Abstract: Some examples relate to a welding-type monitoring system configured to track parts, production, and/or operations within a welding-type production cell. In some examples, the monitoring system comprises a computing system, one or more tags attached to one or more first items, and/or one or more tag readers attached to one or more second items. In some examples, the one or more tags store data relating to the first items, and the one or more tag readers are configured to read the data using a close proximity communication protocol when in range of the one or more tags. After the tag reader reads the data from the tag, the computing system may determine whether one or more workflow events are associated with the data. If so, the computing system may execute an event script corresponding to the workflow event.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch, a welding power supply unit, a remote device, and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit is configured to supply power to the welding torch. The remote device is coupled between the welding torch and the welding power supply unit. Additionally, the remote device is configured to detect a polarity of a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to determine if the detected polarity is appropriate based on one or more welding parameters. Further, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the polarity of the welding operation.

Abstract: An example weld training system includes a display device; an input device; a processor; and machine readable instructions cause the processor to demonstrate to a user an effect of a combination of welding-related variables by: enabling the user to design a weld procedure using the input device by selecting weld parameters including weld current and weld voltage; simulating a welding operation on a simulated workpiece using the selected weld parameters in a welding model and a simulated physical welding environment to determine a modeled result of the welding operation; displaying a simulation animation of the welding operation on the display device according to the simulation; displaying the modeled result of the weld on the display device using at least one of an image of a surface of a weld bead or a cross-section of the weld bead and the simulated workpiece; and displaying information about an anomaly present in the weld determined based on the simulation, the information about the anomaly comprising at l

Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods in pulsed arc welding. A robotic welding system, having a welding torch with a contact tip, is configured to perform the following method: (a) generate and output a series of a determined number of welding output pulses as a welding wire electrode is fed toward a workpiece; (b) stop generating welding output pulses while allowing the welding wire electrode to continue to be fed toward the workpiece in an attempt to electrically short to the workpiece; (c) attempt to confirm that the welding wire electrode has electrically shorted to the workpiece within a determined error time period; and (d) repeat steps (a) through (c) if electrical shorting of the welding wire electrode has been confirmed within the determined error time period, else, shut down the robotic welding system to avoid damaging the welding torch.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring a submerged arc welding (SAW) operation in real-time; determining, based on the monitoring and in real-time, a discrepancy between a desired weld parameter and an actual weld parameter of a weld resulting from the SAW operation; and in response to determining the discrepancy, controlling a power supply, which provides power for the SAW operation, to modify at least one of balance or offset of an alternating current (AC) welding power signal supplied for the SAW operation to compensate for the discrepancy.

Abstract: Disclosed example power supplies, user interfaces, and methods provide for monitoring, analysis and/or presentation of input power characteristics for a welding-type power supply and/or wire feeder. A welding system includes a power supply to deliver power to a welding torch based on one or more input power characteristics. The input power characteristics may correspond to received input power characteristics values during a welding procedure. The input power characteristics are responsive to the power demanded during the welding operation and may change accordingly. To maintain an accounting of the input power characteristics and their values as they change during the welding operation, control circuitry may receive information regarding the input characteristics, analyze the information, and/or generate presentable indicators for display on one or more graphical interfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for setting welding parameters are provided. For example, in certain embodiments, a method includes receiving an input relating to a change in a parameter of welding power of a welding system via a welding system interface. The method also includes displaying a graphical representation of an acceptable range of values for the parameter of the welding power on a display device of the welding system interface, wherein the acceptable range of values is based on other parameters of a welding process being performed by the welding system. The method further includes constraining subsequent manual inputs relating to changes in the parameter of the welding power to the acceptable range of values.

Abstract: A welding-type power supply includes a fan configured to operate at multiple fan speeds. A controller of the welding-type power supply is configured to identify a welding parameter of the welding-type power supply, and determine an operating fan speed of the multiple fan speeds based on the welding parameter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to synergically control a welding-type output during a welding-type operation are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes a power conversion circuit configured to convert input power to welding-type power and to output the welding-type power to a welding-type torch; a communication circuit configured to receive a control signal from a remote control device during a welding-type operation; and a control circuit configured to synergically control a voltage of the welding-type power and a wire feed speed based on the control signal.

