voltage target or a predetermined power target; and at least two of the segments are operated in a different mode from one another. The invention also provide a method of operating such an apparatus.

Abstract: A resistance spot welding method comprises: performing test welding; and performing actual welding after the test welding. The test welding is performed under each of two or more welding conditions. In the actual welding, preliminary current passage is performed by constant current control in the same current pattern as in the preliminary current passage of the test welding, an electrical property between the electrodes in the preliminary current passage in the actual welding and an electrical property between the electrodes stored in the preliminary current passage in the test welding are compared for each welding condition to set a target in main current passage in the actual welding, and thereafter adaptive control welding is performed to control a current passage amount as the main current passage.

Abstract: A resistance welder controller controls a welding current flowing through an inverter transformer, detects the welding current flowing through the inverter transformer, measures an energizing time and a point time interval of the detected welding current, calculates a usage rate of the inverter transformer using the energizing time and the point time interval, stores an equivalent current curve indicating a relationship between a current value of the welding current and the usage rate of the inverter transformer when the inverter transformer is operated at a rated capacity, and determines whether a relationship between the current value and the calculated usage rate of the inverter transformer exceeds the rated capacity of the inverter transformer based on the equivalent current curve, continues an operation when the relationship does not exceed the rated capacity of the inverter transformer, and stops the operation when the relationship exceeds the rated capacity of the inverter transformer.

Abstract: A method for checking quality when resistance-welding workpiece includes pressing welding electrodes with an electrode force against a weld spot of the workpieces using an electrode drive and energizing the welding electrodes with a welding current for a duration of a welding time in order to liquefy a surface of the workpieces. The method further includes determining, at a first time before a beginning of the liquefaction, a first value of a welding electrode parameter identifying a position of one or both electrodes, and determining, at a second time after the beginning of the liquefaction, a second value of the welding electrode parameter identifying a position of one or both electrodes. The method further includes comparing the first value and the second value and, evaluating a quality of the welding process based on the comparison.

Abstract: Proposed is a resistance spot welding method to join parts to be welded which are a plurality of overlapping metal sheets, including: dividing a current pattern into two or more steps for welding; before actual welding, performing test welding; and subsequently, as actual welding, performing adaptive control welding, in which the two or more steps for welding include a step of securing a current path between the sheets directly below the electrodes and a subsequent step of forming a nugget having a predetermined diameter, and a welding interval time is provided between these steps. This method thus yields a good nugget without causing splashing even under special welding conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for lining a blast hole comprises a tube of thermoplastic material and a welder for welding the tube, wherein an end of the tube can be welded closed by the welder and the desired length of tube can be dispensed and cut free from the rest of the tube when the closed end is at least part way inside the blast hole. There is also a method of lining a blast hole which comprises welding closed an end of a tube of thermoplastic material; placing the closed end in the blast hole and allowing it to descend into the hole; dispensing a desired length of tube; and cutting free the length of tube from the rest of the tube.

Abstract: Provided are a method and an apparatus for resistance spot welding in which preliminary current application is executed and then main welding is executed in accordance with master patterns of various parameters obtained during the preliminary current application. The main welding is executed under welding conditions of the master patterns, and whether a welding abnormality has occurred and whether the welding abnormality is likely to occur are determined. When the welding abnormality is likely to occur, the welding conditions for the main welding are corrected so as to prevent the welding abnormality. When the welding abnormality is unlikely to occur, the welding conditions for the main welding are corrected so as to match the master patterns.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for measuring the impedance properties of a load using load analysis signals. In one example embodiment, a transformer is provided which includes at least one primary winding, and at least one secondary winding. The at least one primary winding is coupled in series between a direct-current (DC) power supply and the load. A variable alternating-current (AC) voltage generator is coupled in-series to the at least one secondary winding, and is configured generate at least one load analysis signal for injection into the load. The impedance properties of the load may be determined for different frequencies in the load analysis signals.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a determination device includes a processor. The processor inputs a first image to a first model when the first image is input to the processor. The first image is of a welding spot when welding. The first model is for determining whether or not an image is appropriate. The processor determines an appropriateness of a weld by using the first image when the first image is determined to be appropriate by the first model, and outputs information for correcting an imaging condition of the welding spot when the first image is determined to be inappropriate by the first model.

