Pulsed Arc Welding Wire Feed Control for Stable Short-Circuit Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulsed arc welding processes experience short circuits between the welding wire and the workpiece, particularly at short arc lengths, leading to weld spatter and process instabilities, which negatively impact weld quality and stability.

Innovation Solution

The welding wire is moved towards the workpiece at a predetermined initial increased forward speed for a duration or distance, then reversed at a defined reverse speed upon short circuit detection, and subsequently moved back towards the workpiece to break the short circuit, using highly dynamic feed motors to manage arc length and prevent persistent short circuits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If pulsed current arc welding is used to improve weld quality and control heat input, then welding precision and energy control are improved, but the complexity of control systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld qualityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The welding system performs self-diagnosis by automatically detecting arc parameters (current, voltage, frequency) and comparing them against predetermined thresholds. When deviations are detected, the system autonomously identifies potential failures and triggers appropriate responses without requiring external monitoring or manual intervention, thereby maintaining weld quality while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors arc current, voltage, and frequency during welding operations and compares these parameters against predetermined ranges. When deviations are detected, the control system automatically adjusts welding parameters or triggers alarms to maintain optimal weld quality. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise control while managing system complexity through automated regulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If continuous monitoring of arc parameters is implemented to detect failures early, then reliability is improved, but energy consumption and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewelding process reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs monitoring and parameter detection at specific intervals during the welding cycle rather than continuously. Arc parameters are measured at predetermined points in the pulse waveform and compared against thresholds periodically. This periodic monitoring approach maintains reliable detection of abnormalities while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The welding system autonomously monitors its own operational parameters and performs self-diagnosis without requiring additional external monitoring equipment. The control unit automatically detects deviations in arc current, voltage, and frequency, and triggers appropriate responses. This self-monitoring capability improves reliability while minimizing additional energy consumption by using the existing welding power supply's measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If complex control algorithms are used to optimize pulsed welding parameters, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and processing time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweld seam qualityVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores optimal welding parameters for different material types, thicknesses, and joint configurations before welding begins. During actual welding operations, the control system simply retrieves and applies these predetermined parameter sets based on the selected welding program, rather than performing complex real-time calculations. This approach ensures high weld quality while minimizing processing time and computational overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system optimizes welding quality by making discrete changes to key parameters such as pulse frequency, peak current, and duty cycle based on pre-programmed settings for different welding conditions. Rather than using complex continuous optimization algorithms, the system selects from predefined parameter combinations that have been optimized for specific applications. This approach maintains manufacturing precision while reducing computational complexity and processing time.

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

This method maintains stable and constant short circuits, minimizing weld spatter and process instability, thus enhancing weld quality and process stability without requiring significant additional effort or cost.

Implementation Method 1

a pulsed current arc welding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric arc: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

controlling a pulsed current arc welding process

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4669483B1Method for controlling and/or regulating an impulse arc welding process and welding device for carrying out an impulse arc welding process
Publication Date: 2026.04.29 FRONIUS INT GMBH
  • EP4669483B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4669483B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4669483B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for open-loop and/or closed-loop controlling a pulsed current arc welding process using a consumable welding wire (4) on a workpiece (W), wherein, in order to form an arc (L) and detach drops (T) from the consumed welding wire (4), current pulses having a specified welding frequency (f) and a pulsed current (IP) that is increased in comparison with a background current (IG) are periodically applied, and the consumable welding wire (4) is moved in the direction of the workpiece (W) at a specified forward speed (vD,V). The invention also relates to a welding device (1) for carrying out a pulsed current arc welding process, comprising a welding-current source (2), a welding torch (3) for feeding a consumable welding wire (4) to a workpiece (W), and a controller (9). According to the invention, the welding wire (4) is moved away from the workpiece (W) at a specified reverse speed (vD,R) after a short circuit (KS) between the welding wire (4) and the workpiece (W) is detected, and the welding wire (5) is moved in the direction of the workpiece (W) again after cancellation of the short circuit (KS) is detected.