Abstract: A system for determining an operational state of an atmospheric pressure plasma. The system has a transformer for coupling power into the atmospheric pressure plasma, a current sampling circuit configured to sample at least one current pulse flowing through a primary winding of the transformer, and a programmed microprocessor configured to determine, from a waveform of the current pulse, the operational state of the atmospheric pressure plasma. The operational state is one of: a no plasma state, a plasma origination state indicative of an ignited arc expanding into a plasma by gas flow thereinto, and a plasma maintenance state indicative of the plasma being expanded.

Abstract: A welding device for gas shielded arc welding includes: a portable welding robot mounted with a welding torch including a nozzle that guides jetting of shielding gas and a contact tip that performs energization on a consumable electrode; a feeding device that supplies the consumable electrode to the welding torch; a welding power source that supplies electric power to the consumable electrode via the contact tip; a gas supply source that supplies the shielding gas to be jetted from a nozzle end; and a control device that controls the portable welding robot. When the welding torch is seen from a side of jetting of the shielding gas, the contact tip is placed in an inside of an opening of the nozzle, the nozzle and the contact tip have a relatively movable structure, and an inner diameter of the nozzle end is within a range of 10-20 mm.

Abstract: A control method for gas-shielded arc welding includes providing a normal arc period in which the welding current is maintained at a setting current Icc set in advance, and providing a separation control period after the separation timing of the molten droplet is detected in the normal arc period, the separation control period including a current decreasing section, a current maintaining section, and a current increasing section. In the separation control period, at least one of the following controls for preventing a short circuit is performed: control of an output voltage, control of a feeding speed, and control of a gas ratio.

Abstract: A welding power supply device includes an inverter for converting DC power into AC power outputted to a welding load, and a voltage circuit for superimposing a restriking voltage on an output to the welding load when the polarity of output current of the inverter switches. The voltage circuit includes a restriking capacitor charged with the re-striking voltage, a charging circuit to charge the capacitor with the restriking voltage, and a discharging circuit to discharge the voltage in the capacitor. The charging circuit includes a DC power supply and a booster to boost DC voltage from the DC power supply. The charging circuit charges the restriking capacitor in first and second states. In the first state, the DC voltage from the DC power supply is directly applied to the re-striking capacitor. In the second state, DC voltage boosted by the booster is applied to the restriking capacitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power that alternates between at least a hotter and a colder process is disclosed.

Abstract: Welding power supplies, wire feeders, and systems to measure a weld cable voltage drop are disclosed. Example welding-type power supplies include a power converter configured to convert input power to output welding-type power to a remote device via a weld cable; a reference conductor connected between the power supply and the remote device; a voltage monitor configured to determine a first voltage between the weld cable and the reference conductor while substantially zero current is being conducted through the reference conductor; and a receiver circuit configured to receive a second voltage between the weld cable and the reference conductor from the remote device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for contactless ignition an arc (L) between an electrode (3) and a workpiece (4) which is to be welded, for carrying out a welding process, wherein a welding current (I) and a welding voltage (U) are provided at an output (2) of a welding current source (1), wherein the welding current source (1) contains a resonance converter (5) for generating a periodically varying, preferably substantially sawtooth-shaped, open circuit welding voltage (ULL) with voltage maxima (ULL,max) which recur periodically with a repetition rate (fw) and a welding current source (1) for carrying out the igniting process.

Abstract: A current sensing correction method for a driving system is provided. Firstly, the detection values of a three-phase current are acquired through the measuring unit. When the three-phase current is maintained at the DC state, the DC values of the three-phase current are acquired and recorded as three-phase demagnetization values. When the detection values are zero, a d-axis current and a q-axis current are calculated according to the three-phase demagnetization values, a d-axis correction current command and a q-axis correction current command are calculated according to a proportional constant, the d-axis current and the q-axis current, and a three-phase demagnetization current is generated to the measuring unit according to the d-axis correction current command and the q-axis correction current command. When the demagnetization time reaches the first predetermined time, the three-phase demagnetization current is not generated.

