Abstract: Welds made in TRIP steel workpieces by non-autogenous welding techniques can be made to approximate both the composition and microstructure of the TRIP steel being welded by formulating the weld to have controlled amounts of ? phase (austenite) stabilizers and cementite suppressors.

Abstract: A welding method and apparatus for welding workpieces together by conducting a laser beam welding process on a joint region that includes a weld seam defined by and between faying surfaces of the workpieces, and then conducting a hybrid laser arc welding process on the joint region. The laser beam welding process entails causing a first laser beam to travel along the joint region, penetrate the weld seam and form a weldment. The hybrid laser arc welding process remelts the weldment by simultaneously causing an electric arc and a second laser beam to overlap and travel along the joint region and form a weld pool in the weldment. On cooling, a weld joint is formed within the joint region and its weld seam.

Abstract: A welding wire conduit includes an outer tube, a wire spring disposed within the outer tube, and a plurality of cylindrical segments disposed within the wire spring. Each cylindrical segment includes a generally convex first axial end and a generally concave second axial end, and the first axial ends of the cylindrical segments are configured to mate with the second axial ends of the cylindrical segments.

Abstract: A contact fitting for a welding apparatus includes a housing, and first contact device, a second contact device, and a third contact device arranged between the first and second contact devices. The third contact device is movable relative to the first and second contact devices. The first contact device has an elongated form, is fixedly arranged in the housing, and extends from a first end, which is arranged between first and second ends of the housing, to a second end. The second contact device has an elongated form, is suspended spring-loaded to the housing, and extends from a first end, which is arranged between the first and second ends of the housing, to a second end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a welding booth that has a small foot print and can be joined to other booths for maximization of floor space use.

Abstract: A welding system for welding with wire is disclosed that includes a torque motor in a wire feeder and a pull motor in a welding torch. A wire feed speed may be set by an operator at a power supply or on a wire feeder. Based upon calibration of the pull motor in the torch, upon startup of the welding operation, signals are provided to a pull motor and the torch in an open loop manner with respect to the speed of the pull motor, while the torque motor is driven to maintain a feed force on the welding wire to ensure that the pull motor has welding wire available for feeding. No other coordination is required between the torque motor and the pull motor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and reactor of manufacturing an object by solid freeform fabrication, especially an object made of titanium or titanium alloys.

Abstract: A method, means, apparatus, and system is disclosed, for use with an electrically controllable light-producing activity, or possibly an electrically-controlled sound producing activity. In one embodiment, the light is modulated to affect an imaging function, as a secondary effect, without substantially affecting a primary or main purpose of the light-producing activity. In another embodiment, the light is modulated to affect an imaging function, as a secondary effect, in conjunction with effects on the primary or main purpose of the light-producing activity. The invention is useful, for example, in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding where the light-producing arc, and possibly some light-producing utility lights, are modulated to improve a computer vision system (such as an auto darkening welding helmet or a headup display for a welding helmet) that helps a person see better. Cybernetic and physiological sensing is disclosed such as EEG, ECG, and the like, in conjunction with wearable computing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for converting the energy of an energy storage (2) for operating an arc (6), wherein in order to convert energy, at least one switch (9) of a step-down converter is switched on and off in a controlled manner, wherein said at least one switch (9) is connected to the energy storage (2) at the input end. In order to be able to supply as much of the limited energy available from the energy store (2) to the arc (6), it is provided that a synchronous converter is used as the step-down converter for operating the arc (6), and that the at least one switch (9) of the synchronous converter that is designed as a power unit (3) is connected to a snubber circuit (10) at the output end such that at least the switch (9) is switched on and off in an snubbed state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a collision protection device (1) for connecting a welding torch (2) connected to a hose pack (4) to a robot arm (3) of a welding robot, comprising two coupling elements (6, 7) that is adapted to be detachably connected to each other by means of magnets (8), wherein one coupling element (6) is designed to be connected to the welding torch (2) or to a torch coupling (5) that is adapted to be connected to the welding torch (2), and the other coupling element (7) is designed to be connected to the robot arm (3), and the coupling elements (6, 7) have openings (10, 11), characterized in that the openings (10, 11) in the coupling elements (6, 7) are designed for feeding the hose pack (4) through, and that the coupling element (6) that is adapted to be connected to the welding torch (2) or to the torch coupling (5), or the torch coupling (5) comprises elements (15) to be connected to the hose pack (4).