Abstract: Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for selecting welding schedules in welding-type torches. A welding-type torch configured for use during welding-type operations, with the welding-type torch comprising an input device configured for setting a welding-type parameter, such as welding schedules, associated with a welding-type device that is used in conjunction with the welding-type torch during the welding-type operations. The welding-type device may be a welding-type power source. The welding-type torch is connected to the welding-type device via a welding-type connector, with the setting of the welding-type parameter occurring via the welding-type connector and without requiring a change to structure of the welding-type connector.

Abstract: Welding-type devices having configurable interfaces are disclosed. An example welding-type device, includes only one user interface input device, a receiver circuit configured to receive interpretation information, and a controller configured to interpret input received via the user interface input device based on the interpretation information to modify zero or more of a plurality of welding-type variables, and to control a welding-type operation based on the plurality of welding-type variables.

Abstract: A method for adjusting multiple settings of a welding power supply is provided. The method includes providing a plurality of selectable identifiers. Each selectable identifier corresponds to a plurality of user adjustable welding power supply settings. The method also includes receiving an indication to select one of the plurality of selectable identifiers. The method includes adjusting the plurality of user adjustable welding power supply settings that correspond to the received indication.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided for a welding-type power system that includes an engine configured to drive an electric generator to provide power to a power output, wherein a power signal is applied to the power output. A sensor monitors the power signal, and a controller determines a change in the power signal based on a feedback signal received from the sensor, and controls the engine to start or stop operation in response to the change in the power signal.

Abstract: A system, computer-implemented method, and article for controlling a user interface of a portable welding system are described. An input signal receiver, operable on a processor, is configured to receive one or more input signals from one or more input devices. A display controller, operable on the processor, is configured to receive, input information based upon the one or more input signals. A display device is configured to display a user interface provided by the display controller, the user interface including a first portion including an adjustable value and a second portion including a non-adjustable value. The display controller is configured to highlight changes to the non-adjustable value based upon changes made using the one or more input devices to the adjustable value.

Abstract: Welding systems and methods utilizing cloud computing and data storage are disclosed. An example method includes receiving, via communication circuitry of a cloud-based resource, welding data relating to a welding operation from a first customer; storing the welding data in computer-readable storage media associated with the cloud-based resource; offering the welding data for sale, via the cloud based resource; receiving, via the communication circuitry, an offer for the welding data from a second customer, different from the first customer, wherein the first and second customers are individual welders, factories, distributed manufacturing operations, or a combination thereof; performing a financial transaction with the second customer; and transmitting, via the communication circuitry, the welding data to the second customer.

Abstract: A contact tip assembly with a preheating tip comprises a welding-type power source configured to provide welding-type current to a welding-type circuit, the welding-type circuit comprising a welding-type electrode and a first contact tip of a welding torch. The assembly also includes an electrode preheating circuit configured to provide preheating current through a portion of the welding-type electrode via a second contact tip of the welding torch, and a voltage sense circuit to monitor a voltage drop across the two contact tips, and the electrode preheating circuit adjusts at least one of the first current or the preheating current based on the voltage drop.

Abstract: A welding system includes a welding power supply that provides a welding power for a welding application through the weld cable. Additionally, the welding system includes weld cable communications circuitry. The weld cable communications circuitry includes a receiver to receive data from the weld cable and to monitor the weld cable for frequency spurs or interfering signals, and to monitor network capacity. Additionally, and the weld cable communications circuitry includes a transmitter to transmit the data across the weld cable. Furthermore, the transmitter transmits the data via a physical layer transmission scheme selected based on the frequency spurs or interfering signals and the network capacity.

Abstract: A material processing system includes a power supply and a wire feeder to feed a wire electrode for a material processing operation. The enthalpy and/or temperature of a region of the tip of the electrode is maintained substantially constant via closed loop control. The control may be based upon regulation of current applied to the electrode. The control of the current may be based upon an electrode extension error. Wire feed speed may also be controlled to assist in maintaining a substantially constant enthalpy and/or temperature near the electrode tip.

Abstract: A welding-type system includes a power supply configured to control preheating of an electrode wire. A controller is configured to receive a plurality of power values corresponding to a power output of the power supply and calculate an arc power value corresponding to an arc condition at the preheated electrode wire based on a rate of change of the plurality of power values. A target power output value is determined based on the calculated arc power value, and the power output is adjusted based on the determined target power value.