Abstract: Devices for laser welding using welding wire have a welding head, a wire guide for the welding wire, and a wire feed drive. The welding wire can be moved by the wire feed drive during a welding process with a feed movement in a feed direction, guided by the wire guide. A positioning device has a positioning drive, by which the welding wire is moved in an oscillating manner in the longitudinal direction of the welding wire, when a wire end of the welding wire is arranged in a welding readiness position. Methods for laser welding using a welding wire as added material are carried out using the devices. A control program controls the devices. The devices for laser welding can be provided as a part of a welding robot.

Abstract: An example welding or cutting circuit includes: an input leg comprising a capacitor coupled between a high bus and a low bus; a buck converter coupled in parallel with the input leg, wherein the buck converter comprises a first transistor, a first diode, and an output electrically coupled to a node between the first transistor and the first diode, and wherein the buck converter is configured to convert input voltage to current in an inductor coupled to the output of the buck converter; and a steering leg coupled in parallel with the input leg, wherein the steering leg is configured to control a rate at which the current in the inductor decreases, and wherein a current detector is positioned at the output to monitor the current, the current detector providing current level indications to a hysteretic controller, the hysteretic controller providing signals to the first transistor that control the transistor to an on state or an off state to control the voltage applied to the inductor.

Abstract: Welding is performed by alternately switching a pulse arc welding period (where welding is performed by forward feeding a welding wire by a rotation for the forward feeding of a push side feeding motor and a rotation for the forward feeding of the pull side feeding motor and feeding a peak current and a base current) and a short-circuiting transition arc welding period (welding is performed by forward/backward feeding the welding wire by the rotation for the forward feeding of the push side feeding motor and a rotation for the forward/backward feeding of the pull side feeding motor and feeding a short-circuiting current and an arc current). During the short-circuiting transition arc welding period, a forward feeding peak value Wsp and/or a backward feeding peak value Wrp of a pull feeding speed Fw are compensation-controlled based on a wire storage amount of an intermediate wire storage.

Abstract: An arc welding method is described where pulse arc welding is performed with a welding wire being fed in a forward direction during a first period and short-circuit transfer arc welding is performed with the welding wire being fed in the forward direction and a reverse direction during a second period. The arc welding method alternately switches between the first period and the second period, where the switching of the first period to the second period is performed during a peak period of the pulse arc welding.

Abstract: A pulsed welding regime includes a peak phase in which energy is added to an electrode and a weld puddle, and a molten ball begins to detach from the electrode, followed by a dabbing phase in which current is significantly reduced to place the ball in the weld puddle with addition of little or no energy. The resulting short circuit clears and the system proceeds to a background phase. The current in the dabbing phase is lower than the current during the background phase. The process may be specifically adapted for particular welding wires, and may be particularly well suited for use with cored wires. The dabbing phase allows for lower energy to be transferred to the sheath of such wires, and resets the arc length after each pulse cycle.

Abstract: A welding system and method provide for generating a controlled waveform for welding power output, the waveform comprising a plurality of successive peak phases followed by a short circuit between a welding wire electrode and an advancing weld puddle. Each then present peak phase is regulated based upon at least the immediately preceding short circuit to control the short circuit that will occur following the then present peak phase. Some embodiments permit regulating at least one waveform phase based upon at least the immediately preceding short circuit to control the next short circuit that will occur, and regulating at least one short response phase based upon at least the immediately preceding short circuit to control the next short circuit that will occur.

Abstract: A high-capacity common-mode inductor processing circuit for network signal is disclosed. Each of high-capacity common-mode inductors is disposed between two adjacent circuit channels to perform signal coupling, and each high-capacity common-mode inductor has parasitic capacitance between primary and secondary sides thereof, each of autotransformers is disposed on a side of corresponding one of the high-capacity common-mode inductors, and center tap lines of the autotransformers are grounded. The high-capacity common-mode inductor includes an iron core post and an iron core cover, the iron core post includes a winding part to be wound by conductive wires, and the conductive wires are wound on the winding part by a preset number of turns, and upwardly stacked and wound on the winding part by a preset layer number. The high-capacity common-mode inductors and the parasitic capacitances can eliminate noise on the circuit channels and perform signal coupling.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus to control welding electrode preheating are disclosed. An example consumable electrode-fed welding-type system includes a welding-type current 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; an electrode preheating circuit configured to provide preheating current through a first portion of the welding-type electrode via a second contact tip of the welding torch; an electrode preheating control circuit configured to adjust at least one of the preheating current or an electrode feed speed based on the change in the contact-tip-to-work-distance; and a current interpreter configured to determine a change in a contact-tip-to-work-distance of the welding torch based on at least one of the welding-type current or the preheating current.

