System and methods for using analytics and algorithms to predict weld quality are provided and include a computer having a processor and memory configured to receive weld parameter data generated during a welding process by a welder to join at least two parts with a weld, input the received weld parameter data to a data analytics model to generate at least one predicted weld quality parameter, compare the predicted weld quality parameter with a weld quality parameter threshold, and generate output indicating at least one of: the at least one predicted weld quality parameter and a result of the comparison between the at least one predicted weld quality parameter and the weld quality parameter threshold

In order to reduce the adverse effect from a thermal medium splashing as a result of a vapor chamber bursting, this protective structure is provided with a perforation member comprising an end section that: comprises an upper surface and a lower surface; either comes into contact with a first surface, which is either the upper surface or the lower surface, or is located near the first surface, before a flat vapor chamber in contact with an electronic component is overheated by heat from the electronic component; and breaks an outer member of the vapor chamber and penetrates into the interior when the vapor chamber is overheated by the heat.

Apparatus and methods associated with the authentication of a welding or cutting torch with a power supply are provided. According to some implementations, the authentication includes encryption/decryption techniques initiated by the physical or virtual closure of one or more of a trigger switch and a parts-in-place switch. The delivery of high voltage welding or cutting power from the power supply to the torch being enabled only upon a successful authentication of the torch with the power supply.

A laser welding system includes a laser power supply having a controller that controls activation of laser light by the power supply. A sense lead is attachable to a workpiece. A handheld laser welding torch is connected to the power supply to receive the laser light. The torch includes a nozzle having an electrically insulating outer surface, and a pressure sensor that measures a pressure level applied to the nozzle and generates a pressure level signal. A proximity sensor is operatively connected to the sense lead and the torch and is configured to determine whether the torch is adjacent to the workpiece and generate a proximity signal. The controller receives the pressure level signal and the proximity signal. The controller activates the laser light when the pressure level applied to the nozzle meets or exceeds a threshold and the proximity signal indicates that the torch is adjacent to the workpiece.

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for detection of fire states in the presence of welding activities. In some examples, the welding detection system may algorithmically calculate a risk of a fire state developing. In some embodiments, the welding fire detection and prevention system may communicate warning states to users, supervisors, equipment and/or building monitoring systems.

A computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) machine is configured to (i) measure a power of a beam of electromagnetic energy at a location between a source of the electromagnetic energy and a destination in the CNC machine, the beam of electromagnetic energy traveling from the source to the destination being susceptible to one or more interferences, and the one or more interferences being capable of altering the power of the beam of electromagnetic energy by at least diverting, away from an intended path for the beam of electromagnetic energy, at least a portion of the beam of electromagnetic energy, (ii) detect, based at least on the measured power of the beam of electromagnetic energy being less than a threshold value, an interference of the beam of electromagnetic energy, and (iii) in response to detecting the interference of the beam of electromagnetic energy, perform one or more actions.

An example welding-type system includes: processing circuitry; and a machine readable storage medium comprising a machine readable instruction, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to: control a first switch to disconnect a motor circuit from a motor power source, the motor circuit comprising a wire feed motor and a second switch; control the second switch to permit current to flow while the first switch disconnects the motor circuit from the motor power source during a test period; and in response to feedback indicative of a current through the motor circuit while the first switch is open and the second switch is closed, detecting a fault condition associated with the motor circuit.

A resistance welding pinch protection system for use with a resistance welder, comprising a sensor array adapted to be secured around the base of a positive electrode of the resistance welder, the sensor array including a plurality of proximity sensors positioned along a perimeter of the sensor array, the plurality of proximity sensors defining an electrode operation field around the positive electrode, an input/output interface to be operatively connected to the resistance welder, and at least one processor in communication with the plurality of proximity sensors and the input/output interface, wherein in use, during the lowering of the positive electrode, the at least one processor interrupts the control signal to the resistance welding controller in order to stop the welding sequence, raising the positive electrode in response to the detection of an obstacle within the electrode operation field.

An example fume extractor for a robotic welding torch includes: a neck clamp configured to attach to a neck of a robotic welding torch; an intermediate mount rigidly attached to the neck clamp; a fume duct coupled to the intermediate mount and extending over the neck of the robotic welding torch toward a nozzle of the robotic welding torch; and a fume manifold rotationally coupled to the intermediate mount and coupled to a fume hose, wherein the fume manifold, the intermediate mount, and the fume duct are configured to communicate a negative pressure from the fume hose to an end of the fume duct closest to the nozzle of the robotic welding torch.

A welding system includes a welding torch. The welding torch includes a sensor configured to detect a motion associated with the welding torch, a temperature associated with the welding torch, or some combination thereof. A display of the welding torch is activated, a determination is made that the welding torch has been involved in a high impact event, live welding using the welding torch is disabled, a software selection is made, or some combination thereof, based on the motion, the temperature, or some combination thereof.