Abstract: A stud welding process and a stud welding device for welding a stud to a workpiece are provided, wherein an arc (LB) is generated between the surface of the stud that faces the workpiece and the workpiece by using a pulsed welding current (Is), and the arc (LB) is deflected by a magnetic field which is generated by a coil through which a current (IA) flows. The current (IA) through the coil for generating the magnetic field for deflecting the arc (LB) is activated synchronously and in anti-phase with the welding current (Is) by a current (IA) always being applied to the coil when the welding current (Is) is at a minimum, and the coil being switched off or the current (IA) through the coil being reduced to a minimum when the welding current (Is) is at a maximum.

Abstract: Systems for position determination using an energy chain for guiding supply lines, which energy chain has a movable run which is fixed at an end to a driver and a stationary run wherein the driver moves back and forth along a track. The system has a sensor device for position determination, which is attached to the driver. In one variant, the system comprises guide components, arranged along the track, for lateral guidance of the energy chain of which components at least one has a reference component acting as a position reference. In another variant of the system, at least each nth chain link of the energy chain has at least one reference component attached thereto. In both variants, the sensor device for position determination interacts with individual reference components, which allows better and more reliable determination of the current position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for fastening layers of non-ferrous alloys, like aluminum, magnesium and copper utilizes a steel fastener and a spot welding machine. The fastener and metals are stacked and the heat from the welder's electric current softens the lower melting point aluminum allowing the fastener to penetrate the aluminum. A weld zone between the fastener and the various layers creates an internal weld. The fastener has a rough shaft that is coated by the molten weld zone and is hard to withdraw on solidification. Layers of non-conductive materials like plastics and ceramics may also be affixed to a conductive layer using a fastener made from a compatible material that extends through a pilot hole and welds to or penetrates a conductive layer. The fastener may have projections that initially reduce contact area with the stack.

Abstract: A device for holding a stud with a radially flange and an axial shank. The holding device comprising a collet including a clamping section and a hollow insertion section defining an insertion axis such that the stud can be inserted via the insertion section to the clamping section. The holding device further comprising a tubular securing sleeve located radially inward of and concentric with the insertion section. A clearance is defined between a bottom end of the securing sleeve and a top end of the clamping section and is adapted to releasably receive the stud flange. A first air flow channel in a first direction is adapted to blow feed the stud into the collet; and a second airflow channel oriented in a second different direction is adapted to maintain the stud shank substantially in line with the insertion axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for welding a welding stud to a specified location of a base material, comprising a stud holder, comprising an inert gas cover, which surrounds the stud holder while forming a gap between the stud holder and the inert gas cover, and comprising a projection device, which is intended to project a visual pattern onto the base material through the gap.

Abstract: A collet assembly including an actuator and a collet connected to the actuator. The collet assembly is adapted to be installed on a welding electrode holder having an electrode. The collet is moveable by the actuator from an advanced position, in which the collet is adapted to grip a fastener such as a welding rivet, and a retracted position, in which at least a portion of the collet is retracted into the actuator to enable the electrode to engage the fastener for welding to a work piece, and the collet is adapted to release the fastener.

Abstract: A welding gun and a welding method with which it is possible to reduce, the wait time for loading a component and to decrease tact time. The welding gun is a welding gun for resistance-welding components to a workpiece successively, and comprises a first holding portion and a second holding portion for holding a component. The first holding portion and the second holding portion are each switchable to an abutment-enabling position for causing a component to abut against a workpiece, or to a loading-enabling position for loading the component. The first holding portion and the second holding portion are switchable such that when the first holding portion is in the abutment-enabling position, the second holding portion is in the loading-enabling position, and when the second holding portion is in the abutment-enabling position, the first holding portion is in the loading-enabling position.

Abstract: Resistance spot rivet welding systems, subsystems, and methods of use thereof are provided.

