Arc Welding Current Control for Spatter Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arc welding current controlling methods experience spatter generation due to sharp current surges after arc regeneration, leading to unstable short-circuiting and increased spatter production, and require high-performance, costly circuit configurations to prevent constriction.

Innovation Solution

A welding current controlling method that detects a constriction and reduces the welding current to a low level upon detection, then increases it to a higher level with a predetermined inclination after arc regeneration, optimizing the change in arc force to reduce spatter and prevent accidental short-circuiting, with different inclinations suited for short-circuiting and globular transfer modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the welding current is sharply increased after arc regeneration, then the wire melting speed is improved, but spatter generation increases and welding stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewire melting speedVSAvoidspatter generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the constriction state of the molten droplet before arc regeneration occurs and pre-reducing the welding current at this critical moment. This preventive measure avoids the sharp current surge that would otherwise cause spatter, while still allowing the current to be increased afterward to maintain wire melting speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic current control by continuously monitoring the welding state and adjusting the current in real-time based on the detected phase (short-circuiting or arc generating) and droplet constriction state. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both wire melting speed and spatter reduction throughout the welding cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the welding current is sharply increased after arc regeneration, then the welding progress is accelerated, but welding stability deteriorates due to accidental short-circuiting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding progressVSAvoidwelding stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting the constriction state of the molten droplet before arc regeneration occurs and pre-reducing the welding current at this critical moment. This preventive measure avoids the sharp current surge that would otherwise cause spatter, while still allowing the current to be increased afterward to maintain wire melting speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring welding voltage and current to detect the constriction state, then using this information to dynamically adjust the current waveform. The control system responds to real-time conditions by modifying current progression, ensuring stable welding while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If conventional current control is used, then the circuit configuration is simple, but high-performance circuits are required to prevent constriction leading to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configurationVSAvoidconstriction prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the existing welding voltage and current signals to detect the constriction state through simple computational processing. The system uses readily available measurement data (voltage and current waveforms) to determine droplet constriction, eliminating the need for additional specialized sensors or complex detection circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by monitoring the rate of change of welding voltage and resistance to detect constriction. By analyzing temporal variations in existing electrical parameters rather than requiring new measurement systems, the patent achieves reliable constriction detection with minimal additional circuitry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The method achieves a gradual change in arc force, reducing spatter generation and preventing accidental short-circuiting, while optimizing wire melting speed and maintaining stable welding conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the welding current Iw passes through the molten droplet 1a, and this produces an electromagnetic pinch force to cause the molten droplet 1a to deform or 'neck down' at an upper portion or constriction 1b

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic pinch force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

the arc generating period Ta, which starts at the time instant t3, is a stage where arc heat melts the tip of the welding wire 1 to produce a molten droplet 1a and also melts the base material 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc heat: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentUS7919728B2Welding current controlling method in arc welding process using consumable electrode upon detection of constriction
Publication Date: 2011.04.05 DAIHEN CORP
  • US7919728B2 patent drawing
  • US7919728B2 patent drawing
  • US7919728B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A welding current controlling method is provided for an arc welding process using a consumable electrode and including an alternate repetition of a short-circuiting state and an arc generating state occurring between the consumable electrode and a base material. In the method, a neck detection is performed for the molten electrode in the short-circuiting period of time to determine if a new arc is established between the consumable electrode and the base material. Upon detection of the neck, the welding current is sharply decreased. After the new arc is established, the welding current is increased from a low level to a high level with a predetermined inclination selected for reducing vibration to the molten pool.