Abstract: A welder for welding a base metal. The welder may include a first electrode for forming a first arc with the base metal and a second electrode for forming a second arc between the first and second electrodes. A compact welder, welding system, and method are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is system for aiding a welding operator in positioning a welding device. The system includes a welding device and a light source coupled to the welding device, wherein the light source is configured to generate a focused beam of light that is configured to illuminate a weld location. The configuration of the light source's illumination may provide for aligning and positioning of the welding device relative to a work piece or other surface.

Abstract: A tooling fixture is adapted to preserve the dimensional accuracy of critical dimension locating components associated with the fixture. The tooling fixture has a plurality of component locators having a body with at least one surface for accurately constraining at least one component part within the tooling fixture. The surfaces of the component locators are exposed to weld spatter. A spatter resistant coating is applied to the surfaces of the component locators to protect their surfaces from accumulating weld spatter thereby preserving the dimensional repeatability of the tooling fixture and decreasing rework or scrap quantities resulting from the component parts being out of specification.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a wear condition of a welding consumable includes a welding torch having a consumable component and a wire delivery system configured to deliver wire to the welding torch during a welding process. The welding system also includes a power source configured to deliver power to the welding torch to perform the welding process. A controller is included that is configured to monitor at least one operational characteristic of the delivery of wire to the welding torch over a selected period, determine a wear condition of the consumable component from the at least one operational characteristic, and generate a signal indicating detection of the wear condition.

Abstract: A cable management system for a welding-type system includes a support column extending in a first direction from a first end supported by a welding-type device to a second end arranged above the welding-type device. The cable management system also includes a cable support arranged on the second end of the support column that extends in a second direction substantially transverse to the first direction. Accordingly, a portion of the cable support extends away from the welding-type device to allow a cable supported thereon to extend below the cable support and proximate to the welding-type device.

Abstract: A welding apparatus having a system to facilitate its assembly. The apparatus is assembled by affixing a pair of molded end panels to a molded base and each of the end panels has a specially constructed receptacle area that is adapted to receive an end of the base. Each end of the base has a pair of snaps that extend outwardly and which engage with a correspondingly located pair of ramps formed in the receptacle area of each of the end panels. Thus the assembly is easily carried out by simply inserting the base ends into the receptacle areas where the snaps ride up the ramps and engage the vertical walls on the inner side of those ramps to securely affix the end panels to the base. Preferably the snaps are U-shaped in configuration with the distal end of the snaps being the closed ends of the U-shaped snaps.

Abstract: A portable welding system is disclosed that may be used for TIG and stick welding processes. The welding system comprises a soft-pack carrying case for transporting a number of welding elements. The carrying case includes deflectable walls that form an interior cavity configured to contain the welding elements for transport. The carrying case further includes a set of wheels, a retractable handle, and a fixed handle. The user may either roll the case via the wheels and retractable handle or lift the system via the fixed handles. Finally, the carrying case includes means to seal the interior cavity of the case to further contain the welding elements during transport or long durations of inactivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding, including a lift mechanism for lifting a personnel platform attached to an end of the lift mechanism, a drive system for moving the apparatus, where the drive system includes a DC power source, a set of controls mounted on the platform for controlling the drive system and the lift mechanism, and an electric arc welding system for creating a DC welding arc between an electrode and a workpiece, where the welding system is mounted on the personnel platform and powered by the DC power source.

Abstract: A contact tip for a welding torch is provided. In one embodiment, the contact tip includes a body formed of an electrically conductive material and a non-linear passage that extends through the body. The non-linear passage of this embodiment is configured to receive a wire electrode and to facilitate electrical communication between the body and the wire electrode. Various contact tip assemblies and manufacturing techniques for forming contact tips are also provided.

