A coolant tube for a plasma arc torch is provided. The coolant tube includes an elongated coolant tube body including a distal portion configured to engage an electrode and a proximal portion configured to engage a body of the plasma arc torch. The coolant tube also includes a first electrically conductive element coupled to the distal portion of the elongated coolant tube body. The first electrically conductive element is configured to physically contact an electrode. The coolant tube further includes a second electrically conductive element coupled to the proximal portion of the elongated coolant tube body. The second electrically conductive element is configured to physically contact the body of the plasma arc torch. The elongated coolant tube body defines a current path and a fluid path between the body of the plasma arc torch and the electrode.

Provided is a disclosure for a ventilation conduit for a welding torch, where the ventilation conduit comprises a conduit body comprising at least a first part and a second part, and a conduit nozzle. The first part and the second part are configured to be removably coupled to each other around an outside of a welding torch. The conduit nozzle, with a first end that is beveled and a second end, is configured to be removably coupled by the second end to the conduit body.

This invention relates to welding processes employing a TIG torch with a non-consumable electrode and a consumable filler rod with the end of the rod being progressively melted by an electric arc generated between the electrode end and the work piece to be welded transferring molten metal from the rod to the melt metal of the work piece (weld puddle) to form a weld joint. Providing a non-consumable arc isolation sleeve guard around the electrode allowing a pre-determined portion of the electrode to be exposed limiting arc variation and wandering.

A torch head for a liquid-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The torch head includes a torch body and a torch insulator, coupled to the torch body, having a substantially non-conductive insulator body. The torch insulator includes (i) a first liquid coolant channel, disposed within the insulator body, configured to conduct a fluid flow from the torch head into a consumable cartridge along a first preexisting flow path, (ii) a first liquid return channel, disposed within the insulator body, configured to return at least a portion of the fluid flow from the cartridge to the torch head along the first preexisting flow path, and (iii) a gas channel, disposed within the insulator body, configured to conduct a first gas flow from the torch head to the cartridge along a second preexisting flow path. The first and second preexisting flow paths are fluidly isolated from each other.

A consumable cartridge for a liquid-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge comprises a cartridge frame including a proximal end having an end surface, a distal end and a body having a central longitudinal axis extending therethrough. The cartridge configured to form a radio-frequency identification (RFID) interface with a torch head. The consumable cartridge also comprises an arc emitter and an arc constrictor affixed to the cartridge frame at the distal end and an RFID mounting feature formed on or in the cartridge frame adjacent to the end face. The RFID mounting feature is non-concentric with the central longitudinal axis of the body. The consumable cartridge further comprises an RFID tag disposed in or on the RFID mounting feature for transmitting information about the cartridge to a reader device in the torch head when the cartridge is connected to the torch head.

A consumable cartridge frame for a liquid-cooled plasma arc torch is provided. The consumable cartridge frame includes an insulator body configured to be disposed between a torch head and a cartridge tip. The consumable cartridge also includes a first cooling channel, disposed in the body, configured to conduct a first fluid flow received from the torch head to contact a component of the cartridge tip connected to the cartridge frame. The consumable cartridge further includes a first return channel, disposed in the body, configured to conduct at least a portion of the first fluid flow from the component to the torch head. The first cooling channel and the first return channel are non-concentric in relation to a central longitudinal axis of the body.

A liquid-cooled consumable cartridge for a plasma arc torch is provided. The cartridge includes (i) an electrode, (ii) a swirl ring with a first outer retaining feature and a second outer retaining feature on an exterior surface, where the electrode is secured to the swirl ring, and (iii) a nozzle with an inner retaining feature on an interior surface, where the inner retaining feature of the nozzle is mated with the first outer retaining feature of the swirl ring. The cartridge also includes a cartridge frame with an inner retaining feature on an interior surface and an outer retaining feature on an exterior surface. The inner retaining feature of the cartridge frame is mated with the second outer retaining feature of the swirl ring. The cartridge further includes a shield with an inner retaining feature on an interior surface mated with the outer retaining feature of the cartridge frame.

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.

An example welding-type system includes a welding-type tool and a cooler comprising a cooler outlet connection configured to provide fluid to the welding-type tool, wherein the welding-type tool receives the fluid through one or more conduits running through a portion of the welding-type tool, and wherein the cooler outlet connection is a valve configured to retain the fluid within the cooler outlet connection. An example cooler configured to cool a welding-type tool, the cooler including an outlet connection configured to provide fluid to the welding-type tool, wherein the outlet connection is a valve configured to retain the fluid within the outlet connection, and an inlet connection configured to receive the fluid from the welding-type tool, wherein the cooler is configured to cool the welding-type tool by recirculating the fluid to the welding-type tool.