Abstract: A resistance spot welding method includes sandwiching metal plates put on top of one another between a pair of electrodes and performing resistance spot welding sequentially on a plurality of welding points close to each other on the metal plates by performing a current application between the electrodes so as to join the metal plates to each other. A welding current value to form a welding nugget at a welding point to be subjected to the resistance spot welding second or later among the welding points is set to be higher than a first welding current value to form a first welding nugget at a first welding point to be subjected to the resistance spot welding first among the welding points.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for collecting one or more welding parameters in real time during creation of one or more welds using a welding sequence. The one or more welding parameters can be associated with a particular welding sequence. Moreover, based on the one or more welding parameters collected, a modeled welding parameter can be generated to increase quality, efficiency, and the like. A collection component collects real time welding parameter data from which a quality manager component creates a modeled welding parameter. The modeled welding parameter can be employed for the welding sequence to monitor or track the welding parameter during a subsequent weld.

Abstract: A main controller may be used to provide integrated, centralized, and optimized handling of telematics data in welding arrangements. The main controller may receive from other components of a welding arrangement, telematics data, and may apply at least some processing to the telematics data, to enable use of the telematics data by a remote entity. The telematics data may comprises data relating to an engine used in driving one or more components of the welding arrangement, data relating to one or more components of the welding arrangement, and/or data relating to welding operations performed via the welding arrangement. The processing of telematics data may comprise formatting data in accordance with a single standard format, digitizing analog data, and/or processing data for communication to the remote entity. The main controller may provide telematics client and/or host node functions, such as based on the controller area network (CANBus) protocol.

Abstract: A weld inspection system is adapted to inspect a weld of a work product via thermographic technology. The weld inspection system includes a heat source assembly, a thermal imaging camera, and a controller. The heat source assembly is adapted to sequentially direct a plurality of heat pulses upon the work product from varying perspectives and within a pre-determined time period. Thea thermal imaging camera is configured to thermally image the weld over the pre-determined time period and collect thermal imaging data of heat dissipation from the work product. The thermal imaging data is associated with the weld and the plurality of heat pulses. The controller is configured to control the heat source assembly and the thermal imaging camera. The controller includes a processor configured to receive and transform the thermal imaging data into a binary image for evaluation of the weld.

Abstract: A programmable polarity module that permits rapid on-demand control of the polarities assigned to the welding electrodes retained on a welding gun is disclosed. The programmable polarity module is electrically connectable to the welding gun and a direct current power supply unit to provide direct current to the welding electrodes for exchange during spot welding. A first interchangeable polarity output lug and a second interchangeable polarity output lug of the programmable polarity module permit the polarities of the welding electrodes to be switched without having to electrically disconnect the module from the welding gun.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method for evaluating one or more conditions or preliminary weld condition related to a welding system and/or method that utilizes a welding sequence to perform two or more welds with respective welding schedules. In an embodiment, an operator registration is provided that verifies the operator and identifies welding sequences to which the operator is authorized to perform. In another embodiment, one or more fixture locations are monitored to determine whether a workpiece is accurately configured prior to a welding operation. In still another embodiment, locations on a workpiece can be displayed to assist an operator in performing two or more welds utilizing a welding sequence. Moreover, a wireless system communications a data signal to a welding work cell in which such data is used to identify a welding sequence.

Abstract: A welding machine includes one or more processors configured to control the welding machine and remote reset circuitry communicatively coupled to the one or more processors. The remote reset circuitry is configured to receive a remote signal and to reset the one or more processors based at least in part on the remote signal.