Abstract: A mid-plane baffle or plate having a fan mounted thereto to dissipate heat within a welding machine is provided. By centrally positioning a baffle and mounting a circulating fan thereto, cooling efficiency is improved thereby enabling more direct cooling of the internal components of the welding machine. The baffle also reduces the critical volume of the welding machine and allows the fan to operate more efficiently and pull an increased amount of cooler ambient air through the machine which creates a greater cooling effect during the cooling cycle of the machine. The baffle placement also improves welding start performance by operating as a barrier between the high frequency/high voltage components and the PC board (control electronics) of the welding machine. The baffle also improves flexibility of component placement within the welding machine.

Abstract: In the present invention, an iron based alloy which contains by mass %: 0.20% or less of C; 6.0 to 16.0% of Cr; 6.0 to 16.0% of Ni and whose martensitic transformation starting temperature (Ms point temperature) is in the range of 0-170° C., inclusive of 0° C. and exclusive of 170° C., is used as a welding material. With respect to a weld metal, the weld metal has a iron alloy composition which contains by mass %: 0.20% or less of C; 3.0 to 13.0% of Cr; 3.0 to 13.0% of Ni and whose martensitic transformation starting temperature (Ms point temperature) is in the range of 50-360° C., inclusive of both 50° C. and 360° C.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present technique relate to a welding storage structure. In one embodiment, a welding system includes a welding chassis and a storage structure that rotates outwardly from the welding chassis. In another embodiment, a welding system includes a welding storage unit having a storage base with a plurality of storage compartments, a cover removably disposed over the plurality of the storage compartments, and a rotatable chassis mount configured to couple the welding storage unit rotatably to a welding chassis.

Abstract: A clamping device includes a backing member having an upper face pressing against two work pieces having a welding gap therebetween. A rod extends through the backing member and has an exposed upper portion extending through a narrower portion of the welding gap into a wider portion of the welding gap. An elastic element is mounted between a bottom face of the backing member and an abutting portion on a lower portion of the rod to bias the backing member to press against the work pieces. The upper portion includes a hooked section having a first width smaller than a width of the narrower portion and a second width perpendicular to and larger than the width of the narrower portion. The rod is turnable to a position in which the second width of the hooked section presses against the work pieces under the action of the elastic element.

Abstract: A workpiece movement sensing system can be used with an automated stud welding machine and/or process. The system includes a sensor measuring applied voltage relative to lift height utilized during the stud welding process. A workpiece movement detection module detects workpiece movement occurring during one or more welds. Upon detection, an operator can be notified, and/or automatic voltage compensation can be turned on.

Abstract: A housing of a welding-type device includes a bezel which encloses a plurality of electrical receptacles and a plurality of terminal posts of the welding-type device. The bezel has a first and a second opening corresponding to each terminal post. The plurality of first openings has hinged covers attached to the bezel over the openings. The plurality of second openings is uninterrupted through the bezel and constructed such that the bezel provides strain relief to a welding cable which passes therethrough. The covers are formed such that they allow passage of an electrical cable through the first opening with the cover in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for cleaning the gas nozzle (12) of a welding torch (14) and for spraying the gas nozzle (12) or a welding wire located in the gas nozzle (12). The inventive device comprises a clamping/holding device (16) for the gas nozzle (12), a cleaning device (18) for mechanically removing welding residues from the gas nozzle (12), wherein the cleaning device (18) can be moved in the direction of a first axis (20) towards the clamping/holding device (16) or away from the latter. The device also comprises a spraying device (22) for applying an anti-stick medium. The spraying device (22) can be moved in the direction of a second axis (24) that is arranged in a substantially transversal manner with respect to a first axis (20) and relative to the clamping/holding device (16). Preferably, the spraying device (22) is mechanically coupled to a cutting device (44) for the welding wire.