Abstract: A material processing system includes a power supply in electrical communication with a cutting head. The power supply includes a control processor and a wireless communications control circuit configured to establish a web server for wirelessly communicating with a client device via a first communications interface. The wireless communications control circuit is configured to receive a request from the client device for a first web resource. The wireless communications control circuit is configured to request, via a second communications interface, a set of material processing system parameters from the control processor. The set of material processing system parameters is based on content of the request. The wireless communications control circuit is configured to serve, via the web server over the first communications interface, the first web resource to the client device. The first web resource includes web page formatting information and the set of material processing system parameters.

Abstract: Various embodiments may be generally directed to a welding system that monitors an output of the welding system to determine if an output arc should be extinguished or maintained. The welding system can compare an arc voltage output to a voltage threshold and a temporal threshold. When the arc voltage output exceeds the voltage threshold in an uninterrupted manner for the duration of the temporal threshold, an output weld current can be stopped. In turn, the output arc can be broken or extinguished. After a predetermined amount of time, the power source can be re-engaged to prepare for re-ignition of another arc. By tracking the amount of time the arc voltage output exceeds the predetermined threshold, a probability of unwanted arc outs can be reduced or minimized while still providing quick and reliable arc breaking when desired.

Abstract: A system for providing power to more than one ultrasonic welding probe from M power supplies includes N multipoint units and a base. Each of the N multipoint units includes: a housing, a plurality of analog or digital inputs configured to carry distance information regarding probe distance of a plurality of ultrasonic welding probes, a dedicated high voltage input connector connectable via a high voltage cable to a dedicated high voltage output connector of one of the M power supplies, and a microcontroller. The microcontroller is configured to: direct power from the dedicated high voltage input connector to a corresponding one of the plurality of ultrasonic welding probes, and sample the distance information of the plurality of ultrasonic welding probes at a rate of at least once per millisecond. The base houses the M power supplies, wherein M and N are both integers greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: In a setting assistance device for assisting setting of a welding condition, an input receiving unit receives a new welding condition that is specified, and a reliability output unit outputs a degree of appropriateness of the new welding condition relative to a plurality of well-tested welding conditions, which are welding conditions that have been used in the past and well-tested, in response to reception of the new welding condition by the input receiving unit.

Abstract: Described herein is a Leader-Follower Additive Manufacturing (AM) system which controls multiple AM Devices (3D Printers) simultaneously in order to minimize human monitoring and control during the mass manufacture of AM products. This is accomplished by combining individual AM device closed-loop feedback control with the ability for AM devices to communicate feedback loop data to other AM devices. The communication of feedback loop data between AM devices during the mass fabrication of AM components improves AM process reliability and repeatability. Within the system, AM devices are able to assume the roles of Leaders or Followers; Leader AM devices lead the Follower AM devices during the fabrication of multiple AM products. If errors occur during the fabrication of the AM products, individual AM devices are able to create and implement solutions that solve fabrication errors and communicate that data with the other AM devices for present and future AM fabrication efforts.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a weld are provided. The system receives a selection of a magnitude of a voltage. The system selects a first weld control algorithm when the magnitude of the voltage is in a first range of values. The system may also select a second weld control algorithm when the magnitude of the voltage is in a second range of values. The system may generate welding output power based on the first and second weld control algorithms.

Abstract: A system includes a welding torch, a welding power supply unit, a remote device, and control circuitry. The welding power supply unit is configured to supply power to the welding torch. The remote device is coupled between the welding torch and the welding power supply unit. Additionally, the remote device is configured to detect a polarity of a welding operation. The control circuitry is configured to determine if the detected polarity is appropriate based on one or more welding parameters. Further, the control circuitry is configured to adjust the polarity of the welding operation.

Abstract: A dual-torch welding system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the welding system includes a pair of torches positioned in an other than opposing arrangement to weld a substantially circular component therebetween, and a means for rotating the substantially circular component and the pair of torches relative to one another, allowing welding of the substantially circular component by the pair of torches.

