Patent Description:
Devices, systems, and methods consistent with the invention relate to material deposition with a dual wire configuration.

When welding, it is often desirable to increase the width of the weld bead or increase the length of the weld puddle during welding. There can be many different reasons for this desire, which are well known in the welding industry. For example, it may be desirable to elongate the weld puddle to keep the weld and filler metals molten for a longer period of time so as to reduce porosity. That is, if the weld puddle is molten for a longer period of time there is more time for harmful gases to escape the weld bead before the bead solidifies. Further, it may desirable to increase the width of a weld bead so as to cover wider weld gap or to increase a wire deposition rate. In both cases, it is common to use an increased electrode diameter. The increased diameter will result in both an elongated and widened weld puddle, even though it may be only desired to increase the width or the length of the weld puddle, but not both. However, this is not without its disadvantages. Specifically, because a larger electrode is employed more energy is needed in the welding arc to facilitate proper welding. This increase in energy causes an increase in heat input into the weld and will result in the use of more energy in the welding operation, because of the larger diameter of the electrode used. Further, it may create a weld bead profile or cross-section that is not ideal for certain mechanical applications. Rather than increasing the diameter of the electrode, it may be desirable to use two smaller electrodes simultaneously. Document <CIT> discloses a method and apparatus for arc welding with multiple wires, wherein the molten metal at the tip of the wires having a certain distance is bridged.

In order to improve welding, especially with respect to weld bed and/or weld puddle width and/or length features and their modifications, a welding or additive manufacturing system is described and a welding or additive manufacturing contact tip and a method of welding or additive manufacturing.

The claimed invention is defined solely by the subject-matter of the independent claims <NUM> and <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are subject of the subclaims. Other embodiments of the invention mentioned in the description and not falling under the scope of the claims are intended for illustrative purposes only. The following summary presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the devices, systems and/or methods discussed herein. This summary is not an extensive overview of the devices, systems and/or methods discussed herein. It is not intended to identify critical elements or to delineate the scope of such devices, systems and/or methods. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is a method of welding or additive manufacturing. The method includes providing a torch. The torch includes a contact tip assembly having a first exit orifice for a first wire electrode and a second exit orifice for a second wire electrode. The first and second exit orifices of the contact tip assembly are separated from each other such that a distance S is provided between the first wire electrode and the second wire electrode. The method includes adjusting the distance S provided between the first wire electrode and the second wire electrode. A current waveform is provided to both of the first wire electrode and the second wire electrode through the contact tip assembly. A bridge droplet is formed between the first wire electrode and the second wire electrode using the current waveform. The bridge droplet couples the first wire electrode and the second wire electrode prior to contacting a molten puddle during a deposition operation.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is a welding or additive manufacturing system. The system includes a contact tip assembly. The contact tip assembly includes a first electrically conductive portion having a first wire passage terminating at first exit orifice and a second electrically conductive portion having a second wire passage terminating at a second exit orifice. The first electrically conductive portion and the second electrically conductive portion are directly electrically connected to each other. A spacing between the first exit orifice and the second exit orifice is adjustable. The system further includes means for adjusting the spacing between the first exit orifice and the second exit orifice.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided a welding or additive manufacturing contact tip. The contact tip includes an electrically-conductive body extending along an axis between a proximal end of the body and a distal end of the body. The body forms a first bore through the body that extends from a first entrance orifice at the proximal end to a first exit orifice at the distal end, a second bore through the body extending from a second entrance orifice at the proximal end to a second exit orifice at the distal end, a third bore through the body extending from a third entrance orifice at the proximal end to a third exit orifice at the distal end, and a fourth bore through the body extending from a fourth entrance orifice at the proximal end to a fourth exit orifice at the distal end. The first and second exit orifices are separated from each other by a first distance, and the third and fourth exit orifices are separated from each other by a second distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance. Both of the first distance and the second distance are configured to facilitate formation of a bridge droplet between at least two wire electrodes delivered through the contact tip. The bridge droplet couples the at least two wire electrodes prior to contacting a puddle during a deposition operation.

The above and/or other aspects of the invention will be more apparent by describing in detail exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described below by reference to the attached Figures. The described exemplary embodiments are intended to assist the understanding of the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

While embodiments of the present invention discussed herein are discussed in the context of GMAW type welding, other embodiments of the invention are not limited thereto. For example, embodiments can be utilized in SAW and FCAW type welding operations, as well as other similar types of welding operations. Further, while the electrodes described herein are solid electrodes, again, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the use of solid electrodes as cored electrodes (either flux or metal cored) can also be used without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Further, embodiments of the present invention can also be used in manual, semi-automatic and robotic welding operations. Because such systems are well known, they will not be described in detail herein.

