Patent ID: 8049141
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: B23K

Abstract:
1. A method of representing arc maintainability of an electric arc welding stick electrode for depositing molten metal from said electrode onto a workpiece by using an arc between said electrode and said workpiece, said arc caused by a voltage from a power source where said voltage creates a current of said arc, said method comprising: (a) creating said arc between said electrode and said workpiece; (b) moving said electrode along said workpiece while maintaining said arc; (c) decreasing either said current or said voltage until a point is reached where said arc is extinguished, wherein said point corresponds to an open circuit voltage, and wherein said open circuit voltage is the voltage at said point where said arc is extinguished with a zero current value which corresponds to said current of said arc at said point where said arc is extinguished; (d) determining an open circuit voltage of said power source at said point where said arc is extinguished; and, (e) rating said electrode based upon said open circuit voltage at said point where said arc is extinguished by assigning digital information.