Aluminum Company of America

Burney A Major

John M Urbanic

An arc welding torch terminates in a gas cup open at one end through which an electrode projects. Inert gas is introduced under pressure at the other end of the gas cup and flows past and through a gas diffuser disposed in said gas cup. The diffuser is spaced from the inner wall of the gas cup, and a portion of the gas flows axially parallel to the central axis of the gas cup. The diffuser has a set of passageways to form and direct columns of gas in an outward direction, and another set of passageways to form and direct columns of gas in an inward direction. The diffuser is axially and angularly adjustable to vary the pattern of gas discharge with relation to the arc and to control the contour of the weld bead.

Apparatus and method for inert gas arc welding

A welding method including the steps of feeding a consumable electrode of at least 1/8 -inch diameter at a constant speed toward a parent metal to be welded, while maintaining, with electrical power at an amperage-voltage characteristic having a slope of 0 to 2 amperes/volt, a direct current arc between the consumable electrode and parent metal, and while maintaining a shielding gas flow at the arc and on molten metal, wherein the electrical power is connected between the consumable electrode and the parent metal in reverse polarity, wherein the speed of the consumable electrode toward the parent metal to be welded is controlled within plus or minus 1/2% of the desired speed, and wherein the power source providing the electrical power has a dynamic regulated output current of plus or minus 5%.

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Spring Church, PA, United States of America

Burney A Major