Abstract: A welding gun driving device is provided with an electric motor, a feed screw mechanism, and a pressure rod axially moved forward and backward via the feed screw mechanism by the electric motor. A rotor of the electric motor is formed into a hollow shape through which the pressure rod is insertable. The feed screw mechanism is provided with a screw shaft fixed to the rotor concentrically with the rotor, and a nut portion screwed to the screw shaft. The pressure rod is provided with the nut portion and a hollow rod portion extending toward the axial front from the nut portion. The rotor is provided, at its inner peripheral face, with a guide portion through which the pressure rod is inserted and supported so as to be relatively rotatable and axially slidable.

Abstract: A wire guide for use in a welding wire feeder is provided. The wire guide may consist of a pair of vertical pins mounted to a wire drive assembly to form a slit through which welding wire is guided toward a set of drive rolls. Another embodiment may consist of a generally conical piece with oblong entrance and exit ends mounted to the wire drive assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of a tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding torch with an improved air cooled handle are provided. The welding torch may include a body, a cable assembly, and a torch head, with a handle placed over the body and the cable assembly. The handle may feature a curved end designed to fit near the torch head without contacting the torch head, providing a closer gripping point to allow greater control of the torch. In addition, the handle may be spaced from the body and the cable assembly to form an air space within the handle through which air may flow to cool the handle.

Abstract: The invention provides a high flow power cable for a welding system designed for effective cooling of the power cable while maintaining maneuverability of the cable. Provided is a power cable having two segments, the first segment being larger in diameter than the second segment. The first segment is generally coupled to the power source and the second segment is coupled to the welding torch. The first segment includes a thicker wire, which has less resistance and dissipates less heat while the second segment includes a thinner wire, allowing for easier handling. Additionally, cooling fluid is conducted through the first segment and the second segment, further cooling the cable.

Abstract: A welding wire feeder including an alignment tongue and groove connection between a clamp arm and a welding drive assembly housing is provided. In certain embodiments, an alignment tongue extends from an end of the clamp arm opposite a pivot point about which the clamp arm rotates relative the assembly housing. A corresponding alignment groove may be formed in the assembly housing to receive the alignment tongue when the clamp arm is rotated such that a drive wheel mounted on the clamp arm contacts a drive wheel mounted on the assembly housing. In addition, a tensioner may be pivoted into a groove in the clamp arm to transfer a compressive force through the clamp arm, forcing the drive wheels together. The alignment tongue and groove may reduce lateral displacement of the clamp arm relative to the assembly housing that may be caused by a force transferred to the clamp arm as the tensioner is pivoted.

Abstract: A method providing a manual welding apparatus configured to supply a welding wire to a welding gun. The welding gun has a trigger and an opening where the welding wire extends when the trigger is activated. The method also has a computer with a user interface that includes an automatic wire retract program. The program monitors the welding gun and determines when the trigger is disabled. The program indicates when a first condition is satisfied and retracts the welding wire so the welding wire does not extend from the opening of the welding gun.

Abstract: A welding machine has a welding unit for generating a welding voltage/current, and at least one welding tool connectable to the welding unit by a cable. The welding unit has a closed protective casing, and a cooling unit for cooling the welding tool and/or cable on command. A modular unit containing the cooling unit is insertable and easily removable from inside the casing and is closed for protection of the welding unit.

Abstract: A welding torch includes a tip connection body, a holding member, a fixing member, and a welding tip. The holding member is displaceable in the axial direction of the tip connection. The fixing member fixes the welding tip in place in the axial direction of the welding tip when the fixing member is in contact with a smaller diameter portion, and the fixing member releases the welding tip when the fixing member is in contact with a larger diameter portion.

Abstract: The present technology relates to adjustment mechanisms for control settings on stud weld tools. Stud welding tools typically have a body that comprises a handle, a front end and a rear end. In one aspect, the present technology relates to plunge adjustment mechanisms for stud welding tools that are located at the front end of a stud welding tool and provide an adjustment knob for manual plunge adjustment. Another aspect of the present technology relates to weld heat adjustment mechanisms for stud welding tools that are located at the rear end of a stud welding tool and provide an adjustment knob for manual weld heat adjustment.

