Wire electrode drive pressure adjustment system and method

摘要

A welding torch is provided that includes a motorized arrangement for advancing continuous electrode wires during welding. The torch has a pair of rollers that contact the electrode wire to force it through the torch during welding. A force adjustment selector is provided in the torch handle that allows the operator to alter the force or pressure applied to the electrode wire. Markings on the handle, or stops provided between the selector and the handle allow for easy adjustment and verification of the proper pressure or force applied for specific types of electrode wires.

主权项

1. A system for adjusting drive pressure on a continuous welding electrode wire comprising:
a torch handle; a pair of rollers disposed in the torch handle and configured to capture the continuous welding electrode wire therebetween; a pressure adjustment assembly coupled to one of the rollers and configured to permit operator adjustment of a force urging the coupled roller towards the other roller; an operator indicator providing feedback to a welding operator of which of a plurality of preset force settings for the pressure adjustment assembly is currently set, wherein the operator indicator includes indicia visible from outside the torch handle, wherein the indicia include markings on an external surface of the torch handle and a marking on the pressure adjustment assembly; and one or more stops for the pressure adjustment assembly corresponding to at least one of the preset force settings, wherein the one or more stops are provided on the torch handle and interface mechanically with an extension of the pressure adjustment assembly to limit travel of the assembly between predetermined limits to less than one turn.