Turning now to the Figures, <FIG> depicts an exemplary embodiment of a welding system <NUM> in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The welding system <NUM> contains a welding power source <NUM> which is coupled to both a welding torch <NUM> (having a contact tip assembly - not shown) and a wire feeder <NUM>. The power source <NUM> can be any known type of welding power source capable of delivering the current and welding waveforms described herein, for example, pulse spray, STT and/or short arc type welding waveforms. Because the construction, design and operation of such power supplies are well known, they need not be described in detail herein. It is also noted that welding power can be supplied by more than one power supply at the same time - again the operation of such systems are known. The power source <NUM> can also include a controller <NUM> which is coupled to a user interface to allow a user to input control or welding parameters for the welding operation. The controller <NUM> can have a processor, CPU, memory etc. to be used to control the operation of the welding process as described herein. The torch <NUM>, which can be constructed similar to known manual, semi-automatic or robotic welding torches can be coupled to any known or used welding gun and can be of a straight or gooseneck type as described above. The wire feeder <NUM> draws the electrodes E1 and E2 from electrode sources <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, which can be of any known type, such as reels, spools, containers or the like. The wire feeder <NUM> is of a known construction and employs feed rolls <NUM> to draw the electrodes E1 and E2 and push the electrodes to the torch <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the feed rolls <NUM> and wire feeder <NUM> are configured for a single electrode operation. Embodiments of the present invention, using a dual wire configuration, can be utilized with a wire feeder <NUM> and rollers <NUM> only designed for a single wire feeding operation. For example, rollers <NUM> can be configured for a single <NUM> inch diameter electrode, but will suitable drive two electrodes of a <NUM> inch diameter without modification to thewire feeder <NUM> or the rollers <NUM>. Alternatively, the wire feeder <NUM> can be designed to provide separate sets of rollers for feeding the electrodes E1/E2 respectively, or have rollers configured for feeding two or more electrodes simultaneously (e.g., via trapezoidal-shaped wire receiving grooves around the rollers that can accommodate two electrodes). In other embodiments, two separate wire feeders can also be used. As shown, the wire feeder(s) <NUM> is in communication with the power source <NUM> consistent with known configurations of welding operations.

Once driven by the rollers <NUM>, the electrodes E1 and E2 are passed through a liner <NUM> to deliver the electrodes E1 and E2 to the torch <NUM>. The liner <NUM> is appropriately sized to allow for the passage of the electrodes E1 and E2 to the torch <NUM>. For example, for two <NUM> inch diameter electrodes, a standard <NUM> inch diameter liner <NUM> (which is typically used for a single <NUM> inch diameter electrode) can be used with no modification.

Although the examples referenced above discuss the use of two electrodes having a same diameter, the present invention is not limited in this regard as embodiments can use electrodes of a different diameter. That is, embodiments of the present invention can use an electrode of a first, larger, diameter and an electrode of a second, smaller, diameter. In such an embodiment, it is possible to more conveniently weld two work pieces of different thicknesses. For example, the larger electrode can be oriented to the larger work piece while the smaller electrode can be oriented to the smaller work piece. Further, embodiments of the present invention can be used for many different types of welding operations including, but not limited to, metal inert gas, submerged arc, and flux-cored welding. Further, embodiments of the present inventioncan be used for automatic, robotic and semi-automatic welding operations. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can be utilized with different electrode types. For example, it is contemplated that a cored electrode can be coupled with a non-cored electrode. Further, electrodes of differing compositions can be used to achieve the desired weld properties and composition of the final weld bead. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can be utilized in a broad spectrum of welding operations.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary contact tip assembly <NUM> of the present invention. The contact tip assembly <NUM> can be made from known contact tip materials and can be used in any known type of welding gun. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, the contact tip assembly has two separate channels <NUM> and <NUM> which run the length of the contact tip assembly <NUM>. During welding a first electrode E1 is passed through the first channel <NUM> and the second electrode E2 is passed through the second channel <NUM>. The channels <NUM>/<NUM> are typically sized appropriately for the diameter of wire that is to be passed there through. For example, if the electrodes are to have the same diameter the channels will have the same diameters. However, if different diameters are to be used then the channels should be sized appropriately so as to properly transfer current to the electrodes. Additionally, in the embodiment shown, the channels <NUM>/<NUM> are configured such that the electrodes E1/E2 exit the distal end face of the contact tip <NUM> in a parallel relationship. However, in other exemplary embodiments the channels can be configured such that the electrodes E1/E2 exit the distal end face of the contact tip such that an angle in the range of +/- <NUM>° exists between the centerlines of the respective electrodes. The angling can be determined based on the desired performance characteristics of the welding operation. It is further noted that in some exemplary embodiments the contact tip assembly can be a single integrated contact tip with a channels as shown, while in other embodiments the contact tip assembly can be comprised of two contact tip subassemblies located close to each other, where the current is directed to each of the contact tip subassemblies.

