Abstract: A welder having an internal shielding gas regulator is disclosed. The welder has an internal gas cylinder and an internal regulator disposed in an enclosure. The welder may be equipped with an auxiliary shielding gas cylinder inlet so that a bulk shielding gas cylinder can be attached thereto and have a flow therefrom regulated by the internal shielding gas regulator. The welder constructed according to the invention is highly transportable, compact, and self-sufficient.

Abstract: A copper plating-free solid wire assembly for gas-shielded arc welding includes a spool, a contact tip, and a solid wire wound around the spool. The wire is composed of 0.03-0.10 wt % C, 0.45-1.05 wt % Si, 0.90-1.90 wt % Mn, less than 0.030 wt % P, less than 0.030 wt % S, and the remainder including Fe and impurities, and a cast diameter reduction ratio according to consumption of a wire, which is defined by the following equation, is equal to or less than 0.55: Cast - diameter ? ? reduction ? ? ratio ? ? according ? ? to ? ? wire ? ? consumption = Cf - Co Cf where Cf represents the cast diameter of the wire wound around an upper portion of the spool, and Co represents the cast diameter of the wire wound around a lower portion of the spool.

Abstract: An invention is provided which contains a pressure isolation chamber coupled to a shielding gas system such that some of the shielding gas is directed to the isolation chamber and as the pressure in the shielding gas system decreases the pressure within the chamber decreases. The chamber is coupled to a pressure sensor or switch, which senses the pressure in the pressure isolation chamber. The pressure isolation chamber is blocked by a normally-closed valve such that if the system pressure increases, the pressure within the pressure isolation chamber does not increase accordingly, until the normally-closed valve is opened to allow the pressure in the pressure isolation chamber to equalize with the system pressure. The pressure switch is coupled to a control system such that when the pressure senses that the pressure in the pressure isolation chamber drops below a threshold the control system and/or the pressure switch ceases the welding operation so that a defective weld can not be created.

Abstract: A protective gas supply device for on-site supply of workplaces is provided, in which a liquid argon reservoir, a liquid oxygen reservoir or a liquid carbon dioxide reservoir, and a helium supply are connected to first and second mixers supplying gas to site workplaces. The liquid argon reservoir and the liquid oxygen or carbon dioxide reservoir are connected to the feed side of the first mixer via lines, and the discharge side of the first mixer is connected to at least one workplace and to the feed side of a second mixer. The feed side of the second mixer also receives helium from the helium supply, and the discharge side of the second mixer is connected to at least one additional workplace. The invention permits economical mixing and supply of variable protective gas mixtures to work stations in an on-site environment.

Abstract: Methods of arc welding and an arc welding assembly comprise a power source configured to provide a welding current, and a single weld housing. The weld housing comprises a welding torch, which comprises a consumable electrode wire. The welding torch defining an elongated member configured to utilize the welding current to melt at least part of the consumable electrode wire and provide welding current to the work piece. The weld housing further comprises a bypass torch defining an elongated member configured to divert a portion of the welding current away from the work piece while allowing other portions of the current to flow to the work piece.

Abstract: A flexible articulate tubular device has a shank, a plurality of pivot rings, and a terminus with heat sensors and a fiber optic device. The flexible articulate tubular device is initially positioned, either manually or automatically, near a target weld path with the aid of the fiber optic device. The flexible articulate tubular device is then more precisely articulated to direct the terminus along the target weld path, with the aid of the heat sensors. As such, the flexible articulate tubular device operates in a heat seeking manner to follow the weld bead. Ultimately, a gaseous flux is supplied along the flexible articulate tubular device and toward the target weld path, so as to blast the weld bead with an anti-oxidation shield gas and thereby protect the weld.

Abstract: A method of gas-shielded metal arc joining using a consumable electrode having an alternating polarity (GMA-AC). A shielding gas containing helium is used to improve process stability and working speed.

Abstract: A method of brazing galvanized metal parts such as those used for motor vehicle elements or container components. The parts are joined together to create a brazed joint by using at least one electric arc, a metal filler wire, and a gas shield. The gas shield contains hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and argon.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for a hybrid laser beam and electric arc welding process. A laser beam, an electric arc, a shielding gas and a consumable welding wire are used to create a weld on a steel work piece by melting the welding wire. The weld contains 30 to 1000 ppm titanium by weight, at least 0.7% manganese by weight, 50 to 1000 ppm oxygen by weight, and less than 10% nickel. The welding wire is either solid welding wire or cored welding wire, and may contain, in varying percentages: titanium, manganese, iron, nickel, boron, molybdenum, carbon or chromium.

