Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for forming a freeform metal structure by wire feed additive manufacturing. In accordance with the method, a holding structure is moved in at least one moving direction, the holding structure holding the metal structure. A metal wire end is fed along an area of deposition on the metal structure in the at least one moving direction. The metal wire end is heated to a melting temperature using a heat source, with the metal wire end as melted being deposited on the metal structure as a metallic build-up material. The metallic build-up material after heating and during the cooling is subjected in the at least one moving direction behind the area of deposition to at least one pulsed magnetic field using a magnetic coil arranged after the heat source, the at least one pulsed magnetic field effecting plastic deformation of the build-up material.

Abstract: A weld overlay system includes a rotation drive section which rotates a tube around its axis; and a welding unit which applies a weld material to the outer peripheral surface of the rotating tube, while the welding unit is advanced along an axial direction of the tube, the welding unit includes: a welding torch; and a weld material supply section which supplies the weld material, the welding torch is disposed such that a tip end of the welding torch is located at an angular position that is advanced at a predetermined angle in a direction opposite to a rotational direction of the tube, and the welding torch is inclined at a predetermined angle in the rotational direction of the tube with respect to a reference line passing through a center axis of the tube and the tip end of the welding torch, viewed from the axial direction of the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and structures for joining metallic members. A welding material can be used between two metallic members that comprise different metals. The different metals can normally form brittle intermetallic compounds when welded to one another, and the welding material can inhibit the formation of the brittle intermetallic compounds.

Abstract: A wire arc spray system (100) includes a plurality of arc spray subsystems (130) mounted to a movable carriage (120) on an x-y robot (110). Each arc spray subsystem includes a wire drive (132) that provides wire (133, 134) to a spray head (138) through a pair of lead cables (136). The spray heads are mounted for circular motion, such that the molten spray is applied to an underlying substrate in a swirling pattern. In one embodiment, the spray heads are mounted to a distal end of a rod (164) that extends through a swivel ball joint (166) and engages an eccentric link (162) fixed to a motor (160). The system applies an overlapping pattern of molten spray to provide excellent non-skid and adhesion properties. The system is particularly suited to spray coating with a wire comprising a hollow metallic portion and a core having ceramic particles.

Abstract: A system and method of cladding is provided where first and second cladding heads are provided, where each cladding head delivers its own respective cladding electrode to a common molten puddle.

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

Abstract: A wear resistant multilayer overlay includes a first layer on at least a surface of an article, and a second layer metallurgically bonded to at least a portion of the first layer. The first layer includes a first continuous metallic matrix and at least one of first hard particles, blocky diamond particles, non-blocky diamond particles, TSP diamond, cubic boron nitride particles, and PCD compacts embedded in the first continuous metallic matrix, wherein the first hard particles are at least one of transition metal carbide particles and boron nitride particles. The second layer includes a second continuous metallic matrix and at least one of second hard particles, blocky diamond particles, non-blocky diamond particles, TSP diamond, cubic boron nitride particles, and PCD compacts, embedded in the second continuous metallic matrix, wherein the second hard particles are at least one of transition metal carbide particles and boron nitride particles. Related methods and articles of manufacture also are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for affixing a metal cladding to a metal base. The method includes: heating the metal cladding and a surface of the metal base with a heating device to create a molten metal pool having molten metal cladding layered upon molten metal base material in the metal base; stabilizing a temperature gradient of the molten metal pool with a laser beam directed into the molten metal pool; and cooling the molten metal pool to affix solidified cladding to the metal base.

Abstract: Process for reducing cracking in superalloy metal components by selectively growing large single grains during the casting operation at a region where fusion welding will be required.

Abstract: A welding device for powder welding is described, which comprises a welding head for transportation of at least one welding electrode to a welding area, and a powder transportation device for transportation of powder from a container to the welding area. The powder transportation device comprises at least a first pipe which at a first end has an opening which is arranged to be placed in the container in order to transport fluxing agent from the container. The powder transportation device comprises at least a first ejector which is connected to the second end of the first pipe and which is arranged to transport powder from the container via the first pipe using pressurized gas.

Abstract: In a hard facing process, a core material is applied to the base material of an article, which may incorporate metal components. An additive is introduced into a molten puddle generated by the hard facing process. The additive functions to increase the wear resistant capabilities of the hard faced article. In one embodiment, the additive comprises mineral particulates, which may consist of diamond granules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for microplasma spray coating a portion of a turbine vane without masking any portions thereof. The apparatus includes a microplasma gun with an anode, cathode, and an arc generator for generating an electric arc between the anode and cathode. An arc gas emitter injects gas through the electric arc. The electric arc is operable for ionizing the gas to create a plasma gas stream. A powder injector injects powdered material into a plasma stream. A localized area of the turbine vane is coated with the powdered material without having to mask the turbine vane.