Abstract: A device and method for welding a welding stud to a base is provided. A welding current is applied to a welding stud between the welding stud and the base material, wherein a material of the welding stud and the base material is partially liquefied. The welding stud is then immersed into the solidifying material of the welding stud or the base material in order to create a bond between the welding stud and the base material.

Abstract: A method for joining by welding or gluing joining elements to components, with the following steps: preparation of a joining element, which comprises a first joining surface, and preparation of a component, which comprises a second joining surface; preparation of the first or second joining surface; and carrying out the joining process, in which the joining element is joined to the component; wherein the preparatory step comprises at least one of the following cleaning methods for cleaning the first or second joining surface: a TIG arc method, a plasma gas cleaning method, and a snow jet method.

Abstract: A welding element is operable for being connected to a workpiece using a welding method. The welding element comprises: a head and a shaft like anchor portion. The head includes a welding surface, a stop surface that is remote from the welding surface, and a plurality of pointed projections evenly and uniformly distributed over the entire welding surface. The shaft-like anchor portion extends along a longitudinal axis between a first end region and a second end region, with the first end region connected to the stop surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for welding a weld stud to a substrate, comprising a welding gun which includes a casing and a stud holder for the weld stud, further comprising a gas container and a gas line for conducting gas from the gas container to the stud holder, the gas container being supported by the welding gun.

Abstract: Joining apparatus for joining joining elements onto workpieces, comprising a joining element holding device, which is configured to radially hold a joining element, and comprising a loading pin arrangement, which is configured to slide a joining element axially into a holding position in the joining element holding device, and/or to axially support the joining element during a joining process, wherein the loading pin arrangement has a loading pin, which is slidable by means of a loading pin actuator arrangement in the direction of the joining element holding device. The loading pin arrangement is here designed to variably establish a loading pin stroke of the loading pin between at least two stages, so that in a first stage the loading pin is displaceable less far in the direction of the joining element holding device than in a second stage.

Abstract: An anchoring assembly for anchoring a liner of a cured lining material arranged to be applied in liquid form to a metal object provided with the anchoring assembly, the anchoring assembly including an elongated mounting pin and a ferrule provided at a first end thereof, wherein the pin is arranged to be mounted at the first end to the metal object, the anchoring assembly further including a plurality of spaced anchor fins connected to the pin at a second end and extending radially outward relative to the pin, wherein the ferrule includes a radially outwardly extending place holder part arranged to be held by a ferrule holder during mounting of the pin at the first end to the metal object.

Abstract: An ignition device for welding equipment includes a capacitor, a transformer, a high voltage output circuit connected to a secondary winding of the transformer, a discharging switch enabling discharge of the capacitor to a primary winding of the transformer, a charger and an operation control circuit that controls the charger and the discharging switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling robots and their end effectors. One embodiment is a method for controlling a robot. The method includes: maneuvering a robot via a robot controller that is dedicated to operating the robot, thereby altering a position of an end effector mounted to the robot, communicating from the robot controller to an end effector controller that is disposed at the end effector and is dedicated to operating the end effector, determining a position of the end effector via the end effector controller, and operating the end effector via the end effector controller based on the position of the end effector.

Abstract: A portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus with a lithium ferrophosphate (LFP) battery and stud weld battery control system (SWBCS) is provided for welding a stud onto a workpiece. The portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus includes a housing, an LFP battery disposed in the housing and including a plurality of LFP battery cells, a weld stud gun configured to hold a stud and is electrically connected to the LFP battery for receiving energy from the LFP battery to pass a current through the stud and the workpiece to form a weldment. The SWBCS is disposed in the housing and electrically connected to the LFP battery of the portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus. The SWBCS includes a computer, a memory, and instructions therein to implement control and monitoring of the operation of the portable drawn arc stud welder apparatus.

