Abstract: A hybrid welding method capable of improving arc stability and improving the welding speed and the welding efficiency is provided. A hybrid welding method includes generating a TIG arc on a leading side in a welding direction and generating a MIG arc on a trailing side in the welding direction to weld a base metal, in which a TIG current is set to be higher than a MIG current so as to continuously generate arcs in a TIG electrode and a MIG electrode, and an absolute value of a distance from an intersection between a central axis of the TIG electrode and a surface of the base metal to an intersection between a central axis of the MIG electrode and the surface of the base metal is 20 mm or less.

Abstract: A nozzle protection cap for an arc plasma torch comprises a front end section and a rear end section with a thread region on its inner surface for screwing to a torch body of an arc plasma torch. At least one groove crosses the thread region on the inner surface. A nozzle protection cap holder for the arc plasma torch comprises a section with a thread region on its outer surface for screwing to the nozzle protection cap. At least one groove crosses the thread region on its outer surface. An arc plasma torch comprises a torch body and a nozzle protection cap screwed thereto in a screw connection region. The torch body and/or the nozzle protection cap is/are designed so that at least one channel is formed between them, the channel crossing the screw connection region.

Abstract: A simulator facilitates virtual welding activity of pipe and open root weld joints. The simulator may include a logic processor based system operable to execute coded instructions for generating an interactive welding environment that emulates welding activity on a section of virtual pipe having at least one virtual weld joint. It also includes a display connected to the logic processor based system for visually depicting the interactive welding environment, wherein the display depicts the section of virtual pipe. A mock welding tool is provided for performing virtual welding activity on the at least one weld joint in real time where one or more sensors are adapted to track movement of the input device in real time for communicating data about the movement of the input device to the logic processor based system.

Abstract: Electrodes for depositing hardfacing alloys containing boron, carbon, chromium, manganese, and silicon on the surface of metal components that are subjected to high thermal and mechanical stresses. The deposited hardfacing alloys have from about 2.5 to about 14.0 atomic weight percent boron and have a hardness on the Rockwell “C” scale of at least about 65 HRC in the first layer of the weld deposit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for closing an aperture on a blade of a gas turbine, wherein the blade of the gas turbine comprises a tip end with a top surface and a bottom surface. The aperture is formed on the tip end of the blade, and the aperture includes a peripheral edge. The method includes closing the aperture with a weld formed by means of a Tungsten Inert Gas(TIG) welding process without an insert placed in the aperture. With the technical solution of the present invention, it provides a simple and cost effective solution to close the aperture on the tip end of the blade, dispensing with the conventionally utilized “letter-box”, insert, tip cap and the like. In view of this, process of closing the aperture may be simplified, and the cost incurred may be reduced. Further, premature failure of the blade is prevented.

Abstract: A portable plasma arc torch system can be used for processing materials. The system includes a replaceable or rechargeable power source and replaceable or rechargeable gas source. A controller communicates with at least one of the power source or the gas source. A plasma delivery device received via the controller current from the power source and gas from the gas source to generate a plasma arc at an output of the plasma delivery device. The plasma arc can be used to process materials such as metallic workpieces. The plasma arc torch can include a wearable portable assembly which includes the replaceable or rechargeable power and gas source. A plasma delivery device receives current from the power source in the assembly and gas from the gas source in the assembly to generate a plasma arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid-solution strengthened iron-nickel alloy with a high level of ductility and an expansion coefficient <5×10?6/K in the temperature range between room temperature and ?200° C. Said alloy consists of (in wt. %): between 0.005 and 0.05% of C; <0.02% of S; between 1 and 2% of Cr; between 35 and 38% of Ni; between 0.3 and 1.5% of Mn; <0.5% of Si; between 1.0 and 3.5% of ?Mo+W; between 0.2 and 1.0% of Ti; between 0.2 and 1.0% of Nb; <0.02% of P; and between 1.0 and 4.0% of Co; Fe constituting the remainder, in addition to production-related impurities.