Abstract: An endless-track type mobile climbing vehicle containing a suspension apparatus and tool manipulator to perform trackless, guide-free welding in all positions or other manufacturing tasks. The invention can conform to a wide range of surface irregularities while maintaining contact between the track and adhering members and uniformly distributing the climbing loads on the adhering members giving the system a high payload to weight ratio. The vehicle with tool manipulator provides all necessary tool motion and stabilizes tool motion for tasks with strict requirements such as welding. The invention allows an operator to supervise and control the weld process through a controller. The invention allows the operator to specify weld motion control parameters for five axes and provides closed loop motion control to track the settings input by the welding operator. The invention also provides closed-loop tracking control to maintain the position of the robot along the longitudinal weld seam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are also directed to a web-configuration system that includes at least one processor and one or more tangible, machine-readable media at least collectively including or storing instructions executable by the at least one processor. The instructions include a module configured to limit configuration options for a welding system based on user selection of a power source for the welding system, a module configured to calculate a weld cable size for the welding system based on the user selection of the power source and user selection of an input voltage, a module configured to assign weld cable characteristics based on the weld cable size and a user selected cable length, and a module configured to assemble a welding system order based at least on the user selection of the power source and the weld cable characteristics.

Abstract: A wire guiding liner, in particular a welding wire liner, having a plurality of guiding bodies (10) which are pivotable with respect to each other around a defined pivot axis, is characterized in that at least one biasing means (30) is provided which acts between adjacent guiding bodies (10) so as to push them apart while still allowing the liner to bend under pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power is disclosed and includes a cost calculator.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing an inside of a pipe which performs various works from an inside of a pipe, includes traveling drive units, a working device, rotation support mechanisms, a coupling mechanism, and suspension devices. The traveling drive units are inserted into the inside of the pipe, and the working device is moved in a circumferential direction along the inside of the pipe by the traveling drive units.

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

Abstract: An adjustment aid (29) for a component of a welding device (1) in the form of an element for mounting or fastening on an input and/or output unit (18) of the component, on which element additionally information (31) and/or scale (32) for adjusting a welding process are printed is provided. In order to simplify the adjustment of a certain welding process by the user, it is provided that the element is formed by a flexible element or foil (30) with two openings (33) for mounting or fastening on two rotary knobs (34) of the input and/or output unit (18), the openings each having a first part (38) and a second part (39), wherein the first part (38) of each opening (33) is designed for guiding through a rotary knob (34) and the second part (39) of each opening (33) is formed for fixation between the two rotational axes (37) of the rotatory knobs (34).

Abstract: An arc welding device according to an embodiment carries out welding while repeatedly generating a short circuit state and an arc state between a consumable electrode and a welding member. The arc welding device includes a detection unit and an adjustment unit. The detection unit detects at least one of a length of a short circuit generation period of this time and a length of an arc generation period of this time. The adjustment unit adjusts an increase rate of a short circuit current in a short circuit generation period of next time according to at least one of the length of the short circuit generation period and the length of the arc generation period detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: A welding system is provided for welding a first work piece to a second work piece at a joint having a weld face and a root face. The welding system includes a weld face sensor configured to determine first joint characteristics at the weld face; a root face sensor configured to determine second joint characteristics at the root face; a controller coupled to the weld face sensor and the root face sensor and configured to generate positioning signals based on the first joint characteristics and the second joint characteristics; and a welding gun coupled to the controller and positioned proximate to the weld face, the welding gun configured to generate a welding beam for welding the joint based on the positioning signals from the controller.

Abstract: In a laser welding method for joining a first workpiece to a second workpiece, the first and the second workpieces are brought into contact with each other in a first method step, an intended welding distortion is ascertained in a second method step, and the first and the second workpieces are welded together in a third method step as a function of the welding distortion.

Abstract: A side construction 302 has an outside sheathing 306 and outside sheathing reinforcement members 307A and 307B joined to the outside sheathing 306 interiorly of the outside sheathing 306. The reinforcement member 307A (307B) is shaped like a hat in section. The reinforcement members 307A provided in the vicinity of a window opening portion have a laser welding spacing L1 of 80 mm and each have a hat width of 50 mm, while the reinforcement members 307B provided on other part have a laser welding spacing L1 of 100 mm and each have a hat width of 70 mm. The reinforcement members 307A and 307B each have a height of 25 mm.

Abstract: A collet assembly with a universal collet is provided. One collet assembly of a welding torch includes a collet having an outer diameter and an inner diameter. The inner diameter of the collet is configured to contact a welding electrode disposed through the collet. The welding torch also includes a spacer configured to be disposed in a welding torch head and to compress the collet against the welding electrode to secure the welding electrode in the torch.

