Patent ID: 6858813
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A process for applying a weld overlay to a tube, comprising: providing an output current using an alternating current pulse power source having a first inverter and a second inverter; providing an alternating current pulse inert gas welding head and supplying said output current thereto; supplying overlay material to the tube at a predetermined rate; using said first inverter to pulse said output current supplied to said alternating current pulse inert gas welding head while simultaneously controlling the electrode negative ratio of said output current using said second inverter, and while using a single pass of said alternating current pulse inert gas welding head, simultaneously applying said overlay material onto the tube at a thickness greater than 0.030 inches and with less than 20% dilution into the overlay material; rotating the tube relative to said alternating current pulse inert gas welding head during said applying of said overlay material to the tube; selectively increasing the rate at which said overlay material is applied to the tube by selectively increasing said electrode negative ratio; forming a weld pool on the tube where said overlay material is applied to the cube; and oscillating said weld pool as said overlay material is applied to the tube.