Illinois Tool Works Inc.

Rick Hutchison

William R Giese

Dustin Carter Wagner

James Lee Uecker

Tim A Matus

Erik Miller

Joe Schneider

William Giese

Dustin Wagner

James Uecker

A method for controlling a start of a metalworking operation. The method includes detecting an initial contact between a wire being fed from a welding apparatus and a workpiece and, in response to the detection, halting feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus. The method further includes activating a high energy heat source configured to heat a tip of the wire and resuming the feeding of the wire from the welding apparatus when the tip of the wire is heated by the high energy heat source to a plastic state. The feeding of the wire is resumed by measuring a force feedback from the wire contacting the workpiece. An apparatus for implementing the method is also disclosed.

Metalworking system with force controlled wire feed start operation

A method for controlling a metalworking operation. The method includes measuring a force feedback from a wire being fed from a feeder, the wire contacting a workpiece, determining a change in the force of the force feedback, and adjusting either a heating of the wire or a feed rate of the wire based at least in part on the change in the force of the force feedback. Also disclosed are apparatus for effecting the foregoing.

Metalworking wire feeder system with force control operation

A plasma arc cutting power supply, and method of providing plasma cutting power, is disclosed. It includes a source of power having, preferably an engine or transformer based power source, that provides a main power output and an auxiliary power output. A two-state configuration circuit is in electrical communication with the auxiliary power output. The auxiliary power output receives voltage of a first magnitude with a non-floating ground when the configuration circuit is in its first state. The auxiliary power output receives voltage of a second magnitude, preferably different than the first magnitude, with a floating ground, when the configuration circuit is in its second state. When a plasma cutting circuit is connected to the auxiliary power output the configuration circuit is set in its second state. The plasma cutting circuit includes at least one chopper. A safety circuit that disables the plasma output includes a GFI or optical isolator.

Plasma cutter for auxiliary power output of a power source

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Appleton, WI, United States of America

Rick Hutchison