Abstract: A welding system comprises a combined torch that includes a consumable electrode and a non-consumable electrode positioned so that their respective axes form an acute angle and so that arcs initiated from the electrodes intersect a workpiece plane to define an impingement point distance D, and a magnetic mechanism coupled to the torch and used for controlling the distance D during welding. The magnetic mechanism may be a magnetic shield inserted between the electrodes, or a separate magnetic device, e.g. a permanent magnet or electromagnet.

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: The invention relates to a shielding gas for use in the arc welding of metallic work pieces. The invention further relates to a process for the arc welding of metallic work pieces using consumable electrodes, whereby a shielding gas stream is supplied to the work piece adjacent to the electrode. According to the invention, for shielding gases recommended for use in the MSG welding, preferably the MAG welding, of rust-proof steels, especially nickel-based materials, specialty steels, or high-alloy steels, a) if the shielding gas contains no helium, it contains carbon dioxide in a proportion of between 0.001% by volume and 1.9% by volume and b) if the shielding gas does contain helium, it contains carbon dioxide in a proportion of between 0.001% by volume and 0.9% by volume, in addition to argon, nitrogen, and, if applicable, helium.

Abstract: In joining heterogeneous materials that differ in their melting points, a shielding gas mixture with active gas content is utilized. In particular, the shielding gas mixture contains helium and active gasses in the vpm range (0.005 to 0.5% by volume). These shielding gases to lead to the production of high quality joints when joining aluminum and steel.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for gas metal arc welding of coated steels, and a shielding gas therefor, in which the method comprises: (a) forming an arc between a consumable wire electrode and a coated steel workpiece; (b) maintaining a substantially constant arc voltage between said consumable wire electrode and the coated steel workpiece; (c) feeding the consumable wire electrode through a welding torch contact tube into said arc; (d) transferring metal from the consumable wire electrode to the coated steel workpiece; and (e) shielding the arc with a gas mixture consisting essentially of: (i) from 6 to 10 volume percent carbon dioxide; (ii) from 6 to 10 volume percent helium; and (iii) the balance argon.

Abstract: A self-adhesive purge dam for retaining purge gas around a weld zone includes a base configured to substantially obstruct an air passage leading to the weld zone and an adhesive skirt extending from the base and configured to engage portions of the air passage. An adhesive on the adhesive skirt allows the skirt to be adhered to the air passage. An optional removable backing covers the adhesive prior to installation. The purge dam is installed by peeling the removable backing (if present) and exposing the adhesive for adhesion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for initiating an arc (e.g., a welding arc) by placing liquid droplets containing ions in the gap between an electrode and a workpiece. This is done while a potential difference is applied between the electrode and the workpiece. The presence of the ions renders the gap between the electrode and the workpiece more conductive, thereby reducing the voltage threshold needed to initiate an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. When the voltage threshold reaches the level of the applied potential difference, the arc will be initiated.

Abstract: Method of welding titanium using gas metal arc welding procedure where the shielding for the weld included torch shielding gas only and no trailing or backup shielding. The technique used here is a departure from known titanium welding specifications wherein extensive shielding is required.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a composition and process for employing a shielding gas in arc welding. The disclosed composition includes oxygen in an amount between about 0.6% and about 1.9%, helium in an amount between about 10% and about 24%, and the remainder consisting essentially of argon. The invention can be used in high-speed automated welding to result in significantly improved welding speed, joint fit-up tolerance, and burn-through minimization while maintaining excellent mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: A method of working metal in which molten metal particles are ejected from, for example, a welding electrode or from a metal workpiece being cut or drilled. The ejected molten metal particles are caused to pass through a contact region in which they make contact with a cryogen, for example, liquid nitrogen or solid carbon dioxide. The contact renders the particles non-adherent to any adjacent surface to which the particles would otherwise adhere. Alternatively, the adjacent surface may be cooled by contact with a cryogen so as to render the particles non-adherent thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is generally comprised of a tube adaptor, a chamber, a chamber pressure sensor, a calibration pressure sensor, an iris valve, an iris valve drive means, and a control and data processing means. In a calibration mode, the calibration pressure sensor measures the purge pressure at the abutment of two flow elements, while concurrently measuring the corresponding pressure at the chamber pressure sensor. In the welding mode, the calibration pressure sensor is removed, and the corresponding pressure within the chamber is maintained throughout the welding process to affect the geometry of the molten weld bead.