Abstract: A loading pin, for a joining device, having a first axial end portion connectable to an axial drive, and having a second axial end portion which is realized for the purpose of exerting an axial force onto a joining element in order to push the joining element into a holding device and/or in order to support the joining element axially during a joining process, wherein the loading pin comprises an axial hollow channel portion through which a joining element is guidable in an axial feed direction. The loading pin partially defines a lateral joining element feed opening, via which a joining element is feedable into the hollow channel portion.

Abstract: A system includes an engine configured to drive a generator to produce a first power output, and a first inverter communicatively coupled to the generator. The first inverter is configured to convert the first power output into a second power output. The system includes a second inverter communicatively coupled to the generator. The second inverter is configured to convert the first power output into a third power output. The third power output includes a welding power output.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for teaching a programmed controlled robot at least one of two set up position coordinates by use of a tool having a first surface aligned with the end of a stud welding gun collet when the tool is mounted in the collet, a second surface on the tool spaced from the first surface by a predetermined set up distance. A probe carried by the stud welding engagable with the second surface on the tool to establish a predetermined set up distance. A third surface on the tool spaced from the first surface and engagable with a work piece to establish a minimum stud-welding gun set up dimension. The coordinates of the stud-welding gun when the third surface is engaged with the work piece are transmitted to a robot control program to establish the predetermined stud weld gun travel distance dimension.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is disclosed a drawn arc fastener welding process that includes the steps of providing a fastener positioned in a welding tool, providing a weld control, providing a work piece, contacting the fastener against the work piece, energizing a pilot current, lifting the fastener from the work piece and drawing a pilot arc, energizing a main arc for a predetermined duration, short circuiting the fastener relative to the work piece, cyclically redrawing an arc and short circuiting the fastener relative to the work piece at least one additional cycle, dynamically sensing an arc voltage and calculating a derivative signal of the voltage over time for each drawn arc and short circuit of the cycle wherein a position and motion of the fastener relative to the work piece is controlled and the energizing of the arc is controlled, and plunging the fastener into the work piece forming a weld.

Abstract: A weld head for spot welding two or more components together. The weld head includes first and second electrode assemblies and a linear actuator motor to drive the first electrode assembly into a desired position and apply a desired clamping force. The weld head may include a sensor configured to measure a temperature of the motor and a controller configured to monitor the temperature and adjust the current supplied to the motor to maintain the desired clamping force. The weld head may include linear encoder to measure the position of the linear actuator motor and an algorithm that correlates the position of the motor with a force constant of the motor. Based on the position of the motor and the corresponding force constant of the motor, the controller is configured to adjust the current supplied to the motor to maintain the desired clamping force.

Abstract: A system includes an engine configured to drive a generator to produce a first power output, and a first inverter communicatively coupled to the generator. The first inverter is configured to convert the first power output into a second power output. The system includes a second inverter communicatively coupled to the generator. The second inverter is configured to convert the first power output into a third power output. The third power output includes a welding power output.

Abstract: A method of disassembling reinforcement from a part, the method including: fastening at least one metal stud on one side wall of the reinforcement and at least one other metal stud on the other side wall of the reinforcement, the studs extending substantially perpendicularly to the side walls on which they are fastened; moving the studs apart from each other to space apart the side walls of reinforcement and disengage snap-fastener mechanisms thereof from complementary mechanisms of the part; and removing the reinforcement from the part.

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches systems and methods for robotic welding of studs onto the surface of I-beams. These systems and methods will find industrial applicability in, for example, the steel erection industry.

Abstract: A method for joining studs to workpieces, in particular for the purpose of stud welding, comprising the steps of acquiring a distinguishing dimension of a stud to be joined by the application of a sensing element to the stud and through measurement of a travel distance of the sensing element as it is applied to the stud; and then joining the stud to a workpiece, if the dimension of the stud is within an allowable tolerance range, and the allowable tolerance range is adapted in dependence on the travel distance of the sensing element measured during a preceding method step.

