Arc Welding Control Method for Spatter Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional arc welding methods generate spatters at the start of the arc, which adhere to the base material and decrease productivity, as the melt pool is not stabilized quickly enough during the transition from short-circuit to pulse welding control.

Innovation Solution

A method that outputs a pulse waveform different from steady-state welding after a predetermined time since short-circuit welding control starts, allowing for a sufficiently large melt pool formation before switching to pulse welding, reducing spatter generation by transferring droplets to the melt pool without spattering, and enabling the opening of short circuits without electromagnetic pinch force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If short-circuit welding control is switched to pulse welding control after a predetermined time, then arc stabilization is achieved, but spatters are generated during the transition period

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc stabilizationVSAvoidspatter generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming a sufficiently large melt pool before switching to pulse welding control. The control method determines when the melt pool has reached adequate size (through monitoring welding parameters) and only then transitions to pulse welding, ensuring that droplets will be transferred to the melt pool without spattering. This preliminary preparation of the melt pool prevents spatter generation during the transition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting welding parameters (current, voltage, wire feed speed) based on real-time monitoring. The control unit changes parameters to maintain short-circuit welding conditions until the melt pool is sufficiently large, then transitions to pulse welding parameters. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures optimal conditions at each stage, preventing spatter while achieving arc stabilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If pulse welding control is started immediately after arc start, then welding productivity is improved, but spatters adhere to the base material

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding speedVSAvoidsurface quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting welding parameters based on melt pool size. The control unit monitors welding parameters and adjusts current, voltage, and wire feed speed to maintain short-circuit welding conditions when the melt pool is small, preventing spatter. Only when parameters indicate a sufficiently large melt pool has formed does the system transition to pulse welding parameters, thus achieving both high productivity and surface quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring welding parameters (current, voltage, wire feed speed) and using this information to determine when to transition from short-circuit to pulse welding. The control unit receives feedback from parameter detection and adjusts the welding mode accordingly, ensuring that pulse welding only begins when conditions are optimal, thereby preventing spatter while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If electromagnetic pinch force is used to open short circuit, then arc starting is achieved, but spatters are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc startingVSAvoidspatter generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by preparing a sufficiently large melt pool before using electromagnetic pinch force to open the short circuit. The control method monitors welding parameters to determine when the melt pool has reached adequate size, and only then allows the transition that involves electromagnetic pinch force. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the short circuit opens, droplets are transferred to the melt pool without spattering, thus maintaining ease of arc starting while preventing spatter generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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

This approach significantly reduces spatter generation and adhesion throughout the welding process from the start of short-circuit control until pulse welding is completed, enhancing welding productivity by stabilizing the arc and preventing spatter formation.

Implementation Method 1

a short circuit during the short-circuit welding control can be opened without using the electromagnetic pinch force of the welding current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic pinch force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

an arc is created between a welding wire as a consumable electrode and a base material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc heating: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 3

the welding current and the welding voltage so that the values of the output signals agree with the parameter values

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

droplets formed immediately after short-circuit welding is switched to pulse welding are transferred to the melt pool without spattering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc-induced droplet transfer: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2455177B1Arc welding control method
Publication Date: 2017.08.30 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP2455177B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2455177B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2455177B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a method for controlling pulse arc welding where an arc is created between a wire and a base material, a pulse waveform different from the pulse waveform for steady-state welding is outputted when a predetermined time has passed since short-circuit welding control was started at arc start, and after a sufficiently large melt pool is formed, the pulse waveform for the steady-state welding is outputted. This reduces the generation of spatters after an arc is created and until the arc is stabilized.