Welding torch system for use in welding or cutting operations during which fume is created. The welding torch system has a welding torch comprising a contact tip holder and a coaxial nozzle comprising an inner shield gas conduit having a shield gas outlet for supplying a shield gas. The inner shield gas conduit surrounds the contact tip holder. An outer shell at least partly surrounds said inner shield gas conduit. The welding torch system further comprises a shield gas generator and supply unit for supplying shield gas through the shield gas outlet and a fume extracting assembly for extracting fume and ambient air. The welding torch system is arranged for—during operation—supplying shield gas through the shield gas outlet at a velocity between about 1.5 m/s and 10 m/s. By operating the fume extracting assembly to generate a flow of between 10 and 100 m.sup.3/h, preferably a flow of about 55 m.sup.3/h a reduction in the area of 90%-95% of hazardous fumes can then be realized. A welding torch for use in such a system has an inner shield gas conduit having an end portion with an inner surface of which the diameter decreases towards the shield gas outlet. In a method for welding the shield gas is supplied through the shield gas outlet at a velocity between about 1.5 m/s and 10 m/s.

A shield for a plasma arc torch is configured to protect consumable components of the plasma arc torch from splattering molten metal. The shield includes a generally conical unitary body defining (i) an interior surface to form a gas flow path with an outer surface of an adjacent nozzle of the plasma arc torch, and (ii) an exterior surface. The body includes (i) a distal first portion defining an exit orifice; and (ii) a proximal second portion formed of a flange sharing a common surface with the distal first portion. The shield also includes a seal assembly disposed on the common surface to retain the liquid coolant flow along the proximal second portion.

An arc welding torch having a variable electrode receiving aperture including a number of discrete wedges guided within a conical interior surface of a housing to enable the use of electrodes of various diameters without changing components of the torch. An adjusting collar engages the wedges and forms an adjustable opening for an electrode to be inserted therein. Rotation of a tailpiece of the torch handle adjusts the position of the wedges and secures the electrode in position.

A method providing a manual welding apparatus configured to supply a welding wire to a welding gun. The welding gun has a trigger and an opening where the welding wire extends when the trigger is activated. The method also has a computer with a user interface that includes an automatic wire retract program. The program monitors the welding gun and determines when the trigger is disabled. The program indicates when a first condition is satisfied and retracts the welding wire so the welding wire does not extend from the opening of the welding gun.

A handling apparatus for performing a TIG weld comprises a main body for holding a filler rod; a feeding device attached to the main body and configured to advance the filler rod during welding; a control unit configured to act on the feeding device and to regulate the speed of the filler rod.

In certain embodiments, a welding contact tip includes a first axial end portion having a welding wire outlet of an internal bore of the welding contact tip. The welding contact tip also includes a threaded middle portion adjacent the first axial end portion. The threaded middle portion includes external threads configured to mate with internal threads of a gas diffuser of a welding torch. The first axial end portion includes a tapered outer surface adjacent the threaded middle portion. In other embodiments, a welding torch assembly includes a gas diffuser having an outer circumferential groove having an outer surface with first and second walls that extend radially outward from first and second opposite axial sides of the outer surface, a nozzle having an inner circumferential rib with a tapered inner surface, and a compressible member disposed within the outer circumferential groove of the gas diffuser and the inner circumferential rib of the nozzle.

A contact tip assembly having an electric contact unit containing a contact tip with an electric energy source, where the electric contact unit is positioned at a distance away from the outlet opening of a guide.

Reversible contact tips and welding assemblies for reversible contact tips are disclosed. An example welding contact tip includes a first axial end portion having a welding wire outlet of an inner bore of the welding contact tip, a threaded middle portion adjacent the first axial end portion, wherein the threaded middle portion comprises external threads configured to mate with internal threads of a gas diffuser of a welding torch, and a second axial end portion adjacent the threaded middle portion.

A torch assembly for cutting or spraying applications. The torch assembly includes a torch connector that connects to at least one cable that communicates with a power supply. The torch assembly includes a trigger mounted on the torch assembly to start and stop torch operations. The trigger electrically communicates with the power supply via the at least one cable. The torch assembly also includes a remote switch mounted on the torch assembly to allow an operator to remotely adjust an output of the power supply to a desired output level. The remote switch is electrically coupled to the power supply via the at least one cable.

A method for manual welder training that includes providing a welding training apparatus that includes both hardware and software components and that is operative to gather and process data in real time, wherein the data is derived from an actual training exercise conducted by a welding trainee; selecting training objectives from a predetermined number of predefined objectives; initializing a curriculum, wherein the curriculum is based on the selected training objectives; performing at least one training exercise, wherein the training exercise is a component of the curriculum; providing real-time feedback to the trainee, wherein the real-time feedback is based on the performance of the trainee during the training exercise; evaluating the performance of the trainee based on data gathered and processed during the training exercise; optionally, adapting the curriculum based on the trainee's performance evaluation; and awarding credentials or certifications to the trainee following successful completion of the curriculum.