Abstract: An additive manufacturing apparatus includes a laser oscillator that is a beam source that outputs a beam, and a rotary motor that is a driving unit that changes the relative positions of a material fed from a wire spool that is a supply source of a wire that is the material and an object to be machined. The driving unit is capable of performing first driving for feeding the material from the supply source toward the object to be machined and second driving for pulling back the fed material to the supply source, and switches from the first driving to the second driving on the basis of a machining program.

Abstract: A non-consumable electrode arc-welding method is provided for causing a welding machine to output or stop a welding current in accordance with at least an ON state and an OFF state of a start signal. In the method, a start signal is switched between an ON state and an OFF state, thereby controlling the on/off operation of the welding machine. Further, an operation mode instruction signal is switched between a normal mode and an interval mode, thereby controlling the operation mode of the welding machine. When the operation mode instruction signal indicates the interval mode and also the start signal is in the ON state, the welding current is outputted in a welding current output period. Then, the output of the welding current is suspended in a welding current interval period successively following the welding current output period.

Abstract: My invention is an improvement to a welding arc igniter. My invention periodically disables the arc igniter for one or more AC half-cycles. When the igniter skips an AC half-cycle, the welding arc may not ignite, so average weld heat is reduced. AC weld heat can be adjusted in real time, by varying the fraction of AC half-cycles that are skipped. AC polarity balance can be adjusted in real time, by preferentially skipping the electrode-positive or electrode-negative half-cycles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed. The system includes a power supply, a wire feeder, and a controller. The wire feed speed is reduced when the input current exceeds a value to prevent tripping circuit breakers on the power line the welder is connected to. The speed reduction is based on an average current draw exceeding a threshold. The output voltage is reduced if the input current exceeds a second threshold.

Abstract: Welding power supplies, wire feeders, and systems to measure a weld circuit resistance via communications over the weld circuit are disclosed. An example welding-type power supply includes: a power converter configured to: convert input power to output a current pulse via a weld circuit; and convert the input power to output welding-type power via the weld circuit; a voltage monitor configured to measure a power supply output voltage of the current pulse; a receiver circuit configured to receive, via the weld circuit, a communication comprising a second voltage measurement; and a controller configured to: determine a resistance of a portion of the weld circuit based on the power supply output voltage measurement, the second voltage measurement, and a weld circuit current measurement; and control the power converter to convert the input power to output the welding-type power based on a weld voltage setpoint and the impedance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming torsional magnetic reconnection, and converting stored magnetic energy into charged particle kinetic energy and particle acceleration, is claimed. A torsional magnetic reconnection apparatus generally comprises (1) a vacuum environment housing (2) a plurality of conducting coils to form a magnetic field fan-spine topology and (3) a plasma generation device providing an azimuthal magnetic field perturbation such that current sheets are formed and magnetic reconnection processes can occur. Electric current energization of the plurality of conducting coils generates a potential magnetic fan-spine topology. A simultaneous capacitor bank discharge forms and axially drives a plasma sheath, featuring an azimuthal magnetic field, toward the fan-spine magnetic null that forces the diffusion of magnetic flux through the plasma. This magnetic to plasma kinetic energy conversion process accelerates charged particles far away from the reconnection region along open magnetic field lines.

Abstract: In a consumable electrode-type arc welding in which pulse welding and short-circuit welding are alternately repeated, a welding current is controlled such that a welding current immediately before shifting from the pulse welding to the short-circuit welding is lower than a base current in a pulse.