Abstract: The inventive system and method allows the control of shielding gas in an electric welding apparatus having automatic wire feed by controlling the flow rate of the shielding gas as a function of the wire feeding speed and/or the welding current obtained. A control circuit 112 receives an input signal 203 that is representative for the wire feeding speed and/or the welding current, and issues, in response to the input signal 203, a control signal 206 to a controllable flow control valve 110 in a gas supply line 201, 202, 208, which passes shielding gas from a tank 101, via a regulator valve 102, to a discharge nozzle of the welding apparatus welding gun. An adjusting unit 113 provides an operator with an interface which permits adjustment of the parameters that determine the flow rate function.

Abstract: These shielding gas flow-control devices avoid weld start quality problems often created in typical GMAW systems. They accomplished this while maintaining the common high pressure gas delivery pressures. Higher pressures maintain automatic flow compensation when gas restrictions occur while welding. A measured amount of extra shielding gas is quickly delivered at the weld start to displace air that enters the welding torch body and cable when welding is stopped. They also provide extra gas to purge the air in the weld start area. The extra gas is provided without excess gas flow velocity that, if present, causes air to be pulled into the shielding gas stream. These unique devices control gas flow while being located in, on or in close proximity to the wire feeder. A simple method of limiting gas flow adjustment is also included. These systems also minimize shielding gas waste which often occurs at the weld start.

Abstract: This device significantly reduces a major reason for shielding gas waste in MIG welding. When welding is stopped, excess gas is stored in the hose transporting shielding gas to the solenoid located in a welding system. At subsequent weld starts, this stored gas creates a high surge flow wasting gas. Prior methods employed to reduce gas waste at the weld start have been complex, subject to leaks, were not sufficiently robust for the environment, did not provide shielding gas savings for welds longer than 3 to 4 seconds, were useful for limited delivery hose lengths or reduced the self compensating flow features inherent in higher delivery pressure systems. The device includes a compact variable flow-control that is inserted in a shielding gas delivery hose at a predetermined distance from the solenoid end to reduce gas waste and provide a controlled amount of extra gas at the weld start.

Abstract: An electric arc welding torch having a central conductive contact tube for electrical contact between a power source and a welding wire moving through the contact tube toward a workpiece, a conductive sleeve concentric with the tube to define an annular chamber between the tube and the sleeve, a first dielectric barrier sleeve fixed on the conductive sleeve and a second dielectric sleeve on the tube where the dielectric sleeves are spaced from each other to define an annular gas passage extending around the moving wire and terminals to connect a high frequency power source between the tube and the conductive sleeve to create a dielectric barrier discharge plasma issuing from the gas passage. This torch is used in a novel welding method where the shielding gas envelope around the arc is a plasma.

Abstract: In a process for the production of a shielding gas mixture argon is withdrawn from a liquid argon supply, vaporized and mixed with a gas premix. The gas premix contains helium and/or argon and a doping gas. A shielding gas mixture prepared this way is outstandingly suited, especially because of the helium content, for arc welding of aluminum and aluminum alloys.

Abstract: A welder having an integrated gas cylinder is disclosed. The welder has a power source constructed to condition and output an electrical signal suitable to welding and a gas cylinder disposed in an enclosure.

Abstract: A shielding gas for gas shielded metal-arc welding or brazing with multiple (in particular 2) wire electrodes, one common melting bath, and multiple power sources. Such shielding gases contain, for example, a small percentage of carbon dioxide or doping gas and possibly hydrogen, 10%–75% helium, with the remainder argon. The process is applicable to aluminum materials and low alloy or high alloy steels, for example.

Abstract: A liquid and gas separator to generate a shielding gas from the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The liquid and gas separator can be a separate portable component or a component that is integrated with the arc welder.