Abstract: A drawn arc welding assembly and method for simultaneously welding a stud to a first workpiece and a second workpiece that are affixed together and have an electrically insulating joining layer between the workpieces. A pair of leads attach to the first workpiece and the second workpiece, with electrically opposite diodes connected between the leads and a power supply. The power supply also provides power to a stud. During welding, two arcs are simultaneously maintained between the stud and first workpiece and between the stud and second workpiece. The power supply may be chopped AC from a dual inverter power supply.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein describe a data retrieval process for storing management data from a network environment using an efficient polling-based approach without sacrificing the real-time aspect of data retrieval that a push model provides. The process is highly scalable and reliable, and is useful in Network Address Translation (NAT) environments because the number of holes in a NAT firewall is minimized. The data retrieval component uses intelligent polling to retrieve data and store the data in a central database without overloading the system. A data retrieval component polls a data collection agent for a dataset. The data collection agent transfers the data set and a poll indication of when a subsequent data set will be ready for transfer. Subsequent polling is based on a processor load at a data retrieval component.

Abstract: A welding apparatus for joining a weldable fastening element onto a workpiece by a welding process, wherein the welding apparatus comprises: an electric welding power source; a fastening element holding device for holding the fastening element during welding; a first drive device for moving the fastening element holding device along a first axis; a cleaning electrode holding device for holding a cleaning electrode along a second axis; and wherein the cleaning electrode is connectable to the electric welding power source. The fastening element holding device and the cleaning electrode holding device are mounted on a common tool carrier and the tool carrier is movable on a joining head by a tool carrier drive from a joining position to a cleaning position, and in the joining position the first axis defines a joining axis, and in the cleaning position the second axis is aligned with the joining axis.

Abstract: A torch assembly adapted to be attached to an associated fuel supply, the torch assembly has a housing, a fuel line at least partially contained within the housing, a burn tube extending from the housing and adapted to receive fuel from the fuel line, an attachment member operatively connected to the housing for connecting the torch assembly to the associated fuel supply, the attachment member in fluid communication with the fuel line for delivering fuel from the associated fuel supply to the fuel line; a control apparatus having a trigger for actuating an on/off valve adapted to permit or stop flow through the fuel line, a regulator adapted to at least partially restrict flow in the fuel line, and a controller operatively connected to the regulator to adjust the position of the regulator to vary the flow of fuel through the fuel line.

Abstract: A welding apparatus includes a first welding element, a second welding element and a support on which the first welding element and the second welding element are mounted and which is movable relative to the welding apparatus. The support is configured to move the first welding element and the second welding element respectively from a first start position to a first end position and from a second start position to a second end position as the support is moved such that welding points of the first welding element and the second welding element are altered. The first welding element and the second welding element are oriented to mirror one another at the first start position and at the second start position. The first welding element and the second welding element are oriented to mirror one another at the first end position and at the second end position.

Abstract: A stud welding apparatus comprising a power supply including power electronics operable for supplying a variable welding voltage together with one of a pilot current and a welding current that is much larger than the pilot current; and a current measuring circuit operable for measuring the electrical current to the weld head; and an input circuit electrically connected between the power electronics and the power supply output, the input circuit including a first inductance, a first resistance, and a switch operable to bridge the first inductance and the first resistance; and a welding circuit electrically connected between the power supply output and the weld stud, the welding circuit having a welding circuit resistance and a welding circuit inductance, and the welding circuit inductance is much smaller than the first inductance of the input circuit; and a voltage measuring device is operable for measuring a voltage across the welding circuit.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of welding a stud to a work piece using a ferrule, whereby during the stud welding process, the stud is properly centered within a bore of the ferrule and wherein molten weld material formed during the stud welding process is confined to the bore of the ferrule and gases formed during the welding are vented out of the ferrule through and upper portion of the bore. The invention further provides for a ferrule having a body having at least one rib which extends inwardly from an inner wall of the body proximate to an upper surface and which defines at least one groove. During a welding operation, the at least one rib is configured to center a stud within the ferrule, and the at least one groove is configured to allow gases formed during the welding operation to vent out of the ferrule.