Abstract: This invention concerns power supplies suitable for electric arc gas heaters such a plasma torches. It more particularly relates to the dimensioning of the inductor in the switched-mode DC to DC converter used for feeding the torch. The invention concerns in particular a DC power supply for driving a non-transferred electric arc gas heater, comprising: an AC to DC rectifier providing a potential U0; a DC to DC switching converter having a switching frequency fS; a current control loop having a latency Formula (I); and, a ballast inductor having an inductance L; characterized in that inductance L is such that Formula (II) and Formula (III). Such a design ensures the stability of the current control loop, while also ensuring a sufficient amount of current ripple to spread out the erosion zone on the electrodes of the torch. ? ; ( I ) L > ( U 0 1500 ) ? ? , ( II ) L < 1 f s ? ( U 0 200 ) .

Abstract: A welder power supply and welding method are provided which utilizes a short arc welding method in which the waveforms have a positive polarity portion and negative portion to optimize heat input and provide heat and current control.

Abstract: A welder power supply and welding method are provided which utilizes a short arc welding method in which the waveforms have a positive polarity portion and negative portion to optimize heat input and provide heat and current control.

Abstract: A system and method for determining settings or parameters for a welding-type power source are provided. By presenting an operator with an interface that is positioned along the path of a weld cable and configured to input weld characteristics, an operator is not required to determine electrical parameters for setting a welding-type power source output at the power source. The interface is presented to the operator at a remote welding-type device, such as a wire feeder, a weld robot, a torch, or the like. From the operator-specified weld characteristics, the system and method determine appropriate settings for the power source. In some embodiments, the system and method may automatically set the power source accordingly.

Abstract: An arc welder alternately repeats a short circuit period in which a wire and a welding object are short-circuited and an arc period in which an arc occurs between the wire and the welding object. The arc welder includes a welding output section, a joint type setting section, a storage section, and a waveform parameter determining section. The welding output section performs welding output, and the joint type setting section sets a joint type. The storage section stores a plurality of combinations of joint types and waveform parameters. The waveform parameter determining section determines a waveform parameter based on the joint type set by the joint type setting section and the plurality of combinations. The welding output section performs welding output based on the waveform parameter determined by the waveform parameter determining section. Thus, vaporized zinc is easily released and sufficient welding is performed.

Abstract: As a conventional problem, welding on surface-treated material, such as a zinc-coated steel plate, considerably generates air holes including blowholes and also generates lots of spatters. Present invention provides a method of controlling arc welding performed in a manner that a short-circuit period, in which a short circuit is generated between a welding wire and an object to be welded, and an arc period, in which an arc is generated after release of the short circuit, are repeated alternately. According to the method, welding current is increased from an arc-regeneration-before current to a first welding current at a detection of release of the short circuit such that an increase gradient of the welding current becomes not less than 750 A/msec. This suppresses generation of air holes and spatters in welding work on a surface-treated material, such as a zinc-coated steel plate.

Abstract: In control applying a gradient to a command voltage value during an arc period, although stable welding can be performed even in a case where a protrusion length of a welding wire becomes long, when the disturbance such as sudden change in the protrusion length is generated, a current waveform of the arc period is undershot, the short circuit period is disturbed, and it took time to return to the stable state, and the amount of sputter generation is also increased. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a change in current such as undershoot or the like when the disturbance is generated, stabilize short circuit cycle, perform welding with a strong resistance to disturbance and a small amount of sputter generation by changing an inductance value a plurality of times during the arc period.

Abstract: A data transmission method for a resistance welding current source during a welding operation generates welding pulses in an inverter with inverter switching elements cyclically with a switching frequency and pulse duration. The pulses are applied to a transformer primary side and rectified on the transformer secondary side by a rectifier with rectifier switching elements to form a resultant welding current. In a data transmission mode the impedance at the primary side is increased in the breaks in the welding operation, control pulses for initializing the data transmission mode are applied by a control device to the primary side and are detected on the secondary side. The rectifier switching elements of the secondary-side rectifier are actuated in a way corresponding to the data to be transmitted. The current on the primary side of the transformer is modulated with these data, and the data are thereby transmitted via the transformer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods of controlling wire feeding in a welding operation, where the wire feeding has a plurality of positive and negative pulses. Embodiments determine an average wire feed speed and compare the average to a desired wire feed speed and then change a parameter of the wire feed pulses to achieve a desired wire feed speed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a power component for providing an electric current, having plates aligned parallel to one another which are connected to the current inputs and the current outputs of power semiconductors embedded in a component carrier. High currents, for example for resistance welding, can thereby be controlled without excessive heat losses resulting in an increase in temperature of the entire arrangement and thereby in a reduction of the service life.