Abstract: A power delivery system includes a power-input-channel, an AC/DC converter, one or more controller-circuits, a silicon-controlled-rectifier, a transformer, and a pair of output-leads. The power-input-channel receives alternating-current from a power-source. The AC/DC converter converts the alternating-current to a direct-current at a converter-output. The one or more controller-circuits are connected with the converter-output and control a signal indicative of a desired-power-level delivered for a desired-time. The silicon-controlled-rectifier is connected with the power-input-channel and controls an SCR-output-voltage to an SCR-output-channel proportional to the signal. The transformer reduces the SCR-output-voltage from a primary-side to a secondary-voltage on a secondary-side. The pair of output-leads are connected with poles of the secondary-side. A solder-joint is disposed between the pair of output-leads.

Abstract: A method for welding multiple workpieces together includes applying a force to the multiple workpieces, generating ultrasonic vibration, transferring the ultrasonic vibration to the multiple workpieces to breakdown an oxide layer, generating an electric current, transmitting the electric current to heat up the workpieces, and synchronizing the ultrasonic and resistance heating operations. A welding system includes an ultrasonic vibration unit that generates an ultrasonic vibration and transfers the ultrasonic vibration to multiple workpieces to breakdown an oxide layer, a resistance heating unit that generates an electric current and transmits the electric current to heat up the workpieces, a workpiece mount that includes electrodes configured to receive the generated current and/or clamp the multiple workpieces during a welding process, and a controller configured to synchronize an operation of the ultrasonic vibration unit and an operation of a resistance heating unit.

Abstract: A resistance spot welding method inhibits, in accordance with the electrode angle, the occurrence of cracking in the weld regardless of the steel grade. The resistance spot welding method satisfies relationships: 2·A·(t·T/F)1/2?H when 0?A<1 (3·A?1)·(t·T/F)1/2?H when 1?A<10 (A+19)·(t·T/F)1/2?H when 10?A<20 where H (ms) is an electrode force retaining time after completion of current passage, A (degrees) is an electrode angle of the electrodes, t (mm) is a sheet thickness of a steel sheet having a largest sheet thickness among the steel sheets, T (MPa) is a tensile strength of a steel sheet having a highest tensile strength among the two or more steel sheets, and F (N) is the electrode force.

Abstract: A dual or multi-energy range x-ray image sensor is implemented as side-by-side pixel arrays on a planar and monolithic semiconductor substrate as part of an x-ray object detector. Each pixel array in this side-by-side monolithic arrangement is designed to be responsive to a particular x-ray energy range or spectrum (i.e. a high-energy (HE) range or a low-energy (LE) range) to provide high object sensitivity and material discrimination capabilities. The side-by-side monolithic construction of pixel arrays improves alignment and spacing precision for improved image alignment among different arrays specialized in detecting different energy levels and signatures. Furthermore, integrated signal processing circuitry, placed on a radiation-shielded periphery of the pixel arrays, enables improved detection performance with enhanced noise reduction and/or sensitivity.

Abstract: A stored time variation curve and cumulative amount of heat generated of each step are each used as a target. In the case where a time variation of an instantaneous amount of heat generated per unit volume differs from the time variation curve in any of the steps, a current passage amount is controlled in order to compensate for the difference within a remaining welding time in the step so that a cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume in actual welding matches the stored cumulative amount of heat generated in the test welding. Further, in the case where expulsion is detected in any of the steps, then in subsequent welding, the cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume used as the target is reduced, and the current passage amount is adjusted in accordance with the reduced cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume.

Abstract: An opto-electronic telemetry device includes a housing having an analog optical conversion device located therein. The analog optical conversion device is configured to convert an optical signal to a digital facsimile. A sensor cable is coupled to the analog optical conversion device within the housing and at least one optical sensor located external to the housing. The sensor cable receives the optical signal from the at least one optical sensor and provides the optical signal to the analog optical conversion device. A method of making a modular opto-electronic telemetry device is also disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a spot welding system capable of shortening a cycle time of spot welding. A robot controller measures a time between a transmission time of a welding command signal to a welding machine and a reception time of a welding completion signal, after determining completion of pressuring by a spot welding robot, and subtracts a predetermined welding time from the measured time, thereby calculating a communication delay time between the robot controller and the welding machine. A spot welding system advances transmission timing of the welding command signal and the welding completion signal by the calculated communication delay time.