Abstract: A method for metalworking using an adjustable vacuum and support system for evacuating particulate matter, smoke, excess gas, and molten metal from a work area during welding and for providing adjustable support to a welding head. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. An adjustable mounting bracket has a first portion fixed to the vacuum head and a second portion securable to the welding head. The bracket arrangement establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. The support surface can be a base bevel surface at the tip of the nozzle, and an opposed suction bevel surface can have a nozzle aperture interposed therealong.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of laser diode unit of the present invention includes steps: placing a laser diode on top of a solder member formed on a mounting surface of a submount, applying a pressing load to the laser diode and pressing the laser diode against the solder member, next, melting the solder member by heating the solder member at a temperature higher than a melting point of the solder member while the pressing load is being applied, and thereafter, bonding the laser diode to the submount by cooling and solidifying the solder member, thereafter, removing the pressing load, and softening the solidified solder member by heating the solder member at a temperature lower than the melting point of the solder member after the pressing load has been removed, and thereafter cooling and re-solidifying the solder member.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an adapter kit is provided in which a welding torch having a single nozzle structure is switched to a welding torch having a double nozzle structure. In an adapter kit (20A) which is installed in a switchable manner in a welding torch (1A) having a single nozzle structure, the present invention includes an attachment (7A) which is mounted to the torch body (5) in a state where the torch nozzle (inner nozzle) (6A) is inserted into the attachment after the gasket is removed and in which a flow channel that supplies a second shielding gas is provided, and an outer nozzle (8A) that is mounted to the attachment (7A) surrounding the periphery of the torch nozzle (6A) and discharges a second shielding gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of preparing a material for welding. The material is prepared by utilizing a laser to obliterate contaminants from the material surface.

Abstract: A nozzle for a liquid-cooled plasma torch, comprising a nozzle bore for the exit of a plasma gas jet at a nozzle tip, a first portion, the outer surface of which is substantially cylindrical, and a second portion adjacent thereto towards the nozzle tip, the outer surface of which tapers substantially conically towards the nozzle tip, wherein at least one liquid supply groove and/or at least one liquid return groove is/are provided and extend over the second portion in the outer surface of the nozzle (4) towards the nozzle tip, and wherein the liquid supply groove or at least one of the liquid supply grooves and/or a liquid return groove or at least one of the liquid return grooves also extends/extend over part of the first portion, and there is in the first portion at least one groove which communicates with the liquid supply groove or at least one of the liquid supply grooves or with the liquid return groove or at least one of the liquid return grooves.

Abstract: A shielding cup used in connection with a welding torch having a torch head that defines gas outlets for supplying an inert gas to an electrode, the shielding cup including an attachment portion adapted to attach to the torch head; and a nozzle portion extending downward from the attachment portion, wherein the nozzle portion has a depth adapted to be received within the groove and defines an enclosed volume substantially surrounding the electrode, the nozzle portion being open at an outward end, wherein the nozzle portion is adapted to channel the inert gas from the torch head within the volume defined by the nozzle portion.

Abstract: In a process to connect components, especially metal components (1, 2), by at least one welding process, the components (1, 2) are at first brought together, or joined together, and are then simultaneously welded together at—at least—two differently located joining spots (3, 4) by a laser welding process and with the aid of robot control.

Abstract: For a WIG/TIG welding torch, gas distribution across a cross-section of the gas lens and/or the gas nozzle, is improved and as small a size and as low a weight of the components as possible can be achieved, when an insertion element with a bore in the center through which an electrode is to be guided is arranged, with fan-shaped flow elements being positioned around the bore and twisted relative to the plane of the bore so as to provide for radial deviation of a gas flowing therethrough. The gas lens consists of a base body having a gas distribution channel with at least one gas-lens filter, with an above-described insertion element being arranged in the gas-distribution channel, and with a gas-lens filter, seen in the out-flow direction of the gas, being arranged downstream of the insertion element.

Abstract: A method of welding a circuit conductor and one of a plurality of terminals of an electronic component of a control apparatus by melting and joining by a welding arc from a first electrode of a micromini TIG welder, the method includes: using the electronic component including the terminals which are apart from each other; and arc-welding while only the one of the plurality of the terminals of the electronic component of the control apparatus which is to be welded and the circuit conductor to be welded are sandwiched by an earth clamp jig serving as a second electrode so that the one of the plurality of the terminals of the electronic component of the control apparatus which is to be welded and the circuit conductor to be welded are grounded.

Abstract: An austenitic steel welded joint is produced by gas tungsten arc welding an austenitic steel base metal with a welding material of austenitic steel having a composition comprising: C?0.1%; Si?0.8%; Mn: 1.5 to 5.5%; Ni: 8 to 15%; Cr: 18 to 24%; Al<0.05%; N: 0.15 to 0.35%; and one or more of V?0.5%, Nb?0.5%, and Mo?4.5% if necessary, the balance being Fe and impurities that contain O?0.02%, P?0.05%, and S?0.03%. The chemical composition satisfies [413?462(C+N)?9.2Si?8.1 Mn?13.7Cr?9.5Ni?18.5Mo??70]. The amount of ferrite of the weld metal is 20% or less in area ratio. The welded joint has high strength and excellent hydrogen embrittlement resistance and is useful in high-pressure hydrogen gas piping where no postweld heat treatment is performed.