Abstract: An welding wire entanglement prevention device disposed in an upper portion of the welding wire stacked unit for preventing the welding wire from being entangled when the welding wire stacked as continuous plural loops, is drawn out from a container, comprises a wire pressing section arranged at an upper portion of a welding wire stacked unit received in a container and in which a central cavity is formed wherein the wire pressing section comprises an upper plate-shaped flexible member made of a magnetic unit and a lower plate-shaped flexible member disposed in a lower portion of the upper plate-shaped flexible member, and the welding wire is drawn out into the cavity between the upper plate-shaped flexible member and the lower plate-shaped flexible member.

Abstract: A method and system for retracting welding wire is provided. One welding torch includes a handle configured to receive welding wire from a wire source and to direct the welding wire to a torch tip. The welding torch also includes a first switch coupled to the handle and configured to cause the welding wire to extend out of the torch tip to expose more wire when the first switch is actuated. The welding torch includes a second switch coupled to the handle and configured to cause the welding wire to retract into the torch tip to expose less wire when the second switch is actuated.

Abstract: A welding device includes a welding torch, a memory, a power supply, an input section, a selector, and a controller. The welding torch includes a welding tip having a feeder for supplying electric power to a welding wire. The memory stores a plurality of welding conditions in which a feeder-work-piece to be welded distance is associated with at least one a length of the wire supplied per unit time, a weight of the wire supplied per unit time, and a set electric current. The power supply supplies electric power between the wire and the work-piece. The input section receives an input of a set value of a feeder-work-piece distance. The selector selects one of the welding conditions stored in the memory based on the set value. The controller controls the power supply based on the welding condition selected by the selector.

Abstract: A welding torch with a welding electrode and a welding electrode holder is provided. One welding torch includes a securing mechanism and an insulated grip. The securing mechanism is configured to secure an exposed central portion of a welding rod bounded by flux covered first and second sides. The securing mechanism is also configured to make electrical contact with the central portion of the rod for arc welding with the first side. The insulated grip is configured to cover the second side of the welding rod.

Abstract: A spark gap device is described such as for use in welding systems. The device receives a high voltage, low current input signal and produces high frequency waveform output. The device includes one or more toroidal members surrounding a rod-like member with an annular gap therebetween. When the input signal is applied to the device, arcs are established in the gap between the toroidal members and the rod-like member, producing the high frequency output. Erosion and loci of arcs between the toroidal members and the rod-like member are distributed, resulting in extended life of the assembly. The gaps are also shielded from contaminants and moisture by an insolative body that maintains the toroidal members and the rod-like member in place with respect to one another.

Abstract: An arc welding torch having a variable electrode receiving aperture including a number of discrete wedges guided within a conical interior surface of a housing to enable the use of electrodes of various diameters without changing components of the torch. An adjusting collar engages the wedges and forms an adjustable opening for an electrode to be inserted therein. Rotation of a tailpiece of the torch handle adjusts the position of the wedges and secures the electrode in position.

Abstract: An arc welding apparatus welds a bracket held by a welding head to a pipe by arc welding. A hollow tubular member is provided in the bracket, which tubular member is formed in a hollow conical shape or funnel, so that the diameter thereof increases from the bracket to an open mouth therein. The open mouth of the tubular member of the bracket held by the welding head is pulled up from a condition of being in contact with the pipe, an electric arc is generated between the mouth of the tubular member and the pipe to effect melting, and the open mouth is pressed against the pipe, whereupon the bracket is welded to the pipe.

Abstract: A contact tip includes a first threaded section and a first non-threaded section. The length of the first non-threaded section is at least a fifth of the length of the first threaded section along a longitudinal axis. The contact tip further includes a first contact surface. A diffuser includes a second non-threaded section and a second threaded section configured to mate with the first threaded section of the contact tip. The diffuser further includes a second contact surface. The first non-threaded section is configured to elongate along the longitudinal axis as the first threaded section is screwed into the second threaded section past a point where the first contact surface and the second contact surface have established contact.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the manufacture of welded components, the apparatus comprising welding means (100) at the welding location, means for supporting a substrate (104) to be welded by the welding means (100) at the welding location and machining means (102) arranged to machine the surface of a so-welded component; the apparatus characterised by including: a debris sorter comprising a debris collector (106) for receiving, when in use, machined debris from the surface of a welded component, the debris collector (106) being connected to a debris separator (110) for separating the machined debris by type into at least a first outlet path A and a second outlet path B.

Abstract: A consumable electrode arc welding method includes: setting an optimal voltage and an increasing slope of a short circuit current to correspond to a setting current; feeding a consumable electrode wire; and alternately generating a short circuit condition and an arc condition, thereby carrying out welding, wherein the short circuit current is controlled by changing the increasing slope of the short circuit current according to a difference between the setting voltage and the optimal voltage when the setting voltage is different from the optimal voltage. With this, the increasing slope of the short circuit current and the current value corresponding to the inflection point of the short circuit current are automatically changed.