Abstract: A positionable welding torch for a welding system is featured. The torch comprises a torch head, a handle, and a flexible portion coupled to the torch head and the handle. The flexible portion is adapted to enable the torch head to be positioned relative to the handle. The flexible portion has a first end, a second end, and a rigid restraining member adapted to cooperate with the first and second ends to limit the relative displacement of the first and second ends. The restraining member may comprise a restraining portion adapted to abut one of the first and second end portions. The restraining member also may comprise a biasing portion adapted to bias the restraining portion into engagement with one of the first and second end portions. A method for assembling a welding torch having a restraining member also is featured.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus, in particular a laser hybrid welding head (1) for a laser hybrid welding process, in which a laser (4) or laser optics or an optical focussing unit and elements of a welding torch (5) for an arc welding process and/or a feed device for a welding wire as well as a device for generating a cross jet (8) connected by at least an incoming line (9) and an outgoing line (10) to a compressed air supply system, are mounted on at least one mounting element (2). The incoming line (9) and the outgoing line (10) carrying compressed air for the cross jet (8) are disposed between the two components, in particular the laser (4) and laser optics or the optical focussing unit and the elements of the welding torch (5) or feed device for the welding wire (21).

Abstract: A method of gas-shielded metal arc joining using a consumable electrode having an alternating polarity (GMA-AC). A shielding gas containing helium is used to improve process stability and working speed.

Abstract: A weld wire of the present invention comprises a steel sheath encapsulating a fluxed core having a combination of fluxing compounds and alloying elements. The fluxing compounds comprise up to 2% Wt of fluoride compounds and up to 49% Wt of oxide compounds. The alloying elements comprise Mn, Ni, Co, Ti and up to about 0.98% Wt of C. The amount of Co is sufficient to produce a ferrite-bainite weld metal morphology of a resulting weld. A yield strength of the resulting weld was measured from about 95 ksi to about 111 ksi.

Abstract: Method of welding titanium using gas metal arc welding procedure where the shielding for the weld included torch shielding gas only and no trailing or backup shielding. The technique used here is a departure from known titanium welding specifications wherein extensive shielding is required.

Abstract: A shielding gas filter that can be readily incorporated into a gas shielding system for an arc welding apparatus. The gas shielding filter is readily installed to the system upstream of a gas solenoid valve and removes any potentially harmful particles from the supply of the shielding gas to prevent those particles from entering the gas solenoid valve. The shielding gas filter includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet and a specially formed passageway that communicates between the inlet and the outlet. A filter screen is retained within the housing to filter out the particles larger than a predetermined size. Preferably, the filter screen is constructed of stainless steel and filters out particles larger than about 100 microns.

Abstract: A core composition of a metal-cored wire comprising a combination of graphite and potassium compounds has been proven to stabilize the arc in a straight polarity welding configuration. In particular, adding a combination of graphite and potassium manganese titanate (K2MnTiO4) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4) in the preferred combination of graphite and potassium compounds from the range of about 0.3% to about 5.

Abstract: A MIG torch includes a contact tube and an auxiliary electrode made from carbon, which is electrically connected to the contact tube. In a start phase, a primary welding arc is started between an MIG wire and a workpiece, with stationary wire. The primary arc melts a small portion of the MIG wire, but then reaches the auxiliary electrode, and keeps on burning there stationary, wherein the workpiece does melt but not the MIG wire. When a welding pool is sufficiently large, the wire feed is started.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for short circuit welding, or a gas source therefor, includes providing a pulse gas to a welding location and initiating a short circuit welding process. The type of gas being provided is changed after the process has been established. Alternatively, it includes a gas source therefor, and further includes mixing at least two types of gas components and providing the mixture to a welding location, and initiating a short circuit welding process. The mixture is subsequently changed. The process can be a hybrid welding including providing short arc type welding power and intermittently providing pulse type welding power.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is a composition and process for employing a shielding gas in arc welding. The disclosed composition includes oxygen in an amount between about 0.6% and about 1.9%, helium in an amount between about 10% and about 24%, and the remainder consisting essentially of argon. The invention can be used in high-speed automated welding to result in significantly improved welding speed, joint fit-up tolerance, and burn-through minimization while maintaining excellent mechanical characteristics.