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 welding-type system is designed for wireless control and for inventory monitoring of welding consumables. The welding-type system includes a power source to produce a welding-type power, wherein the power source is operable in a plurality of operating modes. The welding-type system also includes a controller configured to set a plurality of operating parameters within the power source, at least one wireless monitoring device coupled to the controller, and at least one welding-type consumable associated with a wireless transmitter. The wireless transmitter is configured to emit low frequency magnetic signals having consumable data encoded therein that is indicative of the at least one welding-type consumable. The wireless monitoring device is arranged to communicate with the wireless transmitter by receiving and transmitting the low frequency magnetic signals, with the low frequency magnetic signals being transmitted at a frequency of approximately 131 kHz.

Abstract: A brazing system has a first gas source, a second gas source, an enclosure, a brazing torch, and a control system configured to control a ratio of the first gas source and the second gas source.

Abstract: A system and method for wirelessly controlling, monitoring, and updating various welding parameters from a remote device using a single remote control. The remote does not need to have the software to communicate with the welding-type system prior to initiating communications with the welding-type system. Rather, the welding-type system can provide a code download to the remote to perform an over-the-air programming of the remote to configure the remote to control the welding-type system.

Abstract: A welding system having a welding power supply and a processor is provided. The welding power supply is configured to provide a welding power for a welding application through a weld cable. The processor is disposed within the welding power supply and the processor is configured to transmit and receive data related to a welding operating parameter through the weld cable. The processor is also configured to determine an equalization filter coefficient related to the weld cable.

Abstract: A welding system including a processor configured to receive a first set of welding data of a live welding session corresponding to welding parameters, arc parameters, or any combination thereof, a memory configured to store the received first set of welding data, and an operator identification system coupled to the processor and to the memory. The operator identification system includes an input device configured to receive a first identifier input from a first operator that performs the welding session and a second identifier input from a second operator. The operator identification system is configured to determine an identity of the first operator based at least in part on the first identifier input, to verify the identity of the first operator based at least in part on the second identifier input, and to associate the received first set of welding data with the first identifier input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for automatically fabricating arbitrary materials and objects from raw components, using a combination of simple chemical, electrical, and mechanical operations. The invention will automatically generate machine control instructions for controlling automated fabrication devices and equipment from simple instructions in natural language. The invention also allows the sharing, remote execution, scheduling, and automatic ingredient ordering for such instructions to allow the creation of new materials and professional object fabrication with little or no human intervention.

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: 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: 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 welding power supply and method are provided with a single welding mode in its controller such that the power supply can change from full DCEN output to AC output to a full DCEP output without having to change welding modes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a welding system having a welder, a welding gun, and a welding gun adapter, the welding gun being a spool gun with an attached motor. The welding gun adapter receives welding power from the welder, and converts it to output power suitable for driving the motor of the welding gun. The welding gun adapter also uses received welding power from the welder for control power. The present techniques allow for the use of welding guns requiring motor power to be used with any ordinary welder.

Abstract: A system and method for re-igniting and stabilizing an arc is provided. The system includes an output system that provides an output waveform, which includes a positive period and a negative period. The positive period includes a positive decay period prior to a transition to the negative period, and the negative period includes a negative decay period prior to a transition to said positive period. The system further includes an inductive discharge and stabilizing system, which includes at least one inductor. The at least one inductor re-ignites an arc between an electrode and a workpiece during the transition period from the positive period to the negative period and the transition period from the negative period to the positive period. The at least one inductor also provides a stabilizing current to stabilize said arc during at least a portion of said positive period and at least a portion of said negative period.

Abstract: A method to determine welding conditions includes relational expressions or tables about various parameters for setting welding conditions. The method can determine and display the recommended values for the welding conditions which are suitable for the information about the object to be welded and the information about the welding method set by the operator. The welding conditions include a welding current, a welding voltage, a wire feed speed, a welding speed, and a leg length. Furthermore, if the operator changes the recommended value for a welding condition to a new value, the method can determine new recommended values for the other welding conditions compatible with the new value and display the new recommended values.

Abstract: A welding-type device has a wireless communication unit to transmit wireless signals comprising at least identification information or location information. The information may be transmitted either automatically or in response to request signals. Such a welding-type device may be configured to communicate with other welding-type devices, a monitoring device, or both. A wireless communication system has at least one welding-type device, at least one wireless communication assembly, and at least one monitoring device and is capable of assisting a user in locating particular welding-type devices, monitoring inventory, preventing theft of welding-type devices, and scheduling preventive maintenance.

