Systems and methods for initiating and/or terminating a GMAW-P welding process are disclosed. A welding-type power supply may include a power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power, and a controller configured to control the power conversion circuitry based on a plurality of operating parameters. In examples, the systems and methods disclosed herein implement pulsed cycles with one or more increased output parameters (such as current, pulse width, etc.) in order to jump start a pulsed welding cycle at a cold start (i.e. at initiation of a welding process), and thereby prevent a ball forming and remaining on the end of an electrode wire as the welding process continues. In a similar manner, a pulsed cycle with one or more increased parameters can be used to terminate the welding process, also preventing the ball forming and remaining on the electrode wire.

Systems and methods for initiating and/or terminating a GMAW-P welding process are disclosed. A welding-type power supply may include a power conversion circuitry configured to convert input power to welding-type power, and a controller configured to control the power conversion circuitry based on a plurality of operating parameters. In examples, the systems and methods disclosed herein implement pulsed cycles with one or more increased output parameters (such as current, pulse width, etc.) in order to jump start a pulsed welding cycle at a cold start (i.e. at initiation of a welding process), and thereby prevent a ball forming and remaining on the end of an electrode wire as the welding process continues. In a similar manner, a pulsed cycle with one or more increased parameters can be used to terminate the welding process, also preventing the ball forming and remaining on the electrode wire.

A welding apparatus can comprise an electrode holder configured to removably receive a consumable electrode and an actuator configured to move the electrode holder. The apparatus can comprise a base and an arm having first and second ends, where the first end is coupled to the arm such that the arm extends in a first direction that is angularly disposed relative to the base. The base can be configured to be placed relative to a workpiece such that the second end of the arm is disposed further from the workpiece than is the first end and the electrode, when received by the electrode holder, extends from the electrode holder toward the workpiece. A controller can be configured to adjust a rate at which the actuator moves the electrode holder relative to the arm, optionally based at least in part on an arc voltage measured across the electrode and the workpiece.

A method and apparatus for TIG welding and starting a TIG welding process includes limiting the pulse width of a power circuit when a TIG start is being performed, and monitoring for the creation of a welding arc. After the welding arc has been detected the limiting of the pulse width is ended.

A method and apparatus for TIG welding and starting a TIG welding process includes limiting the pulse width of a power circuit when a TIG start is being performed, and monitoring for the creation of a welding arc. After the welding arc has been detected the limiting of the pulse width is ended.

Disclosed is a method for controlling arc welding where an arc is generated between a welding wire as a consumable electrode and an object to be welded. The method includes: keeping a wire feed speed at a predetermined constant speed in a steady-state welding period; and at a time point when welding termination is ordered, either switching the wire feed speed from the predetermined constant speed to a wire feed speed at which the welding wire is fed in alternating forward and backward directions, or decreasing the wire feed speed from the predetermined constant speed with time, and then switching the wire feed speed to the wire feed speed at which the welding wire is fed in alternating forward and backward directions at a time point when a predetermined time period has passed since when welding termination was ordered.

Disclosed is a method for controlling arc welding where an arc is generated between a welding wire as a consumable electrode and an object to be welded. The method includes: keeping a wire feed speed at a predetermined constant speed in a steady-state welding period; and at a time point when welding termination is ordered, either switching the wire feed speed from the predetermined constant speed to a wire feed speed at which the welding wire is fed in alternating forward and backward directions, or decreasing the wire feed speed from the predetermined constant speed with time, and then switching the wire feed speed to the wire feed speed at which the welding wire is fed in alternating forward and backward directions at a time point when a predetermined time period has passed since when welding termination was ordered.

This invention relates to an apparatus for use in welding, in particular in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. The invention provides a touch retract welding torch (10) comprising: an electrode (27); a nozzle (28) surrounding the electrode (27); a mechanical retraction mechanism (21) comprising a gripper (13) for clamping the electrode and arranged in operation to engage the gripper and retract the electrode (27) away from a weld site by a predetermined distance; activating means (24) arranged in operation to trigger said retraction mechanism while providing the basis by which an arc maybe drawn from an initial contact point and maintained consistently over a significant number of operational cycles.

A robot controlling method for operating an arm using a motor includes: performing, before the arm stops, addition to add a backlash compensation value to a position command which is input to the motor; and performing, in a period during which the robot arm is not in motion, subtraction to reduce the backlash compensation value added to the position command.

A welding-type system includes a welding torch comprising a contact tip to provide an electrode wire. A secondary contact in electrical contact with the electrode wire, the secondary contact located along a length of the electrode wire and before the contact tip. Each of the contact tip and the secondary contact are connected to a welding-type power source. A current limiting device coupling located between the welding-type power source and the secondary contact and configured to limit a current at the secondary contact.