Abstract: A welding implement, such as a TIG welding torch. The welding implement comprises a torch head and a thermal storage member. The torch head is operable to conduct electricity to a welding electrode disposed therein. The thermal storage member is adapted to store heat from the torch head during operation of the torch and to release the heat when the torch is not operated. The thermal storage member is electrically isolated from the torch head by an electrical insulator. The welding implement may comprise a tube coupled to the torch head to conduct gas and electricity to the torch head. The welding implement may also comprise a second tube disposed around the tube proximate to the torch head to increase heat transfer from the torch head to the tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating a contact tip of a welding device includes a member, e.g., a clutch bearing or other device, that securely grasps the contact tip and minimizes damage thereto. The method and apparatus can be used to install or remove a contact tip into/from a welding device, e.g., without the need to remove the nozzle of the welding device.

Abstract: A welding accessory system for a welder that includes a welder having a welder housing and at least one welding accessory support connected to the welder housing to support at least one welding accessory of a welder. The one or more welding accessory supports include a cable holder, an electrode holder, a cooling fluid holder, a cylinder gas holder, a cable connector box, and/or a tool holder.

Abstract: A portable welding cell unit includes a frame structure in which first and second welding stations are disposed. A robot arm is also provided within the frame. The robot arm can pivot between the first and second welding stations such that a work piece can be welded in the first welding station while a work piece is being loaded into or unloaded from the second welding station.

Abstract: A welding torch (10) for welding on a component has an electrode (12) within a nozzle (14) through which a flow of gas passes. A shield (20) defines an enclosure (22) around the nozzle (14). Means are provided for supplying weld filler material (18) into the vicinity of the electrode (12) through the shield (20). One end of the shield (20) is attached to the welding torch (10). The other end of the shield (20) is open and extends towards the component (16). An inflatable seal (28) is mounted on the end of the shield (20) to seal between the shield (20) and the component (16).

Abstract: A welding system comprising a welding-type power source and a protective cover for the welding-type power source. The protective cover may be comprised of a synthetic fabric and a polymeric fluid barrier. The protective cover may have a member secured to the synthetic fabric to enable a user to grip the member to lift the cover from the welding-type power source. The protective cover may have a plurality of eyelets to enable the cover to be drawn against the welding-type power source. The protective cover may comprise a portion adapted to receive an exhaust pipe of the welding-type power source. The portion of the cover adapted to receive the exhaust pipe may comprise a heat-resistant synthetic fabric.

Abstract: An electronic device having a heat-dissipating structure for a socket is disclosed. The electronic device comprises a case, a plurality of electronic components disposed in the case, an airflow inlet disposed at a first side of the case, a socket disposed at a second side of the case, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side and the electronic components are disposed between the first side and the second side, and an airflow directing plate disposed between the case and the electronic components and forming an airflow channel with the case for directing a portion of air at the airflow inlet to the socket through the airflow channel so as to dissipate heat of the socket. Through the design of the present invention, the heat of the socket of the electronic device can be dissipated efficiently to conform to the safety standard of the socket temperature.

Abstract: In a welder wand including a welding tip attached to handle with an elongate, rigid conduit, the handle having a trigger for activating the welding tip, improvements therein including an optical light system attached to the welder wand comprising a light source mounted proximate to the welding tip and a switch mounted proximate to the handle, the switch operatively coupled to the light source for selectively activating and deactivating the light source, whereby the light source produces and directs light at the welding tip when activated by the switch.

Abstract: A torch cable in which both the electrical connection and the pneumatic connection can be made concurrently in one motion by coupling the end of the torch cable to the exterior of the supply unit. The coupling further includes a quick disconnect feature. The torch cable coupling is simple and inexpensive, using standard off-the-shelf components. The end of the cable comprises various components that are overmolded to form an electrically insulative body, e.g., made of urethane rubber compound. This molded body incorporates strain relief, is water resistant, protects the electrical plug, and stabilizes the electrical contacts. Gas, power and control are combined in one assembly. The pneumatic quick disconnect coupling is used as a latching mechanism for the entire assembly. The torch cable can be disconnected from the supply unit by simply releasing the quick disconnect coupling and then pulling the end of the torch cable away from the supply unit.