Abstract: A method for resistance spot welding a metallic material to a sandwich material that includes a plastic core layer with two metallic cover layers may involve positioning a first electrode onto a surface of the metallic material, positioning an opposing second electrode onto a surface of the metallic cover layer that is apart from the metallic material, heating a region to be welded in such a manner that the plastic core layer in the region to be welded softens, moving the electrodes together to displace the softened plastic from the region to be welded until the two cover layers make contact with one another in a contact region, and welding the metallic cover layers to the metallic material in the contact region by a flow of electrical current across the first and second electrodes. A device by way of which a simple structure with a limited heat-affected zone is also disclosed for performing such methods.

Abstract: Embodiments for performing manufacture processes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a tool to be used in a manufacture process on a workpiece. The system includes a robot having an arm. The arm has an attachment point and is configured to move the tool, when attached to the attachment point, in multiple degrees of freedom during the manufacture process. A robot controller of the robot controls the movement of the arm based on motion parameters to perform the manufacture process via the tool. The system includes a power source having power electronics to generate electrical output power, based on electrical input parameters, provided to the tool during the manufacture process. A power source controller of the power source is configured to communicate with the robot controller, allowing a path planner component to generate the motion parameters used to perform the manufacture process while avoiding robot collision conflicts.

Abstract: A driver circuit includes: a multilayer board; a differential amplifier; inductor elements; power supply electrodes; and transmission lines, one of which includes a first connection portion electrically connected to one of the power supply electrodes through one of the inductor elements, and another of which includes a second connection portion electrically connected to another of the power supply electrodes through another of the inductor elements, one end of the one transmission line being electrically connected to one output terminal, one end of the other transmission line being electrically connected to another output terminal. The multilayer board includes a first recessed portion between the first connection portion and the second connection portion, a second recessed portion between the first connection portion and the one of the power supply electrodes, and a third recessed portion between the second connection portion and the another of the power supply electrodes.

Abstract: High frequency electrical heating system is provided for heating electrically conductive parts as they are advanced, either for annealing or welding processes, and in which the electrical heating current is supplied by a solid state DC to AC inverter through a load matching and frequency control circuit that maintains the desired load current and frequency with changes in the load impedance caused by the electrically conductive parts as they are advanced. Load matching is achieved with high frequency variable reactors having a geometrically-shaped moveable insert core section and a stationary split-bus section with a complementary geometrically-shaped split bus section and a split electric terminal bus section where the insert core section can be moved relative to the stationary split-bus section to vary the inductance of the reactor pair.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching electrode which has a small variation in resistance value even when a large amount of current is repeatedly cut off and can carry a stable amount of current even when it is continuously used. In the invention, the switching electrode is used in a switch which includes a first switching electrode tip (21) and a second switching electrode tip (22), brings the first switching electrode tip (21) and the second switching electrode tip (22) into surface contact with each other to carry a current, and separates the first switching electrode tip (21) and the second switching electrode tip (22) to cut off the current. At least one of contact surfaces of the first switching electrode tip (21) and the second switching electrode tip (22) is a flat surface having an uneven portion.

Abstract: A system and method of welding a workpiece. A predetermined current may be applied through electrodes that engage the workpiece. A resistance profile may be generated based on the predetermined current. A weld profile may be selected based on the resistance profile. The weld profile may then be executed to weld the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of monitoring in real time pressure resistance welding of a cladding tube and an end plug. The method includes: a first step of detecting welding information including voltage, current, and welding force in a process of pressure resistance welding of a cladding tube and an end plug; a second step of comparing static factors obtained by calculating effective values for the welding information with predetermined reference values, respectively; a third step of calculating dynamic factors for the welding information including the gradient of instantaneous welding force, when the reference values are satisfied in the second step; and a fourth step of determining whether there is defect or not in welding quality by comparing the dynamic factors.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching electrode which has a small variation in resistance value even when a large amount of current is repeatedly cut off and can carry a stable amount of current even when it is continuously used. In the invention, the switching electrode is used in a switch which includes a first switching electrode tip (21) and a second switching electrode tip (22), brings the first switching electrode tip (21) and the second switching electrode tip (22) into surface contact with each other to carry a current, and separates the first switching electrode tip (21) and the second switching electrode tip (22) to cut off the current. At least one of contact surfaces of the first switching electrode tip (21) and the second switching electrode tip (22) is a flat surface having an uneven portion.

