Apparatuses, systems, and/or methods for providing an induction heating system are disclosed. The induction heating system includes an induction power supply and an induction heating tool configured to receive induction-type power from the induction power supply through one or more ports. The ports may be part of the induction power supply and/or an associated junction box. The induction heating tool may include a heating coil attached to one or more plugs via one or more cables. The ports of the induction power supply and/or junction box are configured to receive the plugs of the induction heating tool. A communication device may be positioned adjacent the ports. The communication device may be configured to read data from one or more memory devices of the induction heating tool (e.g., in/on the plugs) via close proximity communication.

The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to a welding and induction heating system capable of providing an output suitable for induction heating using a welding device. The welding device is configured to output a welding current at at least one welding frequency. The switching device present in welding machines utilizing technology including, but not limited to, insulated-gate bipolar transistor inverters, zero voltage switching, full bridge inverters, half bridge inverters, and quarter bridge inverters are capable of generating an output frequency that has the capability to produce induction heating. A switching device in communication with the welding device is capable of increasing the at least one welding frequency to output an induction heating current at at least one induction heating frequency.

The invention described herein generally pertains to a system and method related to a welding and induction heating system capable of providing an output suitable for induction heating using a welding device. The welding device is configured to output a welding current at at least one welding frequency. The switching device present in welding machines utilizing technology including, but not limited to, insulated-gate bipolar transistor inverters, zero voltage switching, full bridge inverters, half bridge inverters, and quarter bridge inverters are capable of generating an output frequency that has the capability to produce induction heating. A switching device in communication with the welding device is capable of increasing the at least one welding frequency to output an induction heating current at at least one induction heating frequency.

The present disclosure is directed, in certain embodiments, a system for depositing material from a metal feedstock. The system includes a feedstock guide configured to guide a metal feedstock from a material feeder to extend beyond a terminal end of the feedstock guide. The system includes a ceramic collar disposed at the terminal end of the feedstock guide and configured to guide the metal feedstock extending from the terminal end of the feedstock guide to a deposition outlet of the ceramic collar. An induction coil disposed adjacent to the ceramic collar and configured to heat a portion of the metal feedstock within the ceramic collar, such that material of the metal feedstock can be deposited on a surface from the deposition end of the ceramic collar.

The present disclosure is directed, in certain embodiments, a system for depositing material from a metal feedstock. The system includes a feedstock guide configured to guide a metal feedstock from a material feeder to extend beyond a terminal end of the feedstock guide. The system includes a ceramic collar disposed at the terminal end of the feedstock guide and configured to guide the metal feedstock extending from the terminal end of the feedstock guide to a deposition outlet of the ceramic collar. An induction coil disposed adjacent to the ceramic collar and configured to heat a portion of the metal feedstock within the ceramic collar, such that material of the metal feedstock can be deposited on a surface from the deposition end of the ceramic collar.

A method and apparatus for providing welding-type power and auxiliary power includes an input circuit, a welding-type output power circuit, an auxiliary power circuit, and a controller. The input circuit receives input power and provides power to a common bus. The welding-type output power circuit receives power from the common bus and provides welding-type output power. The auxiliary power circuit receives power from the common bus and provides non-isolated auxiliary output power. The controller controls the auxiliary power circuit and the welding-type output power circuit.

A welding system includes a first position detection system, a second position detection system independent of the first position detection system, and a controller coupled to the first and second position detection systems. The first position detection system is configured to generate a first output corresponding to a first position and a first orientation of a welding torch during a welding session for a weld. The second position detection system is configured to generate a second output corresponding to a second position and a second orientation of the welding torch during the welding session. The controller is configured to determine welding parameters during the welding session based at least in part on the first output, the second output, or any combination thereof. The welding parameters may include a work angle, a travel angle, a contact tip to work distance, a travel speed, an aim, or any combination thereof.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Systems and methods are provided for controlling welding. One embodiment is a method for controlling welding of a composite part. The method includes locating a linear fiber optic sensor along a composite part comprising a matrix of thermoplastic reinforced by fibers, measuring temperatures along the weld line via the linear fiber optic sensor, performing induction welding at the composite part along the weld line, determining a continuum of weld temperatures along the weld line, and controlling the induction welding based on the continuum of weld temperatures.

Disclosed is a welding-type power source that includes a first wire feeder provides a wire to a workpiece. A first wire feeder motor of the wire feeder to move the wire from a wire storage device to the workpiece. A second wire feeder motor moves the wire to and away from the workpiece and superimposes movement of the wire onto the movement from the first wire feeder motor. A moveable buffer located between the first and second wire feeder motors, and configured to accommodate a change in length of the wire between the first and second wire feeder motors when the second wire feeder motor moves the wire away from the workpiece. A sensor senses movement or displacement of the moveable buffer, wherein a speed or direction of the first or second wire feeder motors is adjusted based on data from the sensor.