A system for joining at least two components by welding includes a magnetic base for receiving the components for welding and a flexible magnetic member configurable to correspond to a weld path defining a weld joining the components. The flexible magnetic member exerts a retention force on the components in response to a magnetic field produced by selective activation of the magnetic base. The system can include a magnetic locating element positioned adjacent a perimeter edge of the component to be welded, for generating a repulsive magnetic force between the flexible magnetic member and the magnetic locating element to locate the flexible magnetic member relative to the perimeter edge and provide clearance for a welding device to access a continuous weld path defined by the perimeter edge, such that the welding device can form a continuous weld along the weld path. A welding method using the system is provided.

A system for joining at least two components by welding includes a magnetic base for receiving the components for welding and a flexible magnetic member configurable to correspond to a weld path defining a weld joining the components. The flexible magnetic member exerts a retention force on the components in response to a magnetic field produced by selective activation of the magnetic base. The system can include a magnetic locating element positioned adjacent a perimeter edge of the component to be welded, for generating a repulsive magnetic force between the flexible magnetic member and the magnetic locating element to locate the flexible magnetic member relative to the perimeter edge and provide clearance for a welding device to access a continuous weld path defined by the perimeter edge, such that the welding device can form a continuous weld along the weld path. A welding method using the system is provided.

Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

A stud welding process and a stud welding device for welding a stud to a workpiece are provided, wherein an arc (LB) is generated between the surface of the stud that faces the workpiece and the workpiece by using a pulsed welding current (Is), and the arc (LB) is deflected by means of a magnetic field which is generated by a coil through which a current (I.sub.A) flows. The current (I.sub.A) through the coil for generating the magnetic field for deflecting the arc (LB) is activated synchronously and in anti-phase with the welding current (I.sub.s) by a current (I.sub.A) always being applied to the coil when the welding current (I.sub.s) is at a minimum, and the coil being switched off or the current (I.sub.A) through the coil being reduced to a minimum when the welding current (I.sub.s) is at a maximum.

A stud welding process and a stud welding device for welding a stud to a workpiece are provided, wherein an arc (LB) is generated between the surface of the stud that faces the workpiece and the workpiece by using a pulsed welding current (Is), and the arc (LB) is deflected by means of a magnetic field which is generated by a coil through which a current (I.sub.A) flows. The current (I.sub.A) through the coil for generating the magnetic field for deflecting the arc (LB) is activated synchronously and in anti-phase with the welding current (I.sub.s) by a current (I.sub.A) always being applied to the coil when the welding current (I.sub.s) is at a minimum, and the coil being switched off or the current (I.sub.A) through the coil being reduced to a minimum when the welding current (I.sub.s) is at a maximum.

Provided are a systems and methods for manufacturing objects by solid freeform fabrication, especially titanium and titanium alloy objects, wherein the deposition rate is increased by using two separate heat sources, one heat source for heating the deposition area on the base material and one heat source for heating and melting a metallic material, such as a metal wire or a powdered metallic material.

According to some embodiments, a device for reducing magnetic force along a section of piping comprises a first end member comprising an opening, a second end member comprising an opening, at least one connecting member extending between the first end member and the second end member, the at least one connecting member secured to both the first and second end members, wherein the at least one connecting member defines a passageway that generally aligns with the openings of the first and second end members, and wherein the passageway and the central openings of the first and second members are sized and otherwise configured to accommodate a pipe section. The device further includes a coil configured to conduct electrical current.

According to some embodiments, a device for reducing magnetic force along a section of piping comprises a first end member comprising an opening, a second end member comprising an opening, at least one connecting member extending between the first end member and the second end member, the at least one connecting member secured to both the first and second end members, wherein the at least one connecting member defines a passageway that generally aligns with the openings of the first and second end members, and wherein the passageway and the central openings of the first and second members are sized and otherwise configured to accommodate a pipe section. The device further includes a coil configured to conduct electrical current.

A welding apparatus includes a welding electrode, where the welding electrode has a concavely formed end-face region and where the welding electrode has a magnet such that a spherical dome-shaped portion of a magnetically attractable ball which is located in an effective range of the magnet is drawable against the concavely formed end-face region.