Abstract: An improved electrode for use in a plasma arc torch. The electrode includes an electrode body, a cavity in a front face at a first end of the electrode body, and an insert disposed in the cavity. The first end of the electrode body is formed of high purity copper containing at least 99.81% copper. The insert has a first end and a second end and is formed of a high emissivity material. A diameter of the first end of the insert is less than a diameter of a second end of the insert. An electrode is compressed to retain the insert using radial compression. The invention also includes a method for forming the electrode, and a method of operation of an electrode in a plasma torch.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically controlling gas pressure for a plasma cutter includes a plasma torch, a gas supply system to provide a pressurized gas to the plasma torch, and a proportional valve configured to regulate the pressurized gas. The proportional valve includes a body, a valve seat positioned therein and defining a valve orifice, and a plunger having a mating surface on one end that mates with the valve seat and the orifice and a pressure receiving surface on an opposite end. The proportional valve also includes an inlet to receive the pressurized gas and distribute the pressurized gas to the valve orifice and the pressure receiving surface of the plunger, an electrical solenoid having a chamber to electro-magnetically translate the plunger therein, and a bias urging the plunger toward the valve orifice in conjunction with the pressurized gas when electrical power is reduced to the electrical solenoid.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for producing a connection grid with an integrated fuse. The device includes a means for supporting the connection grid, a laser head, and a nozzle for supplying fuse wire. The means for supporting the connection grid is a support having a housing that is suitable for receiving a portion of the fuse in the space formed between two symmetrical arms of the connection grid. The support having an overall shape of a hollow half-cylinder, by a curved base and two lateral ribs standing on the base, and an upper surface of which is turned down by chamfering of the housing side. The laser head and nozzle are mechanically connected to a system of robotized shafts.

Abstract: An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head comprise an elongated electrode holder with a front surface on the electrode tip and a hole arranged in the electrode tip along a central axis through the electrode holder, and an emission insert arranged in the hole such that an emission surface of the emission insert is exposed. The emission surface is set back relative to the front surface of the electrode holder. An electrode for a plasma torch and a plasma torch head also comprise an electrode socket and an electrode holder, the electrode socket having an internal thread, and the electrode holder having an external thread and an O-ring in a groove in the cylindrical outer surface. The electrode holder is screwed together with the electrode socket via the external thread and the internal thread and sealed by means of the O-ring.

Abstract: In some aspects, nozzles for plasma torches can include a nozzle body having a proximal end and a distal end that define a nozzle body length and a longitudinal axis. The body can include an exit orifice defined by the distal end; a plenum extending from the proximal end to a plenum floor, a distance from the plenum floor to the distal end defining a plenum floor thickness, and a distance from the plenum floor to the proximal end defining a proximal end height; and a bore extending from the plenum floor to the exit orifice that has a bore length and a bore width. The nozzle body has a nozzle width in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis. The nozzle body length is greater than the width and a ratio of the proximal end height to the plenum floor thickness is less than 2.0.

Abstract: An in-liquid plasma electrode according to the present invention is an in-liquid plasma electrode for generating plasma in a liquid and has an electrically conductive member having an electric discharge end surface in contact with the liquid, and an electrically insulating member covering an outer periphery of the conductive member at least except the electric discharge end surface. Preferably, d and x satisfy ?2d?x?2d, where d is a length of a minor axis of the cross section when a conductive end portion of the electrically conductive member having the electric discharge end surface has an approximately circular cross section, or d is a length of a short side of the cross section when the conductive end portion has an approximately rectangular cross section, and x is a distance from a reference plane to a plane containing the electric discharge end surface when the reference plane is an end surface of the electrically insulating member that is approximately parallel with the electric discharge end surface.

Abstract: Methods and systems for feeding a rod of filler wire to a welding operation are provided. For instance, a handheld filler wire advancement device is provided. The device includes a casing having an opening extending axially through the casing for receiving a rod of filler wire. The device also includes a drive assembly disposed within the casing and adapted to contact the rod of filler wire to advance and retract the rod of filler wire within the opening of the casing. Further, the device includes a motor disposed within the casing and coupled to the drive assembly to provide the drive assembly with power for movement of the rod of filler wire.