Abstract: A method of resistance spot welding to join a plurality of overlapping metal sheets, including: dividing a current pattern into two or more steps for welding; before actual welding, performing test welding to store, for each step as a target value, a time variation of an instantaneous amount of heat generated per unit volume and a cumulative amount of heat generated per unit volume; and subsequently, as actual welding, starting welding using, as a standard, a time variation curve of the instantaneous amount of heat generated per unit volume obtained by the test welding, and when a time variation amount of an instantaneous amount of heat generated deviates during any step from the time variation curve by a difference, performing adaptive control welding to control a current passage amount in order to compensate for the difference during a remaining welding time in the step.

Abstract: A welding system includes a repositionable temperature sensor. The repositionable temperature sensor is configured to detect temperatures corresponding to a workpiece and to provide temperature data corresponding to the detected temperatures. The welding system also includes a power supply configured to receive the temperature data from the temperature sensor. The power supply is configured to modify control of an output of the power supply based on the detected temperature.

Abstract: A system for re-configuring a welding system provides the ability to download applications to a welding power source or system, and to store the configuration data and applications to one or more of a series of welders, thereby simplifying configuration and re-configuration of power sources.

Abstract: An edge extraction unit extracts an edge image from a photographed image obtained by photographing a product with a camera. A constant edge acquisition unit acquires, as a constant edge image, an edge image in a constant surface where a positional deviation does not occur with respect to a welding point set by a processing program, the acquired image belonging to the extracted edge image. A correction amount acquisition unit performs pattern-matching between a master constant edge image and a workpiece edge image, which are acquired by the constant edge acquisition unit, and acquires a deviation amount between both thereof as a correction amount with respect to the welding point. A processing program correction unit corrects the welding point by the correction amount, and generates a corrected processing program for welding the workpiece. A welding robot welds the workpiece based on the corrected processing program.

Abstract: A welding controller for controlling a welding operation includes a controller configured to initiate cleaning of a welding tool in a manner adapted to a change of parameters which change in a production operation in a production line in which the welding tool is included.

Abstract: A welding device for remotely controlling welding power supply settings is provided. One embodiment of the welding device includes a welding pendant having a control panel configured to control a plurality of settings of a welding power supply. The control panel is not part of the welding power supply and the plurality of settings includes a welding current output by the welding power supply. The welding pendant also includes a welding power input configured to receive welding power and data from the welding power supply via a welding power cable. The welding power is combined with the data such that the data is provided over the welding power cable.

Abstract: A resistance welding device includes a power source in order to provide a welding current for welding workpieces, a welding gun with two gun arms having one electrode each in order to impress the welding current into the workpieces. The power source includes a heavy-current transformer with at least one primary winding and at least one secondary winding with center tapping, a synchronous rectifier connected with the secondary winding and including circuit elements, and a circuit for actuating the circuit elements of the synchronous rectifier. For reduction of losses and improvement of efficiency, the power source is arranged at the welding gun and the power source includes at least four contacts forming a multi-point contacting, wherein two first contacts of one polarity are connected to one gun arm and two additional contacts of opposite polarity are connected to the other gun arm.

Abstract: A system and a method for tracking and analyzing welding activity. Dynamic spatial properties of a welding tool are sensed during a welding process producing a weld. The sensed dynamic spatial properties are tracked over time and the tracked dynamic spatial properties are captured as tracked data during the welding process. The tracked data is analyzed to determine performance characteristics of a welder performing the welding process and quality characteristics of a weld produced by the welding process. The performance characteristics and the quality characteristics may be subsequently reviewed.