Welding machine and method for igniting a plasma main arc for plasma welding operation of a welding machine

The welding machine and method improve plasma arc ignition reliability by using a controlled sequence of electrical potential adjustments and auxiliary voltage sources to ensure successful transfer from pilot to main plasma arc, addressing the challenge of arc non-burning in non-consumable electrode welding.

DE102025000398B3Active Publication Date: 2026-05-21FRONIUS INT GMBH
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Patent Information

Application Number
DE102025000398
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-01-31
Publication Date
2026-05-21
Estimated Expiration
2045-01-31

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Reliably igniting the plasma main arc in welding machines with non-consumable electrodes, such as tungsten electrodes, is challenging due to the long distance between the electrode and the workpiece, and existing methods for transferring a pilot arc to a main plasma arc often fail, leading to arc non-burning issues.

Method used

A welding machine and method that includes a control device to execute a plasma ignition sequence by applying electrical potentials to generate a pilot arc, switching off the potential to create a main plasma arc, and using auxiliary voltage sources to reignite the arc if necessary, with a sequence of actions to ensure successful ignition, including the use of integrated auxiliary voltage sources and high-frequency generators.

Benefits of technology

Enhances the reliability of plasma arc ignition by ensuring a high probability of successful transfer from pilot to main plasma arc through a controlled sequence of electrical potential adjustments and voltage sources, minimizing damage to the workpiece.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention provides a welding machine (100) and a method for igniting a plasma main arc (2). The welding machine (100) comprises: a tungsten electrode (101), a plasma nozzle (102), and a control device (120) configured to perform a plasma ignition sequence, which includes at least: Applying (S10) a first and second potential (V1, V2) to generate a pilot arc (1); Applying (S30) the second potential (V2) to a workpiece electrode (104) connected to a workpiece (4); Switching off (S40) the second potential (V2) to generate a main plasma arc (2); Check (S50) whether the main plasma arc (2) is burning and, if not, carry out (S60) a measure stage comprising reapplying (S61) the second potential to the plasma nozzle (102) and switching off (S62) the second potential (V2); and Check (S70) whether the action stage was successful and, if not, carry out (S110, S130) at least one further action stage, each comprising switching on an additional voltage source (131, 132).
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

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