Abstract: A portable welder includes a welder housing. The housing has front and rear vertical end surfaces and left and right side surfaces. The housing further has a horizontal top surface extending forward from the rear surface. An inclined surface faces upward and forward and extends from a front end of the top surface to a top end of the front surface. A front post, equidistant from the side surfaces, extends upward from the inclined surface. A rear post, equidistant from the side surfaces, extends upward from the top surface. A handle, spaced above the top surface, extends from the front post to the rear post. The welder is configured for a user to carry the welder by lifting the handle such that the housing is suspended from the handle by the posts.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for use with a welding system. The apparatus and method provides a fluid bath which allows a welding nozzle of the welding system to be dipped into, for example, a friction reducing agent.

Abstract: A device (10) for isolating a surface for welding in an underwater location or in high fire risk areas. The device comprises a housing (27) which is arranged to be mounted on the surface and a sealing means (30) to provide a seal between the housing and the surface. The housing (27) is provided with a sealed inlet (50) for receiving a welding apparatus, a fluid inlet (32) for the passage of gas into the housing, and a fluid outlet (34) for the passage of gas and/or liquid out of the housing. A heating means FIG. 3 is not figure) for providing heated gas to the fluid inlet is also provided. In use, an ingress of heated gas through the fluid inlet (32) facilitates an egress of gas and/or liquid, contained in a space defined by the housing and the surface, through the fluid outlet (34) in the housing. In this way an in situ dry gaseous environment is provided for welding the surface.

Abstract: Provided is a local heatsink welding device and a method of welding using the same. The local heatsink welding device includes a welding torch disposed above welds of two pieces of a base metal placed in contact with each other to be welded, the welding torch welding the pieces of the base metal by melting a welding wire on the welds of the base material and fusing the pieces together; and a cooling unit disposed to be able to spray a low-temperature fluid from the sides of the welding torch, the cooling unit cooling at least a portion of a heat-affected zone formed around the outside of a fusion zone in which the base material is molten during welding.

Abstract: A method and a device for cleaning welding torches, for example in automated welding lines, on welding robots and in made-to-order production, by means of a cold medium, preferably CO2 dry ice. According to the method, a compressed air stream, charged with CO2 dry ice is directed constantly or at intervals by a jet nozzle onto one side of the surface to be cleaned and simultaneously describes a rotational movement.

Abstract: A fusion welding method is provided for fusion welding at juxtaposed interface surfaces a first member, for example made of a first metal based on at least one of Ru, Rh, Pd, and Pt, with a second member made of a second metal, for example a high temperature alloy based on at least one of Fe, Co, and Ni, including at least one identified element, for example Al, that can form a continuous layer of a brittle intermetallic compound with the first metal that is free of such element. With the interface surfaces disposed in contact, energy is generated at the interface surfaces in a combination of an amount and for a first time selected to be sufficient to heat the interface surfaces to a fusion welding temperature. However, the first time is less than a second time that enables formation at the fusion welding temperature of the continuous layer of the brittle intermetallic compound at the interface surfaces.

Abstract: A welding accessory system for a welder that includes a welder having a welder housing and at least one welding accessory support connected to the welder housing to support at least one welding accessory of a welder. The one or more welding accessory supports include a cable holder, an electrode holder, a cooling fluid holder, a cylinder gas holder, a cable connector box, and/or a tool holder.

Abstract: An over-handle is mounted on a rotor-ring for rotation around the handle of the torch. The accessory is for use with a torch of the kind in which a (coated) electrode is mounted in an electrode holder, and is tightened therein by the welder screwing the holder into the torch handle. The orientation of the electrode relative to the handle is unpredictable, and the rotatable over-handle enables the over-handle to be orientated to suit the orientation of the electrode. A rotatable accessory in the form of a pick hammer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A welding accessory system for a welder that includes a welder having a welder housing and at least one welding accessory support connected to the welder housing to support at least one welding accessory of a welder. The one or more welding accessory supports include a cable holder, an electrode holder, a cooling fluid holder, a cylinder gas holder, a cable connector box, and/or a tool holder.