Abstract: A method of bonding a first panel made of a first material to a second panel made of a second material is provided. The method includes creating a second panel hole in the second panel at a weld location. An insert composed of the first material is inserted into the second panel hole in the second panel. At least a portion of the insert is fittable in the second panel hole and sized to correspond to the second panel hole. The first panel and the insert are welded together at the weld location, thereby bonding the first and second panels. In one embodiment, the first and second panels are placed between the first and second electrodes of a welding gun. A force is applied to clamp the insert and the first panel between the first and second electrodes and a welding current is delivered. A bonded structure is provided.

Abstract: A stud feed assembly for welding studs comprising a stud loader and a stud catcher. The stud loader comprises a first chute component and a second chute component, the first chute component having a greater diameter than the second chute component. The stud catcher comprises a receiving component and a vertical component, the receiving component being shaped to receive it stud such that the receiving component aligns the received stud in a substantially vertical position.

Abstract: A system for drawn arc stud welding that includes a drawn arc stud welding device; a substrate; a stud for attachment to the substrate; a modified ferrule; and modified flux. The ferrule is placed around the stud in the welding device prior to attaching the stud to the substrate and further includes a ferrule body having inner and outer surfaces and top and bottom surfaces. The ferrule body has been modified to include tapered inner walls, smoothed inner surfaces, beveled inner surfaces, notched bottom surfaces, or combinations thereof. The flux has been bound to or integrated with the inner surfaces and bottom surfaces of the ferrule body and has been modified to have a particle size of less than about 1200 ?m. The flux is placed outside of the arc path generated by the stud welding device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a welding head for a welding device for welding components which are not rotationally symmetrical onto workpieces such as for example metal sheets, with a head attachment, the head attachment having a holding device for the component and being designed for carrying a welding current to the component, wherein the holding device is mechanically connected by means of a connecting device to an interface device, via which the welding current can be supplied, the connecting device being subdivided into a first connection piece and a second connection piece, which are electrically insulated from each other.

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: A device that prevents soot in a stud welding machine. In particular, the device includes a cap holder that is fitted on a stud chuck of a stud gun for a stud welding machine and has extenders at the sides thereof. In addition, fixing rods attach the cap holder to the stud gun by connecting the extenders of the cap holder with the sides of the stud gun and a cap that is inserted in the cap holder from below is movably combined with the cap holder by a cap nut, and has an end that comes in contact with an edge of a welding portion of a base material during stud welding. Further, a shock-absorbing member is disposed between the cap and the cap holder, inside the cap holder, and provides an elastic force to the cap.

Abstract: A joining method head is proposed for fixation to a movable frame, in particular to a robot, having a holding means for an element to be joined to a part, a joining drive means to move the holding means along a joining direction for joining, and a feeding means for feeding elements to the joining method head. Here a control means to control the joining drive means is arranged at the joining method head spatially distanced from the holding means and the joining drive means, so that the holding means and the joining drive means form a joining tool of small dimensions, and means are provided to pass on the elements fed to a transfer station of the feeding means in each instance to the holding means from in front.

Abstract: Provided are a bolt for projection welding and a method of welding the same in which a portion of large fusion depth is formed in a small region and in which junction to a steel sheet part is secured in other regions, thereby realizing high weld strength and stable junction state. A bolt includes a shaft part, an enlarged diameter part, and a fusion bonding projection, the fusion bonding projection including an initial fusion part having at an end surface thereof a tapered portion and a main fusion part continuous with the initial fusion part.

Abstract: A drawn arc welding process that includes the steps of providing a work piece, providing a welding tool holding a metal object onto the work piece, providing a power supply outputting a preset current, providing an arc voltage sensing device, lifting the metal object and drawing a pilot arc current, energizing a welding current locally melting the metal object and forming a weld pool in the work piece, measuring an arc voltage, predicting the arc voltage for a remaining time of the welding process, regulating the time of the welding process wherein the measured arc voltage and predicted arc voltage are utilized to control a desired energy input set point, and plunging the fastener into the locally melted work piece forming a weld between the metal object and the work piece.

