Method and apparatus for welding with limited term software

摘要

A method and apparatus for welding uses a power circuit and a controller connected to the power circuit. The controller included a welding program having a limited term. The program may be part of a system, or a stand alone program. The controller has a data port and the welding program and/or an authorization is received by the controller on the data port in one embodiment. The welding program includes a limited time module, a limited time in use module, a limited arc start module, a controlled short circuit program, and/or a pulse program in various embodiments. A second welding program, without a limited term module, may be provided.

主权项

1. A method of welding comprising: providing a first welding program, wherein the first welding program is available for use and includes a limited term module; providing welding power in accordance with the first welding program; and determining if the first welding program has been previously activated: in response to the determination, if the first welding program has not been previously activated, setting a limited time to run the first welding program; monitoring the period of time the first welding program is running; comparing the monitored time to the limited time; and when the limited is exceeded terminating the availability of the first welding program; and wherein the first welding program includes at least one of a controlled short circuit program and a pulse program.