Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

Apparatus for inert gas shielded arc welding having a plenum with an outlet covered by a gas lens. An electrode provides electric current to the part being welded. The gas lens can overlie the lip of the plenum to prevent ambient air from being drawn into the gas envelope and contaminating the weld. The plenum can be teardrop shaped, having sidewalls which converge toward the trailing end. To enable the torch to weld a circumferential surface which is confined by an overhang, the inert gas is introduced near the leading edge of the plenum by a U-shaped conduit which circumvents the overhang. The plenum is much wider than it is deep and the flow of inert gas for shielding can be turned generally perpendicular to the direction of its introduction. Finally, the inert gas introduced into the plenum can be directed at an electrode post within the plenum, and the lip introducing the inert gas into the plenum can have a trailing edge which projects further into the plenum than does its leading edge. These adaptations cause the stream of inert gas going into the plenum to be split by the electrode post, encouraging flow of inert gas into regions of the plenum obstructed by the electrode post.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim