A welding power source is configured to supply a welding current to a wire as a consumable electrode. The welding power source includes a controller configured to change the welding current based on a position of a distal end of the wire a distance from which to a surface of a base metal varies periodically, in a case where the distal end of the wire is fed toward the base metal with periodical switching between a forward feeding period and a reverse feeding period.

Described herein are examples of welding simulation systems with observation devices that facilitate the types of group interactions that occur in conventional weld training. In some examples, third party observers may use the observation devices to observe the welding simulation from their own perspectives. In some examples, this may allow for traditional “over the shoulder” observation, and/or group/classroom observation and interaction.

Systems and methods are disclosed for automatically activating or deactivating a gouging torch. In particular, the disclosed systems and methods activate and/or deactivate a gouging torch based on a valve operation selection. For example, for welding power supplies and/or welding wire feeders configured to operate both wire welding processes as well as gouging, a valve can be integrated with a gouging torch, which can be adjusted to allow or arrest the flow of compressed air to the gouging torch. In response, the welding power source and/or welding wire feeder automatically changes one or more output characteristics, to switch between a wire welding process and a gouging process without requiring the operator to interact with either the welding power source or welding wire feeder.

Systems and methods for an adjustable user interface for a wire feeder are provided. In some examples, welding power supplies, welding accessories, and/or welding wire feeders and welding wire feeder systems are equipped with one or more user interfaces adaptable to change position, orientation, or location, relative to a housing or support on which the user interface is secured. The adaptable user interfaces may be secured to a mount (e.g., an enclosure, a case, a surface, etc.) via one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, magnets, straps, snap-fit, detents, pins, etc.). For example, the fasteners may create a non-permanent joint between the user interface and the mount, such that the position, orientation, or location user interface may be adapted for a desired application.

In a consumable electrode-type arc welding in which pulse welding and short-circuit welding are alternately repeated, a welding current is controlled such that a welding current immediately before shifting from the pulse welding to the short-circuit welding is lower than a base current in a pulse.

Methods and apparatus to control a weld current amperage are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes identifying an amperage parameter of a welding device, determining a voltage set point based on the amperage parameter and a voltage correction factor, outputting weld current based on the amperage parameter and the voltage set point, comparing a measured voltage corresponding to the weld current to a threshold, and when the measured voltage satisfies the threshold, and adjusting an amperage of the weld current based on the amperage parameter, the voltage set point, and the measured voltage using a first amperage-voltage relationship.

A computer-implemented method for operating a laser material processing machine. Process parameters are varied with the aid of Bayesian optimization until a result of the manufacturing, in particular the laser material processing, is sufficiently good. The Bayesian optimization is carried out with the aid of a data-based process model in a first phase, the data-based process model being trained as a function of estimated results. In a second phase, the data-based process model is trained as a function of the ascertained result resulting upon activation of the laser material processing machine.

Systems and methods for missing weld identification using machine learning techniques are described. In some examples, a part tracking system uses machine learning techniques to identify whether an operator has missed one or more welds when assembling a part. The part tracking system may additionally identify which specific welds were missed (e.g., the first weld, the third weld, the fifteenth weld, etc.). The part tracking system may be able to identify missing welds after a part has been completed, or in real-time, during assembly of the part. Identification of the particular weld(s) missed during the welding process can help an operator quickly assess and resolve any issues with the part being assembled, saving time and ensuring quality

An arc start adjustment device adjusting an arc start procedure in a welding process comprises an obtainment unit that obtains welding data indicating a welding state during or after a welding process, and a procedure adjustment unit that adjusts the arc start procedure such that the cycle time of the welding process is shortened based on welding data obtained by the obtainment unit.

There is provided an arc welding control method of alternating a feeding rate of a welding wire between a forward feeding period and a reverse feeding period, controlling a welding voltage based on a voltage setting value and alternating short-circuiting periods and arc periods to perform welding. In the arc welding control method a cycle of the feeding rate is changed based on the voltage setting value.