Abstract: A method of welding alloys having a ductility drop temperature range to limit strain-age cracking. The method involves the use of a welding device to weld a weld area of an article while maintaining temperatures throughout the weld area and a heat affected zone adjacent the weld area within a non-crack sensitive temperature range that is above a ductility drop temperature range of the alloy being welded. During welding, the temperatures of the weld area and the heat affected zone are predominantly controlled with heat input from the welding device. Once the welding has been terminated, the weld area and the heat affected zone are cooled from the non-crack sensitive temperature range through the ductility drop temperature range to a temperature below the ductility drop temperature range of the alloy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for extending a plasma arc torch is disclosed. The apparatus includes a plasma torch adapter for relocating a mounting location of plasma torch consumables with respect to a plasma arc torch. The adapter is configured to be mounted between a plasma arc torch and the plasma torch consumables. The adapter is connectable to a consumable interface of the torch and includes a generally longitudinal body having a first end and a second end. The adapter includes a first connector at the first end of the body that is adapted to mate with the consumable interface. The adapter further includes a second connector at the second end of the body for mating with a set of plasma torch consumables, such that a second mounting location for consumables is established in a spaced relationship relative to the first connector, the mounting location adjacent the second connector.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch includes an annular baffle defining distinct faces A, B, C, and D. Faces A and C are opposite from each other, and faces B and D are opposite from each other. First passages for fluid flow extend between the faces A and C, and second passages extend between the faces B and D. The baffle is installable in an annular space between an inner wall and an outer wall, in either of two orientations. In a first orientation, the first passages are open to fluid flow and the second passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces B and D, and in a second orientation, flipped over relative to the first orientation, the second passages are open to fluid flow and the first passages are closed by engagement of the inner and outer walls with the faces A and C.

Abstract: A thermal processing torch can include a torch housing having a head portion pivotally coupled relative to a body portion with a joint portion. The torch also can include a pivotal connector simultaneously pivoting about a common axis with the joint portion of the torch housing. The pivotal connector can include an electrically conductive wall conducting an electrical current between the body portion of the torch housing and the head portion of the torch housing. The pivotal connector can also include a passage provide a processing gas between the body portion of the torch housing and the head portion of the torch housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of preparing a material for welding. The material is prepared by utilizing a laser to obliterate contaminants from the material surface.

Abstract: An adjustable vacuum and support system for evacuating particulate matter, smoke, excess gasses, and molten metal from a work area during TIG welding and for providing adjustable support to a welding head. The vacuum system has a vacuum head and a vacuum nozzle. An adjustable mounting bracket arrangement has a first portion fixed to the vacuum head and a second portion securable to the welding head. The bracket arrangement establishes pivotal and slidable couplings between the welding head and the vacuum head. The vacuum nozzle has a support surface for being rested on a surface of a workpiece to support the vacuum head and the welding head. The support surface of the vacuum nozzle can be a base bevel surface at the tip of the nozzle. An opposed suction bevel surface can have a nozzle aperture interposed therealong.

Abstract: A plasma arc torch both cutting and marking of metal workpieces includes a plasma nozzle having a plasma nozzle orifice through which an electric arc from an electrode and a stream of plasma gas are emitted toward a workpiece, and a liquid-injection shield cup that injects liquid tangentially inwardly to the arc and stream of plasma gas. A power supply is operable to selectively deliver electrical power to the electrode at either a low power level suitable for marking of a workpiece or a high power level suitable for workpiece cutting. The torch may be selectively operated to mark at the low power level, with a plasma marking gas being delivered to the plasma gas passage, or to cut at the high power level, with a plasma cutting gas being delivered to the plasma gas passage, and liquid being delivered to the liquid injection passage for both cutting and marking.

Abstract: An electrode for a contact start plasma arc torch includes an elongated electrode body formed of an electrically conductive material. The electrode body is movable relative to the torch. A resilient element, contacting a proximal end of the electrode body, is used for imparting a separation force to the electrode body. The electrode body is adapted to overcome the separation force and engage a contact element of the torch when the torch is operated in a transferred arc mode.