Abstract: An apparel garment that includes individual fibers exhibit proper moisture wicking properties and that have been infused or coated (or both) with far infrared materials is provided. The combination of suitable fibers and far infrared materials imparts a unique effect to the apparel garment wherein the far infrared materials will physiologically and therapeutically impact the user's circulatory system to dilate surface capillaries, break down water clusters, and allow for toxin removal at the apparel/skin interface. Coupled with the overall moisture wicking capability, surprisingly the inventive garment actually provides a cooling effect during an exercise event in a warm temperature environment and a warming effect during an exercise event in a cold temperature environment. The utilization of such a garment to impart such an exercise-activated cooling or warming effects, and thus the ability to allow the user greater comfort during any type of workout, is also encompassed within this invention.

Abstract: A welding system includes an interface having a first input element configured to receive an input relating to a parameter of power delivered to a welding torch from a welding power supply and to alternatively receive an input relating to a thickness of a work piece, a second input element configured to receive an input relating to a rate of advancement of an electrode delivered to the welding torch from a welding wire feeder and to alternatively receive an input relating to a diameter of the electrode, and a third input element configured to receive an input relating to a welding process type. The welding system also includes control circuitry configured to automatically adjust the parameter of the power and the rate of advancement of the electrode based on the input relating to the welding process type selected with the third input element when the second input element receives the input relating to the diameter of the electrode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for performing gas-shielded pulsed arc welding at high current densities with a flux-cored wire as an electrode wire. The pulsed arc welding is carried out by passing a pulsed current so that a pulse peak current density during a pulse peak time Tp is 400 to 950 A/mm2, a pulse base current density during a pulse base time Tb is 200 A/mm2 or more and differs from the pulse peak current density by 200 to 400 A/mm2, and an average current density is 350 to 750 A/mm2. The method allows significant spatter reduction while attaining a high deposition rate.

Abstract: A phase generation circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes a ramp generation circuit arranged to generate a ramp signal in synchronization with a synchronization clock signal. A phase selection circuit generates a reference signal in response to a phase selection signal. A comparator has a first input terminal coupled to receive the ramp signal and a second input terminal coupled to receive the reference signal. The comparator produces a phase clock signal at an output terminal.

Abstract: A TIG welding system is provided including a power source having a controller in communication therewith, the controller having a memory storing at least one waveform and associated with a welding electrode composition (color) in combination with a welding electrode diameter (detected or input).

Abstract: A method and system to determine optimum operating parameters for the startup phase of a welding-type process based on user-desired operating parameters of the post-startup or welding phase of the welding-type process are disclosed. While applicable to a number of welding-type processes, the method and system are particularly configured to determine an optimum wire feed speed for Gas Metal Arc Welding of aluminum using pulse spray transfer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for isolating and switching lower voltage pulses from high voltage pulses in electrocrushing and electrohydraulic drills. A transformer with a high permeability core acts as a magnetic switch or saturating inductor to switch high voltage pulses to initiate an electrocrushing arc and lower voltage pulses to sustain the arc. The transformer isolates the lower voltage components from the high voltage pulses, and switches to deliver the low voltage current when the core saturates. The transformer enables impedance matching to the arc during all stages of drilling. The saturation time of the transformer core is the time delay between initiation of delivering the high voltage pulse and initiation of delivering the lower voltage current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system and method to weld or join coated materials using an arc welding system alone, or in combination with a hot wire system, where the arc welding system uses a welding current having an AC current portion to build a droplet for transfer to the workpiece. In further embodiments, the workpiece is coated with a material, such as zinc, and the arc welding system uses an AC welding waveform which is capable of welding coated workpieces with little or no porosity or spatter and can achieve enhanced performance. Additional embodiments use an enhanced electrode to provide optimum porosity performance. Such embodiments allow for the welding of coated material with little or no porosity and spatter, and at a high welding rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system and method to weld or join coated materials using an arc welding system alone, or in combination with a hot wire system, where the arc welding system uses a welding current having an AC current portion to build a droplet for transfer to the workpiece. In further embodiments, the workpiece is coated with a material, such as zinc, and the arc welding system uses an AC welding waveform which is capable of welding coated workpieces with little or no porosity or spatter and can achieve enhanced performance. Additional embodiments use an enhanced electrode to provide optimum porosity performance. Such embodiments allow for the welding of coated material with little or no porosity and spatter, and at a high welding rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for welding include initiating a pulse welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power, maintaining the arc by providing CV type power. Then, pulse type welding power is provided. The method and system can be used to start short circuit, or other welding processes by providing short circuit power, or welding power of a given mode, instead of providing pulse power. Also, in one alternative, a method and system of initiating a pulse, short circuit, or given welding process includes initiating a welding arc by providing CC type welding power at least until a pseudo-equilibrium for the arc is established. Then, providing welding power in a pulse, short circuit, or the given mode.

