Aluminum Arc Welding Feed Control for Low-Spatter Short Circuits

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of detecting arc generation during short circuit periods in aluminum or aluminum alloy welding wire is difficult due to low resistance values, leading to increased spatter generation.

Innovation Solution

An arc welding control method that alternates the feed speed of the welding wire between forward and reverse feed periods, controlling the welding current to reduce spatter by detecting short circuit periods and adjusting the feed speed and current patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-generated harmful factors

If constriction detection control is used to reduce spatter, then spatter generation is reduced, but it cannot be applied to aluminum welding due to low resistance values making constriction detection impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatter generationVSAvoidconstriction detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameter from resistance value (which fails for aluminum) to droplet transfer state detection. By monitoring the actual droplet transfer behavior during short-circuit welding, the system can identify arc generation signs without relying on resistance changes, thus enabling spatter reduction control for aluminum materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the electrical measurement method (resistance-based constriction detection) with a hybrid detection approach that monitors droplet transfer state. This substitution enables arc generation detection for aluminum welding where traditional electrical methods fail due to low material resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If welding current is rapidly reduced during short circuit period, then spatter is reduced, but this requires accurate arc generation detection which is difficult with aluminum's low resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatter generationVSAvoidarc generation detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention implements feedback control by continuously monitoring droplet transfer state and using this information to control welding current. The system detects arc generation through droplet transfer characteristics and rapidly adjusts current accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that reduces spatter while maintaining welding stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention performs preliminary detection of droplet transfer state during the short-circuit period before arc generation occurs. By identifying the precursors of arc generation through droplet behavior monitoring, the system can prepare for and execute rapid current reduction at the optimal moment, preventing spatter formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If forward and reverse feed of welding wire is implemented, then welding quality is improved, but spatter control becomes more complex without proper arc generation detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding qualityVSAvoidspatter generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs periodic forward and reverse feed of the welding wire to control droplet transfer and arc generation. This periodic motion, combined with synchronized welding current control based on detected droplet transfer state, achieves both improved welding quality and reduced spatter by creating controlled, repeatable welding cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Reduces spatter generation by effectively managing the welding current and feed speed, maintaining welding stability and improving bead appearance.

Implementation Method 1

generating an arc between the welding wire and a base material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

the resistance value is small, making it difficult to detect the generation of the constriction due to the increase in the resistance value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3575025B1Arc welding control method
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 DAIHEN CORP
  • EP3575025B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3575025B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3575025B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An arc welding control method for controlling welding in which a material of a welding wire is aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and a feed speed Fw of the welding wire is alternately switched between a forward feed period and a reverse feed period to repeat a short circuit period and an arc period, a welding current Iw is controlled so that an average value of maximum values of the welding current Iw during the short circuit period is 150 A or less. A reverse feed peak value Wrp during the reverse feed period is set so that an average value of time lengths of the short circuit period is 7 ms or less. Accordingly, the current value can be reduced when the short circuit is released and the lengthening in the short circuit period can be prevented, so that the spatter generation amount can be reduced.