The invention uses the principle of the pneumatic turbine and a cooling system for the entire welding torch, wherein the gas used in the welding process, or even compressed air, enters through a conductor in the axial direction to the consumable, thus moving, a turbine, which in turn moves a tip and a tip holder. The welding torch can be used for extended periods of time at 100% cycle on welding machines of NEMA class I, since it is water cooled. In addition, the torch can be used in any welding source from any manufacturer, whether the machine is new or very old, as the euro standard (socket) is the same. This implies that there is no need to purchase a new welding machine, but only a torch. In construction and assembly environments, such as riser welding, refineries, joint welding, coating, and processes that aim to build a part using only one welding consumable, the use of said torch would bring a significant balance in terms of reduction of time and cost. This torch can also be used in any existing welding device, within the abovementioned processes.

A torch for performing TIG welding is disclosed. In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, the torch includes a torch body having a cavity configured to receive and support an electrode assembly, a first shield gas channel, and a second shield gas channel. The first shield gas channel extends from an external surface of the torch body to a first plenum that is fluidly coupled to the cavity so that the first shield gas channel is configured to direct a first shield gas into the cavity. The first plenum is defined, at least in part, by the cavity and is disposed radially exterior of a portion of the electrode assembly. The second shield gas channel is configured to direct a second shield gas to exit the torch body along a path that that is radially exterior of the cavity.

A portable welder that includes a portable housing, a ground clamp, an electrode holder, a user interface, and a battery pack interface. The ground clamp is connected to the portable housing through a ground cable and is configured to be connected to a metal workpiece. The electrode holder is connected to the portable housing through an electrode cable. The electrode holder includes a mount connected to the electrode cable and a user input. The mount is configured to hold a consumable electrode. The user input is configured to activate the portable welder. The user interface located on the housing. The battery pack interface is configured to receive a removable and rechargeable battery pack.

A portable welder that includes a portable housing, a ground clamp, an electrode holder, a user interface, and a battery pack interface. The ground clamp is connected to the portable housing through a ground cable and is configured to be connected to a metal workpiece. The electrode holder is connected to the portable housing through an electrode cable. The electrode holder includes a mount connected to the electrode cable and a user input. The mount is configured to hold a consumable electrode. The user input is configured to activate the portable welder. The user interface located on the housing. The battery pack interface is configured to receive a removable and rechargeable battery pack.

Approaches herein provide a torch handle including a pneumatically controlled jaw operable to engage an electrode. In one approach, a system is provided for distributing gas within the torch handle, the system including a pneumatic cylinder within a main housing of the torch handle. The pneumatic cylinder is coupled to a shaft for actuating first and second members of the jaw. The system further includes a gas passageway through the main housing, the gas passageway extending to an exit orifice disposed within the second member. A flow controller, including first and second valves, is operable to direct a flow of a gas to either the pneumatic cylinder or the gas passageway. In one approach, the first member is actuated towards the second member when the gas is directed through the gas passageway, and actuated away from the second member when the gas is directed to the pneumatic cylinder.

Approaches herein provide a torch handle including a pneumatically controlled jaw operable to engage an electrode. In one approach, a system is provided for distributing gas within the torch handle, the system including a pneumatic cylinder within a main housing of the torch handle. The pneumatic cylinder is coupled to a shaft for actuating first and second members of the jaw. The system further includes a gas passageway through the main housing, the gas passageway extending to an exit orifice disposed within the second member. A flow controller, including first and second valves, is operable to direct a flow of a gas to either the pneumatic cylinder or the gas passageway. In one approach, the first member is actuated towards the second member when the gas is directed through the gas passageway, and actuated away from the second member when the gas is directed to the pneumatic cylinder.

A method for providing a welding score, comprising determining an initial position of a welding operation, determining a terminal position of the welding operation, determining a welding path between the initial position and the terminal position, and determining the welding score based on the welding path, wherein the welding score takes into account one or both of a time used for welding and a length of the welding path. A system comprising a welding torch, and a computer configured to: determine an initial position of a welding operation, determine a terminal position of the welding operation, determine a welding path between the initial position and the terminal position, determine a welding score, wherein the welding score takes into account a time used for welding and/or a length of the welding path, and comparing the welding score to a score threshold.

A welding electrode apparatus may be mounted to a programmable motion controller such as a robot that presents it to a workpiece along a pre-programmed path conforming to the workpiece surface. The apparatus has a first drive for rotating the welding electrode about its own axis. The welding electrode holder is part of a welding electrode had that is mounted to, or includes, an adapter that itself mounts to a programmable robot. The welding head is sprung on the adapter, such that application of the welding rod against the workpiece under a given force deflects the springs. The adapter can be adjusted in real time relative to the robot to smooth out variations in application force. The apparatus uses Hall effect sensors to sense deviations from a datum of spring displacement or force, and has a servo-motor to re-adjust positioning of the welding head relative to the robot.

A welding electrode apparatus may be mounted to a programmable motion controller such as a robot that presents it to a workpiece along a pre-programmed path conforming to the workpiece surface. The apparatus has a first drive for rotating the welding electrode about its own axis. The welding electrode holder is part of a welding electrode had that is mounted to, or includes, an adapter that itself mounts to a programmable robot. The welding head is sprung on the adapter, such that application of the welding rod against the workpiece under a given force deflects the springs. The adapter can be adjusted in real time relative to the robot to smooth out variations in application force. The apparatus uses Hall effect sensors to sense deviations from a datum of spring displacement or force, and has a servo-motor to re-adjust positioning of the welding head relative to the robot.

A jacketed consumable cartridge is provided for a liquid cooled plasma arc torch. The jacketed consumable cartridge comprises an electrode, a swirl ring securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the electrode, and a nozzle securely affixed to the swirl ring, the nozzle disposed circumferentially about the distal end of the electrode with a portion of the swirl ring located therebetween. The cartridge also comprises a cartridge jacket securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the nozzle and a shield securely affixed to and disposed circumferentially about a distal end of the cartridge jacket. A proximal end of the cartridge jacket is adapted to extend (i) axially past a proximal end of the shield and (ii) radially beyond a radial extent of the shield.