Abstract: A welding and network information system and methodology is provided in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A moveable undercarriage for supporting and moving a welder over a ground surface having a base to support the welder, a front and rear axle secured to the base each having two wheels rotatably secured to the axles, and a push bar secured to said base to move the base over a ground surface. The front and rear axles are positioned on the base such that the center of gravity of the welder lies between the axles. The front and rear axles are spaced apart a distance that is less than three times the sum of the radii of the front and rear wheels. The undercarriage includes a brake to engage at least one wheel in a locked position. The push bar has a lift bar to facilitate in the moving of the base.

Abstract: A welder comprises a source of electrical welding current. A housing houses the source and has front and rear walls and a top wall. A control device, for controlling a condition of the welder, is located along the top wall. A rear wheel is attached to the housing and has a portion located both rearward and downward from the housing. This enables the welder to pivot about the rear wheel between an upright position and a lying position. A front wheel and a foot are attached to the housing. In the upright position, the front and rear wheels engage the floor to support the housing above and spaced from the floor. In the lying position, the rear wheel and the foot engage the floor to support the housing above and spaced from the floor.

Abstract: A system and method for a welding power supply housing is disclosed. The power supply housing includes a U-shaped panel positioned between two louvered end panels and a base. The combination of the U-shaped panel and the base forms a wind tunnel. The U-shaped panel includes a slot configured to receive a heat sink. The heat sink is in thermal connection with heat generating electrical components of the power supply and is exposed to the cooling flow within the wind tunnel thereby cooling the electrical components of the power supply.

Abstract: Arc welding of duplex stainless steel tubing is accomplished using a non-pulsed electric arc and a high refractory weld flux. Weld beads, uniform throughout their lengths, and having a duplex phase structure and desirable profile are produced by single pass orbital welding, even if the wall thickness of the duplex tubing exceeds 2 mm.

Abstract: A tie rod having a cruciform cross section is provided with steps for fixing sheaths at tips of cruciform arms of the tie rod; the tips of each of sheaths are fitted onto the steps of the tie rod, each of the sheaths having a U-shaped cross section; and each of the sheaths is fixed to the tie rod by performing a laser welding using a YAG laser beam or a CO2 laser beam with the sheath being fitted onto the tie rod to achieve a continuous weld of at least a part of the tie rod in a longitudinal direction thereof. An axial center position of the beam is shifted from an end face position of the step of the tie rod at least toward an axis center of the tie rod.

Abstract: A welding torch (10) comprises an electrode (12), means to supply weld filler material (14), a nozzle (16) surrounding the electrode (12), means to supply inert gas (17) to the nozzle (16) and a shroud (18) surrounding the nozzle (16). There are means to form a seal (20) provided between the nozzle (16) and the shroud (18), the means to form a seal (20) is arranged to allow relative movement between the nozzle (16) and the shroud (18). The means to form a seal (20) comprises a plurality of rings (22,24,26). Each ring (22,24,26) has an aperture (28,30,32) and an outer diameter (34,36,38). The diameter of the aperture (28) in a first ring (22) is substantially the same as the diameter of the nozzle (16). The outer diameter (34) of the first ring (22) is less than the outer diameter (36) of a second ring (24). The outer diameter (36) of the second ring (24) is substantially the same as the diameter of the shroud (18).

Abstract: A welding apparatus having a specially designed receptacle that is formed on the rear molded plastic panel that is affixed to an enclosure in assembling the welding apparatus. A gas valve having a hexagonal body fits snugly into a mating hexagonal shaped of the receptacle. A pair of fingers extend outwardly from the rear panel and have distal ends with barbs formed thereon. In the assembly of the welding apparatus, therefore, the gas valve is simply inserted into the complementary shaped receptacle formed in the rear panel and the barbs snap over the external surface of the gas valve to retain the gas in the desired position affixed to the rear panel while automatically aligning a gas inlet port of the gas valve with an opening in the rear panel to allow accessibility of the gas inlet to an external source of gas.