Abstract: In a brazing apparatus, a shutoff valve for an inert purge gas used to protect a copper-based workpiece during brazing, includes a pivoting arm that supports a brazing torch when not in use. When the torch rests on the arm, the purge valve is closed. Conversely, when the torch is removed from the arm for use during brazing, the valve opens to permit purge gas to flow through the workpiece.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for plasma MIG welding or TIG MIG welding are disclosed. They include a plasma or TIG torch for following along a weld path by a MIG torch (or the order may be reversed). A constant distance may be maintained between the torches, and the angle of the torches, relative to the workpiece, may vary. The MIG process is performed EP or EN in various embodiments.

Abstract: In carbon dioxide arc welding by use of shielding gas comprised of carbon dioxide as main component, a welding wire that enables spray transfer of globules, and provides an excellent bead shape in addition to reduction of amount of spatters even in a high-speed welding, and a welding method using the welding wire are proposed.

Abstract: A welding shield system for reducing air movement about a welding area thereby allowing gas metal arc welding to be utilized in high air flow environments. The welding shield system includes a main body having an upper opening, a plurality of arm members extending from the main body, and a securing device attached to each of the arm members. The main body is positionable over the welding area thereby deflecting air flow thereto while allowing the welding gun to be inserted through the upper opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding gas for use in the arc welding of metallic work pieces. The invention further relates to a process for the arc welding of metallic work pieces using consumable electrodes, whereby a shielding gas stream is supplied to the work piece adjacent to the electrode.

Abstract: A welding torch assembly includes a torch body, a plurality of quick connect fittings and an elongated electrically insulated handle. The torch body includes a plurality of utility supply lines extending from the torch body with one of the quick connect fittings coupled at an end of each of the utility supply lines. The handle is shaped to engage at least a portion of the torch body and extend over at least one of the fittings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shielding gas for use in the arc welding of metallic work pieces. The invention further relates to a process for the arc welding of metallic work pieces using consumable electrodes, whereby a shielding gas stream is supplied to the work piece adjacent to the electrode.

Abstract: The invention describes an apparatus, in particular a laser hybrid welding head (1) for a laser hybrid welding process, in which a laser (4) or laser optics or an optical focussing unit and elements of a welding torch (5) for an arc welding process and/or a feed device for a welding wire as well as a device for generating a cross jet (8) connected by at least an incoming line (9) and an outgoing line (10) to a compressed air supply system, are mounted on at least one mounting element (2). The incoming line (9) and the outgoing line (10) carrying compressed air for the cross jet (8) are disposed between the two components, in particular the laser (4) and laser optics or the optical focussing unit and the elements of the welding torch (5) or feed device for the welding wire (21).

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 K2 MnTiO4, 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: A dual-electrode arc welding apparatus includes a body assembly adapted to be coupled to a source of electric power and directing two wire electrodes through a nozzle assembly to an associated workpiece at a working end of the apparatus. The body assembly is provided at a distal end with an adapter which channels the electrodes respectively through passages of a tip assembly in electrical contact with the adapter and the body assembly for conducting electric power to the electrodes. The tip assembly is removable from the adapter without removing the nozzle assembly and, upon removal of the nozzle assembly, the adapter is removable from the body assembly. The tip assembly may include a single tip body with dual passages therethrough or two discrete tips separately mounted on the adapter by either threaded engagement therewith or by being slidably received in externally threaded nipples and secured by collet nuts. Similarly, the adapter may be collet-mounted or threadedly engaged with the body assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for increasing the permeabilities of central portions of tubular wrappers which form part of successive filter cigarettes of double unit length being turned out by a tipping machine. The central portions of the wrappers include adhesive-coated uniting bands which are convoluted around filter mouthpieces in a first portion of a rolling channel for successive filter cigarettes. A perforating unit which employs laser beams is set up to simultaneously perforate the central portions of the wrappers of several successive cigarettes in a second portion which immediately follows or partially overlaps the first portion of the channel. Each wrapper can be provided with two or more annular arrays of perforations.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for welding a metal component to a metal workpiece. The component typically comprises a metal weld region and a threaded connector region and the apparatus includes a weld head comprising a nozzle for holding the weld region of the component adjacent the workpiece. The weld head induces a weld arc between the weld region of the component and the workpiece to create a weld pool of molten material. The weld head subsequently moves the weld region into the weld pool to permanently join the component to the workpiece. The apparatus further comprises a pressurized fluid source and a fluid flow control means for directing the pressurized fluid between the weld head and the component an weld pool so as to deflect any airborne fluid residue of the weld pool away from the connector region of the component.