Automatically recognizing interchangeable torch components, such as consumables, for welding and cutting torches includes adding one or more passive markings to a surface of an interchangeable torch component. Then, the interchangeable component can be recognized by a torch assembly including a torch body and one or more imaging devices or by a system including the torch assembly and a power supply. The torch body has an operative end configured to removably receive the interchangeable torch component. The one or more imaging devices are positioned to optically acquire an image of or image data representative of the one or more passive markings included on the interchangeable torch components so that a processor can determine if the one or more interchangeable components are genuine.

A safety plug for a female welding lead connector configured to remain tethered to the female welding lead connector and including a male head configured in the shape of a male end of a male welding lead connector so that the male head of the safety plug can be inserted into a female welding lead connector, rotated, and secured in place inside a female welding lead connector in the same manner as a male welding lead connector.

The subject innovation described herein generally pertains to a system and method for security features for a device in which functionality of the device can be limited or restricted in accordance with one or more security layers. To access functionality of the device, an appropriate security-related input is required.

A system and method are provided for using a welding or cutting system that uses a physical key to lock or unlock welding parameters or operations. The key can be used to lock, unlock, store and track welding or cutting information and can be customized as needed.

In certain embodiments, inductive heating is added to a metal working process, such as a welding process, by an induction heating head. The induction heating head may be adapted specifically for this purpose, and may include one or more coils to direct and place the inductive energy, protective structures, and so forth. Productivity of a welding process may be improved by the application of heat from the induction heating head. The heating is in addition to heat from a welding arc, and may facilitate application of welding wire electrode materials into narrow grooves and gaps, as well as make the processes more amenable to the use of certain compositions of welding wire, shielding gasses, flux materials, and so forth. In addition, distortion and stresses are reduced by the application of the induction heating energy in addition to the welding arc source.

A method and device for controlling current flow through a welding clamp are provided. One welding clamp includes a first contact piece configured to contact a workpiece and to provide a first current path that limits current flow. The welding clamp also includes a second contact piece configured to contact the workpiece and to provide a second current path. When the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece, the first contact piece is configured to contact the workpiece prior to the second contact piece. In addition, the welding clamp is configured so that current flows through the first current path prior to flowing through the second current path when the welding clamp is being clamped to the workpiece.

Connecting parts for a processing head for thermal material processing, comprises a body that extends along a longitudinal axis having an outer face, an inner face, a front end, and a rear end; and the inner face or the outer face has a slot, extending in the circumferential direction, with each slot having a slot depth and a slot bottom, wherein the slot bottom exhibits, around the circumference, different distances extending through the longitudinal axis and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis between the opposite portions of the slot bottom, and one inner face or outer face exhibits, around the circumference, different distances, extending through the longitudinal axis and perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis, between the opposite portions of the inner face or outer face.

Disclosed example robotic welding systems include: a robotic manipulator configured to manipulate a welding torch; and a robot control system, comprising: a processor; and a machine readable storage medium comprising machine readable instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to, during a robotic welding procedure involving the robotic manipulator: prior to initiating an arc as part of the robotic welding procedure, identify an arc warning event; in response to the arc warning event, output at least one of a visual notification or an audible notification proximate to the robotic manipulator; and control the robotic manipulator to perform the robotic welding procedure involving initiating the arc using the welding torch.

Systems and methods to aid a welder or welding student. A system may provide a real-world arc welding system or a virtual reality arc welding system along with a computerized eyewear device having a head-up display (HUD). The computerized eyewear device may be worn by a user under a conventional welding helmet as eye glasses are worn and may wirelessly communicate with a welding power source of a real-world arc welding system or a programmable processor-based subsystem of a virtual reality arc welding system.

A portable welding carriage with a retaining compartment for receiving a fire extinguisher, the fire extinguisher positioned forwardly of acetylene and oxygen cylinders to protect the same and provide accessibility in exigent circumstances.