Abstract: A portable wire feeder for providing welding wire and welding current to a welding operation includes an input electrically connected to a power source. An output is selectively electrically connected to the input to receive welding current delivered to the input from the power source and to provide the welding current and welding wire to the welding operation through a guide hose. A contactor includes a first electrical terminal, a second electrical terminal and a conductive bridge member for selectively electrically connecting the input to the output. The first electrical terminal is electrically connected to the input. The second electrical terminal is electrically connected to the output.

Abstract: The invention provides an arc spraying torch head including: a pair of spray material guides attached to a head body so as to face forward and guiding a flexible wire-like spray material inserted therein; a main air nozzle attached to the head body, and jetting main air toward a melting area of the spray material; the head body being provided with an auxiliary air nozzle which jets auxiliary air toward the melting area; the direction of jetted auxiliary air by the auxiliary air nozzle is tilted with respect to the direction of jetted main air by the main air nozzle, the auxiliary air being jetted toward the melting area; and a spray direction of the spray material being inclined with respect to the direction of the jetted main air.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for inert gas welding or inert gas soldering of workpieces (A) made of steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, or the alloys thereof with workpieces (B) made of steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, or the alloys thereof by using an additional molten metal alloy, workpieces (A) and (B) being made of identical or different metals or metal alloys. The inventive method is characterized by the following steps: a) the workpieces that are to be connected are contacted edge to edge or in an overlapping manner; b) the additional metal alloy containing a Zn/Al alloy is fused; c) the additional molten metal alloy is applied to the contact points or partial areas of the contact points of the contacted workpieces; d) the connected workpieces are cooled. Steps b) and c) are carried out immediately after one another while at least steps b) and c) are carried out by using an inert gas. The invention further relates to a wire that is used in said method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protective cap for at least one contact pipe of a welding torch, the pipe or pipes having a respective bore for guiding and contacting a respective welding rod that is fed through the pipe or pipes. The cap comprises a housing consisting of or coated with a poor electrically conductive material, for receiving the contact pipe and a bore, which allows the welding rod to emerge. The aim of the invention is to increase the service life of a contact pipe or a welding torch comprising at least one contact pipe of this type. To achieve this, at least two openings are provided in the housing for receiving at least two contact pipes and each opening is connected to one respective bore in the housing for receiving at least two contact pipes and each opening is connected to one respective bore in the housing. Each bore is positioned in such a way that it corresponds with the course of the welding rod in the contact pipe, once the protective cap has been mounted.

Abstract: An electrode wire for use in a thermal spray process. The electrode wire is formed with a first layer of a first material formed as tubular outer layer and a second layer of a second material, different from the first material, formed as a tubular inner layer located inside the tubular outer layer. The tubular inner layer includes in an outer surface which is located in substantially uniform contact at an interface with an inner surface of the tubular outer layer. The interface between the inner and outer layers is defined by a mechanical bond between the materials of the inner and outer layers. In a method of performing a thermal spray process the electrode wire is caused to vaporize and spray on a substrate surface to form a bondcoat on the substrate surface.

Abstract: A process for applying weld overlay material to a tube with a single pass of a weld head. A gas tungsten arc welding process with high frequency wave pulse current is preferably used to apply the overlay material. The overlay material is preferably in the form of weld wire and is pre-heated and mechanically fed into the resultant weld pool on the tube. The wire is preferably resistance-heated to a temperature lower than its melting point prior to contact of the wire with the molten weld pool, and the weld pool is preferably oscillated during the overlay process. Use of the gas tungsten arc welding process provides sufficient weld fusion to allow the overlaid tube to be subsequently bent and formed, and use of the high frequency wave pulse current provides for reduced dilution of the overlay.

Abstract: For each component which is used at a high in-service temperature for a long period, its creep damage degree is approximated by a relational expression containing the Larson-Miller parameter. The creep damage degree is estimated by an approximation expression obtained by determining constants for each component. The creep damage degree is subjected to Weibull statistical analysis to estimate the creep damage degree probabilistically. Also, the thermal fatigue and damage degree obtained by an approximation expression is likewise subjected to Weibull statistical analysis to estimate the thermal fatigue and damage degree probabilistically. Therefore, the probabilistically estimated creep damage degree and the probabilistically estimated thermal fatigue and damage degree allows the life of each component subjected to a high in-service temperature to be assessed precisely and quickly.