Abstract: Purge gas apparatus and method for a welding system uses automatic purge gas flow control function, such as an MFC, to control ID and/or OD purge gas flow rate or purge gas pressure or both at the weld site.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling blanket gas flow in an electrical welding facility, wherein welding is performed using a welding electrode in electrical connection with a welding machine unit. The apparatus includes an electric measuring device having a current sensor for determining the magnitude of an electrical welding current carried in a circuit incorporating the welding electrode and having a current sensor output adapted to provide a I signal indicating the current magnitude, and a voltage sensor for determining the magnitude of electrical voltage applied to the welding electrode and having a voltage sensor output for providing a U signal indicating the voltage magnitude, and a control device having inputs connected to the current sensor output and the voltage sensor output, respectively, and a control signal output for providing a control signal to a blanket gas flow controller.

Abstract: A plasma torch 1 used in plasma-arc welding is provided with a rod-shaped electrode 10, a first cylindrical nozzle 11 which is provided to surround the electrode 10 and which injects a plasma gas and a second cylindrical nozzle 12 which is provided to surround the first nozzle 11 and which injects a shielding gas. A second injection opening 121 of the second nozzle 12 directs in a substantially parallel direction with respect to an axial direction of the electrode 10 or in a direction being away from the electrode 10, and a plurality of groove portions inclining with respect to the axial direction of the electrode 10 are formed in an outer circumferential surface of the first nozzle 11 or an inner circumferential surface of the second nozzle 12.

Abstract: A plasma welding torch that can be reduced in size more than in conventional cases. When an inert gas G such as argon gas is supplied to an outer circumferential space around a non-consumable electrode 13, a portion of the inert gas G is used as plasma gas GP that forms a plasma arc PA between the non-consumable electrode 13 and a base material 2 via a plasma orifice 51. A plasma welding torch 1 moves, maintaining this state, in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. 4. Meanwhile, a portion of the inert gas G supplied to a gas flowing part 21 is not used as the plasma gas GP but is used as shielding gas GS and is ejected onto the base material 2 ahead in the welding direction via a shielding orifice 52. The welding on the base material 2 is performed in a state where the plasma arc PA and the base material 2 are shielded from the air by this shielding gas.

Abstract: A consumable for a plasma arc torch, such as a nozzle, having a body and a head defining a shoulder portion having a frusto-conical portion and a flared portion. The flared portion increases the cross-sectional thickness to provide a greater heat-conduction path for removal of heat generated by a plasma arc, thereby extending consumable life. The frusto-conical portion provides a sharper, pointier nozzle head to simultaneously increase the operator's visibility of the workpiece. Methods of making and using the consumables are also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to a securing element (30) arranged between a gas element (32) and a current element (33) of the plug-in element (28). A fixing element (34) is arranged in the coupling (29) of the torch handle and meshes with said securing element (30), and, for guiding over said fixing element (34) arranged in the coupling (29), the gas element (32) has a diameter smaller than those of the securing element (30) and of the current element (33). Said securing element (30) can be guided over the fixing element (34) using a flat area (35), while the gas element (32) is arranged in a gas bore hole (37) in the coupling (29) in a sealing manner. The position of the torch body (27) can be freely adjusted by means of a manual rotational movement, said fixing element (34) being guided in a circumferential groove (36) in said securing element (30).

Abstract: A submerged arc welding apparatus of the present invention includes: a flux receiver for receiving and holding flux in an area formed by itself and a workpiece inside thereof when abutting against the workpiece on the open side; a flux feeder for supplying flux to the flux receiver; a welding torch for supplying a welding wire toward the workpiece with the tip disposed in the area where the flux is held; and a moving mechanism for moving the flux receiver and the welding torch along the direction of a welding line of the workpiece with the flux receiver abutting against the workpiece. A submerged arc welding method of the present invention includes: performing welding by opposing the welding torch to the workpiece and by moving the welding torch along the direction of the welding line with flux held in an area formed between the workpiece and the welding torch.

Abstract: Method of controlling the wear of at least one of the electrodes of a plasma torch including two electrodes having the same main axis, and being separated by a chamber designed to receive a plasma-generating gas, and at least one element for generating a magnetic field placed locally to the at least one electrode for which the control of wear is sought, in which the arc root is made to sweep longitudinally over a portion of the surface of this electrode from an initial position until the arc root reaches a defined final position of the portion, the longitudinal progression of the arc root being defined by a function dependent on at least the time, f(t), which is fixed.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an adapter kit is provided in which a welding torch having a single nozzle structure is switched to a welding torch having a double nozzle structure. In an adapter kit (20A) which is installed in a switchable manner in a welding torch (1A) having a single nozzle structure, the present invention includes an attachment (7A) which is mounted to the torch body (5) in a state where the torch nozzle (inner nozzle) (6A) is inserted into the attachment after the gasket is removed and in which a flow channel that supplies a second shielding gas is provided, and an outer nozzle (8A) that is mounted to the attachment (7A) surrounding the periphery of the torch nozzle (6A) and discharges a second shielding gas.