Abstract: A cart that uniformly transverses floor decking that has sequential peaks and valleys. The cart comprises a wheel assembly having an array of wheels forming rows and columns of wheels positioned under the cart wherein at any given instant of time a number of the wheels of the rows and columns contact peaks of the floor decking and while other wheels extend over and free from contacting the valleys such that the cart uniformly traverses the floor decking.

Abstract: A container for packing and shipping stud welding ferrule aligned along a spindle. The container comprises a body having a top, a bottom, opposing side walls and opposing end walls defining a storage space therein. The container further comprises a spindle retainer operatively connected to the body. The spindle retainer has a transverse portion and a longitudinal portion connected to the transverse portion. The transverse portion extends from one of the end walls and toward and into the storage space, while the longitudinal portion extends from the transverse portion and toward the bottom of the body. The transverse portion and the longitudinal portion are sized and shaped to accept and to retain ends of the spindle to contain the spindle within the body.

Abstract: A welding system and method having power controller with workpiece sensor. In some embodiments, the welding system includes a stud welding power supply having a welding power output, a stud welding power controller, and a workpiece sensor. The stud welding power controller may be communicatively coupled to the stud welding power supply and the workpiece sensor. In certain embodiments, the stud welding power controller is responsive to a signal from the workpiece sensor indicative of a position of a stud in general proximity or engagement with a workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holding device for studs having a radially projecting flange section. The holding device comprises a collet component having a clamping section and a hollow insertion section. The clamping section is formed by clamping surfaces which are provided at the free ends of a plurality of clamping arms designed to exert a radially inwardly directed clamping force for clamping the stud in place. A securing device is arranged on the insertion section and is designed in such a way that a flange section of a stud directed past the securing device is mounted in a securing position between the securing device and the clamping section. The clamping arms are of the same length and at least two of the clamping arms each have, as a securing device, a radially inwardly directed securing lug.

Abstract: A stud welding apparatus comprising a power supply including power electronics operable for supplying a variable welding voltage together with one of a pilot current and a welding current that is much larger than the pilot current; and a current measuring circuit operable for measuring the electrical current to the weld head; and an input circuit electrically connected between the power electronics and the power supply output, the input circuit including a first inductance, a first resistance, and a switch operable to bridge the first inductance and the first resistance; and a welding circuit electrically connected between the power supply output and the weld stud, the welding circuit having a welding circuit resistance and a welding circuit inductance, and the welding circuit inductance is much smaller than the first inductance of the input circuit; and a voltage measuring device is operable for measuring a voltage across the welding circuit.

Abstract: A stud welding process may be performed by a power supply that is adapted for other welding processes, such as MIG, TIG, and so forth. A stud welding gun may receive studs preloaded in a magazine or other support. Studs are charged into the chuck of a stud welding gun and positioned where desired over a surface. An extension, such as a wire-type electrode may extend from the stud and aid in establishing the welding arc. The stud may be shielded by a nozzle or other shield to obviate the need for ceramic ferrules. Orientation of the stud welding gun may be detected, displayed and used as a basis for initiating and completing the stud welding process once the gun and/or stud is properly positioned.

Abstract: The invention relates to a joining head arrangement for joining components, such as studs, onto a workpiece. The joining head arrangement comprises a housing and a slide that is mounted on the housing and is movable, by means of a linear drive, in a joining direction in relation to the housing. The joining head further comprises a component holder, arranged on the slide, and operable to hold a component during a joining operation. A feed device delivers components, at a transfer location, to the component holder. The component holder is rotatable about an axis, which is aligned transversely relative to the joining direction, from a transfer position to a joining position.