Abstract: A method of forming a hollow section body by deposition of a weld material includes the steps of providing a welding head 12 and a turntable 36 on which the body is to be formed, supplying a weld material to the welding head 12, the weld material to be deposited on the turntable 36 and connecting the turntable 36 and the welding head 12 to a supply of electricity to form an arc between the welding head 12 and the turntable 36 or the body to melt the material. The method includes the steps of manipulating the turntable 36 and the welding head 12 relative to one another to deposit material to form a first wall 40, manipulating the turntable 36 and the welding head 12 relative to one another to deposit material for form a second wall 42 extending from an angle to the first wall 40 and manipulating the turntable 36 and the welding head 12 relative to one another to deposit material to form a third wall 44 joining the first two walls, to form a hollow section body.

Abstract: Material droplet generator systems utilizing single-wire arc spray apparatus and methods are provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus include a single consumable, first wire electrode fed through a gas nozzle and a non-consumable, second electrode outside of and proximate a nozzle exit. In some embodiments, the second electrode may have at least a terminal or end portion having an axis that is oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis of the gas nozzle. The first wire electrode may form an angle of 5 degrees or less with the axis of the gas nozzle. Preferably, the first wire electrode forms an anode while the second electrode forms a cathode. In operation, the apparatus and methods produce a narrow beam thermal spray, which, when deposited upon a substrate surface, results in a high definition spray pattern and coating having distinct boundaries and a controllable thickness.

Abstract: Material droplet generator systems utilizing single-wire arc spray apparatus and methods are provided. In some embodiments, the apparatus include a single consumable, first wire electrode fed through a gas nozzle and a non-consumable, second electrode outside of and proximate a nozzle exit. In some embodiments, the second electrode may have at least a terminal or end portion having an axis that is oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis of the gas nozzle. The first wire electrode may form an angle of 5 degrees or less with the axis of the gas nozzle. Preferably, the first wire electrode forms an anode while the second electrode forms a cathode. In operation, apparatus and methods of the present invention produce a narrow beam thermal spray, which, when deposited upon a substrate surface, results in a high definition spray pattern and coating having distinct boundaries and a controllable thickness.

Abstract: The objects of the invention are: a weld overlay having stable quality is provided; cracks which have been created on a weld overlay during engagement of a part with its mating member are prevented from extending; and adverse effects on the wear of mating member are avoided. A weld overlay containing hard particles is formed on each tooth of a sprocket 6 such that each bead extending a direction (direction B) perpendicular to the rotating direction of the sprocket 6. A weld overlay containing hard particles is formed on the outer peripheral surface of a bushing such that each bead extends in a direction perpendicular to the rotating direction of the sprocket, the outer peripheral surface serving as a contact surface for the sprocket which engages with the bushing.

Abstract: A method of preparing an iridium crucible for crystal growth. As a form of preventive maintenance or during a repair, an iridium crucible is prepared by a method of surface conditioning by way of weld puddling the entire surface of the bottom or on the sidewalls from the bottom up to a height sufficient to include the depth of the residual crystal material after pulling of a crystal or both. In this regard, the surface of the iridium crucible is pulse welded so as to puddle a small portion of the surface without penetrating the side or bottom wall. In the preferred embodiment, the entire surface of the bottom of the iridium crucible is conditioned by weld melting. Similarly, the sidewalls are similarly conditioned by way of weld puddling such as by a pulsating welder. It will be recognized that any state of the art welding apparatus, such as a GTAW welder, TIG welder, laser welder or the like, that generates temperatures sufficient to melt iridium while controlling the depth of penetration can be utilized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for welding shaped bodies of carburized heat-resistant austenitic steel. The inventive method is characterized in that carburized steel parts to be welded are preheated to temperatures of 700 to 900 degrees Celsius before welding, and the preheated carburized steel parts are welded with current intensities of 50 to 200 A.

Abstract: A machine tool or die that is fabricated from thermally spray-formed steel is repaired on the factory floor by first cleaning the area to be repaired to removed all dirt and impurities. Next the surface is prepared by means of preheating the surface with propane torches at a rate not exceeding 50° Centigrade per hour to boil off the moisture in the tool. The weldment is formed by the TIG welding process and then finished by conventional machining, grinding and polishing.

Abstract: The high-velocity oxygen-fuel or air-fuel apparatus and method to apply low-oxidized and high-density coatings and bulk materials by spraying of non-fused particles, said apparatus comprises a catalytic member in internal burner. Metallic or ceramic catalyst of the catalytic member allows stable combustion at gas temperatures below the melting point of spraying material. Lowering of combustion temperature occurs when increasing the pressure and flow rate of the oxidizer or fuel over stoichiometrical or when adding an inert gas into combustible mixture. The catalytic member contains a catalyst selected from the group of noble metals, or binary oxides of the noble metal and rare earth metal, or other high temperature resistant catalyst capable to lower an ignition temperature of the oxidizer and fuel mixture.