Abstract: Welding systems including a welding device adapted to be utilized in a welding operation to establish a welding arc and a position detection system adapted to measure a parameter indicative of a position of the welding device are provided. Such welding systems may also include a controller adapted to receive feedback from the position detection system regarding the position of the welding device in at least two axes and to selectively transition control of the welding system between a first set of operational parameters and a second set of operational parameters based on changes in the received feedback during a welding operation.

Abstract: A welding wire feeder having a multiple motor drive standard is provided. The welding wire feeder may be coupled to one of a plurality of electric motor assemblies, and a user may select the electric motor assembly to be used from a menu of electric motor assemblies on a user interface or may enter customized configuration parameters for the electric motor assembly on the user interface. The control circuitry of the welding wire feeder may then be properly configured backed upon which electric motor assembly is selected or based upon the customized configuration parameters entered.

Abstract: Welding wire feed systems include a wire feeder including a push motor and a welding torch assembly including a pull motor are provided. The push motor is adapted to establish a wire feed from a wire spool, and a first controller is adapted to receive a commanded speed level and to control operation of the push motor to operate at the commanded speed level. The pull motor is adapted to cooperate with the push motor to establish a desired wire feed rate from the wire spool to the welding torch assembly. A second controller is adapted to receive an operational speed level of the push motor from the first controller and to control operation of the pull motor to operate at the received operational speed of the push motor.

Abstract: A method of welding plate joints during construction or repair of a structure. The method includes the steps of: (a) positioning a series of plates forming a structure component next to one another to form a series of joints for welding; (b) positioning a welding system on or adjacent to the series of plates, the welding system including a platform with an articulating welding arm positioned thereon, wherein the articulating arm comprises a welding head and a joint sensor; (c) directing the articulating arm with a controller to detect a first joint with the joint sensor; (d) beginning to weld the first joint; (e) adjusting the position of the welding head to track the weld joint based on data from the joint sensor; and (f) repositioning the articulating arm and positioning the welding head adjacent a second weld joint to begin welding the second joint.

Abstract: A welding system for welding with wire is disclosed that includes a torque motor in a wire feeder and a pull motor in a welding torch. A wire feed speed may be set by an operator at a power supply or on a wire feeder. Based upon calibration of the pull motor in the torch, upon startup of the welding operation, signals are provided to a pull motor and the torch in an open loop manner with respect to the speed of the pull motor, while the torque motor is driven to maintain a feed force on the welding wire to ensure that the pull motor has welding wire available for feeding. No other coordination is required between the torque motor and the pull motor.

Abstract: A rotary robotic welding torch that enables the welding process in a robotic unit. The rotary welding torch allows for clockwise and counterclockwise rotation during the welding process, while being supplied with an uninterrupted supply of inert gas and electrical current. The rotary robotic welding torch may also be supplied with an uninterrupted supply of coolant and/or electrode/filler wire during the welding process.

Abstract: A method of welding a joint includes directing a first output from a high energy density heat source, such as a laser, against a first side of the joint. The method further includes directing a second output from an arc welding heat source, such as a gas metal arc welding torch, against a second side of the joint. The first output produces a keyhole surrounded by a molten metal pool which extends from the first side of the joint toward the second side of the joint. In some embodiments a third output from a second arc welding heat source may also be directed at the first side of the joint. A second molten metal pool produced by the arc welding heat source joins with the first molten metal pool and the third molten metal pool to form a common molten metal pool which solidifies to form the weld.

Abstract: A data structure for weld programs associates configuration data for a welding system with a plurality of weld programs and weld sequence data. The data structure allows the welding system to be configured for a particular part, operator, or stage in a welding process, and to be easily reconfigured when the part, operator, or stage changes, providing improved efficiency and flexibility in operation.

Abstract: A welding gun is provided that can endure high loads due to increasing the lead of the ball screw, while also being able to achieve a reduction in the size of a motor driving the ball screw. A welding gun equipped with a servo motor (10) as a drive source, includes: a hollow rod (43) that causes a moveable electrode tip (62) to advance and retract, a ball nut (42) that is coupled to the hollow rod (43), and a ball screw (41) that threadedly engages with the ball nut (42), in which a planetary gear reduction mechanism (70) is attached to the output shaft of the servo motor (10), and the ball screw (41) is attached to the output shaft of the reduction mechanism.