WELDING SYSTEM AND METHOD

摘要

A welding system (10) which allows a single welding operator to perform quic k, easy and high quality vertical welds comprises a welding fixture (12) with a pair of opposing, positionally adjustable welding shoes, and lock screws for attaching to a workpiece (56) such as an I-beam. Welding fixture (12) is located adjacent the end of an articulating boom (20), and includes a weldin g torch (14) and oscillator (48). A rotary straight wire feeder (18) removes t he cant and helix from welding wire as it is fed to the welding torch (14). The welding torch (14) prevents welding wire from fusing to a guide tube. A distributed welding control system comprising a plurality of controller modules (46, 48, 50, and 52) is interfaced with a common bus (54) and allows a welding operator to program automated welding cycles for various welding operations. The welding system (10) is particularly useful for installing stiffener plates (58) onto structural beams (56).