Abstract: In an arc welding control method of repeating a short circuit and an arc to perform welding, control is carried out to conduct a welding current having a first polarity for a short circuit period, and a first commutation to commutate the welding current from the first polarity to be a polarity of the welding current for the short circuit period to a second polarity to be opposite to the first polarity is carried out for an arc period subsequent to the short circuit period. Furthermore, control is performed to carry out a second commutation to commutate the welding current from the second polarity to the first polarity for the arc period in which the first commutation is executed. Consequently, it is possible to reduce an energy input amount to a base metal, thereby suppressing burn-through in welding of a thin plate.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing a weld schedule is disclosed. The weld schedule is used to control a plurality of welding apparatuses, and includes a plurality of weld sequences for control the plurality of welding apparatuses. The weld sequences each define one or more weld events. Each of the weld events defines a weld operation and a duration of the weld operation. The weld schedule is analyzed to determine if any time points in the weld schedule have two or more weld events scheduled where the aggregate current demand exceeds a maximum current threshold. If such a conflict in the weld schedule is identified, the weld schedule is modified by rescheduling a lower priority weld event. The method executes iteratively until all conflicts in the welding schedule are resolved.

Abstract: In consumable-electrode gas-shield arc welding, carbon dioxide gas is used as shield gas; the molten pool is formed using a pulsed arc as a leading electrode arc transferring one droplet per cycle by alternately outputting, in each cycle, pulses of two different pulse waveforms of which a pulse peak current level and/or a pulse width per period differ; the conductively heated filler wire is inserted into the molten pool as a trailing electrode; the distance between a tip of the filler wire inserted into the molten pool and a conductive point of the filler wire is set within a range of 200×10?3 to 500×10?3 m; and a leading-electrode base current value is set larger than a trailing-electrode filler current value. According to such a method, even when inexpensive carbon dioxide gas is used as shield gas, the amount of spatter can be reduced, and high weldability can be achieved in multipass welding.

Abstract: A method for controlling and/or regulating a welding apparatus with a welding wire, wherein after ignition of an electric arc, a cold metal transfer welding process is conducted. For creating more various possibilities for controlling heat introduction into the work piece and/or for introducing filler material, it is provided that during at least some short-circuit phases, polarity of the welding current I and/or the welding voltage U is switched, wherein the amplitude of the welding current I and/or the welding voltage U is adjusted to a defined value so that melting-through of the welding wire and the short-circuit bridge, respectively, is prevented. There is also a safe re-ignition of the electric arc when lifting the welding wire off the work piece. It is also possible to reignite the electric arc only by the welding current I and/or the welding voltage U without any auxiliary voltage, at the end of the short-circuit phase or at the beginning of the electric-arc phase.

Abstract: A method and a system to increase heat input to a weld during an arc welding process. A series of electric arc pulses are generated between an advancing welding electrode and a metal workpiece using an electric arc welding system capable of generating an electric welding waveform to produce the electric arc pulses. A cycle of the electric welding waveform includes a pinch current phase providing an increasing pinch current level, a peak current phase providing a peak current level, a tail-out current phase providing a decreasing tail-out current level, and a background current phase providing a background current level. At least one heat-increasing current pulse of the cycle is generated, providing a heat-increasing current level, during the background current phase, where the heat-increasing current level is above the background current level. The cycle of the electric welding waveform with the at least one heat-increasing current pulse may be repeated until the arc welding process is completed.

Abstract: An electric arc welder for creating an arc welding process between an electrode and a workpiece where the welder comprises a preregulator having a first DC signal as an input and a regulated second DC signal as an output, an unregulated isolation inverter to convert the regulated second DC signal into a DC power signal and a weld control stage for converting the DC power signal into a welding signal. A controller causes the weld control stage to conform the welding signal into a waveform to provide welding process between the electrode and the workpiece, which controller has an output control signal regulated to produce a selected waveform or waveforms and the polarity of the waveform or waveforms. A device selects one of several stored welding processes as a program and a corresponding polarity for outputting by the controller.