Abstract: A shielding gas filter assembly for a welding apparatus. The filter assembly includes a filter housing having a filter disposed therein. The filter assembly also includes a filter guard coupled to the filter housing and configured to receive shielding gas. The filter guard includes a tamper resistant portion configured to inhibit an object from contacting the filter when the object is inserted into the filter guard.

Abstract: The invention relates to a securing element (30) arranged between a gas element (32) and a current element (33) of the plug-in element (28). A fixing element (34) is arranged in the coupling (29) of the torch handle and meshes with said securing element (30), and, for guiding over said fixing element (34) arranged in the coupling (29), the gas element (32) has a diameter smaller than those of the securing element (30) and of the current element (33). Said securing element (30) can be guided over the fixing element (34) using a flat area (35), while the gas element (32) is arranged in a gas bore hole (37) in the coupling (29) in a sealing manner. The position of the torch body (27) can be freely adjusted by means of a manual rotational movement, said fixing element (34) being guided in a circumferential groove (36) in said securing element (30).

Abstract: The formation of a bellows made up of a stack of a predetermined number of ring-convolutions and having an intermediate plate supported within said stack is achieved by supplying several thin metal rings, each having inner and outer edges. A pair of these metal rings are positioned in contiguous relationship and their adjacent inside edges are welded together to form a ring-convolution. This process is repeated until a sufficient number of ring-convolutions are made to eventually make the desired bellows. Before these separate ring-convolutions are fused to each other, an intermediate plate and a support ring are made. The intermediate plate is a disc of metal that is sized smaller than the inside diameter of the rings and is secured to the support ring. The support ring is then positioned between two formed ring-convolutions in contiguous relationship and the three abutting outside edges are welded to each other to form a support plate convolution.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing a tail trim using a clad metal plate, and a tail trim made of a clad metal plate, which thus enables decrease in weight and improved corrosion resistance, and which further enables increased heat resistance. The method includes rolling two washed metal materials to obtain an initial clad metal plate, and then heat treating and further rolling the initial clad metal plate to obtain a final clad metal plate; pressing the final clad metal plate, thus forming a main tail trim and a housing, the housing including a tail trim upper cover and a tail trim lower cover; and subjecting the main tail trim and the housing to tungsten inert gas welding, thus manufacturing the tail trim.

Abstract: A fixing structure for a welding electrode and a welding head is shown which enable improvement of durability of a welding electrode, improvement of work efficiency in welding, and a reduction of time required for welding and also which make it possible to execute welding for an extended time with high reliability. In the fixing structure, a fixed section of a welding electrode is inserted via a thermally conductive material into an inserting section of a fixing base and a peripheral surface of the fixed section of the welding electrode is uniformly contacted to the fixing base to affix the welding electrode to the fixing base.

Abstract: A method for purging air from a structure to be joined by welding by feeding a liquid cryogen to the structure. The liquid cryogen will enter the structure, warm up and enter the gaseous phase very rapidly. The gaseous cryogen will displace the air that is present in the structure out of the structure and reduce the content of oxygen in the structure to about 10 parts per million when welding can begin.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to an electrical contact assembly for a plasma torch tip, and may include an electrical contact portion, a compressible portion in mechanical communication with the contact, and a mounting portion in mechanical communication with the compressible portion. Some embodiments may be adapted to maintain contact with an uneven substrate during translation of the torch tip.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacturing a plasma torch consumable is disclosed. The invention includes at least two of a tip, a shielding cup, an electrode, and a swirl ring being integral to form a unitary one-piece assembly prior to being attached to the torch. Such a construction minimizes the number of parts that must be handled and orientated when connecting the consumable assembly to a plasma torch.

Abstract: Plasma arc torches described herein include a torch tip with an improved nozzle that provides angular shield flow injection. In particular, the nozzle provides angular/conical impingement of a fluid (e.g., a shield gas) on an ionized plasma gas flowing through a plasma arc torch. Some of the torch tips described herein include a nozzle with a conical external shape combined with a shield with complementing internal geometry to form the angular fluid flow. As a result, a plasma arc torch including the improved nozzle have the benefits of a stabilized ionized plasma gas flow together with enhanced nozzle cooling and protection from reflecting slag during torch use.