Abstract: Power sources are disclosed for electric arc welding or cutting processes, in which an interleaved multiphase switching converter is provided with a plurality of converter power circuits to convert a DC signal to a regulated signal suitable for welding.

Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to a method for improved droplet detachment detection in a welding process in which a derivative of at least one welding parameter over time is used to detect droplet detachment from the wire during a welding operation based identification of a peak signature.

Abstract: A method and system to determine optimum operating parameters for the startup phase of a welding-type process based on user-desired operating parameters of the post-startup or welding phase of the welding-type process are disclosed. While applicable to a number of welding-type processes, the method and system are particularly configured to determine an optimum wire feed speed for Gas Metal Arc Welding of aluminum using pulse spray transfer.

Abstract: A system and method is provided. The system includes a high intensity energy source to create a molten puddle on a surface of a workpiece and a wire feeder that feeds a wire to the molten puddle via a contact tube. The system also includes a power supply that outputs a first heating current during a first mode of operation and a second heating current during a second mode of operation. The system further includes a controller that initiates the first mode of operation in the power supply to heat the wire to a desired temperature and switches the power supply from the first mode of operation to the second mode of operation to create a micro-arc. The second mode of operation provides at least one of an increased heat input to the molten puddle and an increased agitation of the molten puddle relative to the first mode of operation.

Abstract: A multi-phase electronic power transformer includes a set of primary windings, wherein each primary winding is configured to couple with an input voltage. The transformer includes a pair of primary switching devices that includes a first primary switching device coupled to a first end of each primary winding and a second primary switching device coupled to a second end of each primary winding distinct from the first end of each primary winding. The transformer includes a set of secondary windings, wherein each secondary winding is configured to inductively couple with a respective primary winding and to output a voltage. The transformer includes a pair of secondary switching devices that includes a first secondary switching device coupled to a first end of each secondary winding and a second secondary switching device coupled to a second end of each secondary winding distinct from the first end of the each secondary winding.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for narrow groove joining of metals. The method includes feeding a wire to a weld joint formed by the metals to be joined and transmitting a welding current through a length of the wire. The method also includes creating a molten puddle in the weld joint with the welding current. The method further includes performing a low heat transfer process on the wire for a predetermined low heat duration to transfer a first portion of the wire to the molten puddle, and performing a high heat transfer process on the wire for a predetermined high heat duration to transfer a second portion of the wire to the molten puddle. The low heat transfer process creates the molten puddle at a root of the weld joint. The high heat transfer process creates an arc that climbs sidewalls of the weld joint and the molten puddle follows the arc up the sidewalls to a top of the weld joint.

Abstract: A system and method is provided which uses a power supply which receives an input signal and provides an output signal to an electrode, where the output signal generates an arc between the electrode and at least one workpiece, and the output signal has a desired output power profile. The power supply has at least an output power circuit which determines an output power of the output signal, a power differential calculator which determines a difference between the determined output power and the desired output power profile, and a waveform generator which changes a power output of the output signal based on the determined difference between the desired output power profile and the determined output power.