Abstract: There is provided a tailored blank article for press forming, the article having an excellent formability and comprising multiple different plates of different thickness, which can evade a break of a low strength plate (or low-thickness plate) due to strength rate-determining is provided in press forming. The tailored blank article for press forming, having an excellent formability and comprising two or more kinds of raw plates, continuously welded together, each having a different tensile strength, is characterized in that a ratio (n1/n2) of a work hardening property value (n1) of a higher tensile strength plate and a work hardening property value (n2) of a lower tensile strength plate is set to be 0.75 or more and 3.8 or less.

Abstract: A weld wire having a core composition comprising a combination of graphite and a compound of potassium is disclosed. The combination of graphite and the compound of potassium in the core composition does not exceed approximately 5% by weight, making it possible for the wire to be used in an alternating current welding process without destabilizing a welding arc. The wire comprises the compound of potassium, which is K2MnTiO4, wherein the combination of graphite and the compound of potassium in the core composition is selected from the range of about 0.3% to about 5% by weight.

Abstract: An arc welding torch accessory providing automatic material feed to an existing TIG torch, which has user adjustable wire feed speed without discontinuing use of the device. The welding torch device is employed in gas delivery arc welding devices which use hyperbaric welding techniques to evacuate air or oxygen from the weld area while the weld is being processed. The disclosure describes a system for adopting an automatic wire feed system to an existing TIG welding torch head. The device allows automatic delivery of wire material, commonly fed by hand in arc welding, by presenting the wire to be fed automatically while allowing the arc welding torch operator to adjust the quantity of material feed while actually in the process of welding.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus has a case (94) with a control panel (96) mounted thereon. Plural controllers are disposed on the panel (96). A cover (98) is mounted to cover and uncover the panel (96). One (66) of the controllers is so disposed as to be externally operable.

Abstract: A tailor welded blank for use in a fluid-forming operation includes a first sheet element having a physical characteristic with a first value and a second sheet element having the physical characteristic with a second value different from the first value. The first and second sheet elements are welded together at at least one weld region to form at least a portion of a tailor welded blank. When the tailor welded blank is processed in a fluid forming process, the first and second values of the physical characteristic result in said first and second sheet elements having approximately equal effective strength values such that said first and second sheet elements deform at an approximately equal rate during the fluid forming process and local thinning and failure initiation is reduced at the at least one weld region and throughout the first and second sheet elements.

Abstract: A welding and network information system and methodology is provided in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A mid-plane baffle or plate having a fan mounted thereto to dissipate heat within a welding machine is provided. By centrally positioning a baffle and mounting a circulating fan thereto, cooling efficiency is improved thereby enabling more direct cooling of the internal components of the welding machine. The baffle also reduces the critical volume of the welding machine and allows the fan to operate more efficiently and pull an increased amount of cooler ambient air through the machine which creates a greater cooling effect during the cooling cycle of the machine. The baffle placement also improves welding start performance by operating as a barrier between the high frequency/high voltage components and the PC board (control electronics) of the welding machine. The baffle also improves flexibility of component placement within the welding machine.

Abstract: A welder comprises a source of electrical welding current. A housing houses the source and has front and rear walls and a top wall. A control device, for controlling a condition of the welder, is located along the top wall. A rear wheel is attached to the housing and has a portion located both rearward and downward from the housing. This enables the welder to pivot about the rear wheel between an upright position and a lying position. A front wheel and a foot are attached to the housing. In the upright position, the front and rear wheels engage the floor to support the housing above and spaced from the floor. In the lying position, the rear wheel and the foot engage the floor to support the housing above and spaced from the floor.