As shown in <FIG>, the respective electrodes E1/E2 are spaced by a distance S which is the distance between the closest edges of the electrodes. In exemplary embodiments of the present invention, this distance is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> times the diameter of the larger of the two electrodes E1/E2, while in other exemplary embodiments the distance S is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> times the largest diameter. For example, if each of the electrodes has a diameter of <NUM>, the distance S can be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In other exemplary embodiments, the distance S is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> times the diameter of one of the wires, such as the larger of the two electrodes. In manual or semi-automatic welding operations the distance S can be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> times the largest electrode diameter, whereas in robotic welding operations the distance S can be in the same or another range, such as <NUM> to <NUM> times the largest electrode diameter. In exemplary embodiments, the distance S is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

As explained further below, the distance S should be selected to ensure that a single bridge droplet is formed between the electrodes, before the droplet is transferred, while preventing the electrodes from contacting each other, other than through the bridge droplet.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, while showing in the interactions of the magnetic forces from the respective electrodesE1 and E2. As shown, due to the flow of current, a magnetic field is generated around the electrodes which tends to create a pinch force that draws the wires towards each other. This magnetic force tends to create a droplet bridge between the two electrodes, which will be discussed in more detail below.

<FIG> shows the droplet bridge that is created between the two electrodes. That is, as the current passing through each of the electrodes melts the ends of the electrodes the magnetic forces tend to draw the molten droplets towards each other until they connect with each other. The distance S is far enough such that the solid portions of the electrodes are not drawn to contact each other, but close enough that a droplet bridge is created before the molten droplet is transferred to the weld puddle created by the welding arc. The droplet is depicted in <FIG> where the droplet bridge creates a single large droplet that is transferred to the puddle during welding. As shown, the magnetic pinch force acting on the droplet bridge acts to pinch off the droplet similar to the use of pinch force in a single electrode welding operation.

Further, <FIG> depicts an exemplary representation of current flow in an embodiment of the present invention. As shown the welding current is divided so as to flow through each of the respective electrodes and passes to and through the bridge droplet as it is formed. The current then passes from the bridge droplet to the puddle and work piece. In exemplary embodiments where the electrodes are of the same diameter and type the current will be essentially divided evenly through the electrodes. In embodiments where the electrodes have different resistance values, for example due to different diameters and/or compositions/construction, the respective currents will be apportioned due to the relationship of V = I*R, as the welding current is applied to thecontact tip similar to known methodologies and the contact tip provides the welding current to the respective electrodes via the contact between the electrodes and the channels of the contact tip. <FIG> depicts the magnetic forces within the bridge puddle that aid in creating the bridge droplet. As shown, the magnetic forces tend to pull the respective molten portions of the electrodes towards each other until they contact with each other.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary cross-section of a weld made with a single electrode welding operation. As shown, while the weld bead WB is of an appropriate width, the finger F of the weld bead WB, which penetrates into the work pieces W as shown, has a relatively narrow width. This can occur in single wire welding operations when higher deposit rates are used. That is, in such welding operations the finger F can become so narrow that it is not reliable to assume that the finger penetrated in the desired direction, and thus cannot be a reliable indicator of proper weld penetration. Further, as this narrow finger dives deeper this can lead to defects such as porosity trapped near the finger. Additionally, in such welding operations the useful sides of the weld bead are not as deeply penetrated as desired. Thus, in certain applications this mechanical bond is not as strong as desired. Additionally, in some welding applications, such as when welding horizontal fillet welds, the use of a single electrode made it difficult to achieve equal sized weld legs, at high deposition speeds, without the addition of too much heat to the welding operation. These issues are alleviated with embodiments of the present invention which can reduce the penetration of the finger and spread the finger making the side penetration of the weld wider. An example of this is shown in <FIG>, which shows a weld bead of an embodiment ofthe present invention. As shown in this embodiment, a similar, or improved weld bead leg symmetry and/or length can be achieved, as well as a wider weld bead at the weld depth within the weld joint. This improved weld bead geometry is achieved while using less overall heat input into the weld. Therefore, embodiments of the present invention can provide improved mechanical weld performance with lower amounts of heat input, and at improved deposition rates.

<FIG> depicts a flow chart <NUM> of an exemplary welding operation of the present invention. This flow chart is intended to be exemplary and is not intended to be limiting. As shown, a welding current/output is provided by the welding power source <NUM> such that current is directed to the contact tip and electrodes consistent with known system constructions. Exemplary waveforms are discussed further below. During welding a bridge droplet is allowed to form <NUM> between the electrodes where the respective droplets from each electrode contact each other to create a bridge droplet. The bridge droplet is formed prior to contacting the weld puddle. During formation of the bridge droplet at least one of a duration or a droplet size is detected until such time as the droplet reaches a size to be transferred, and then the droplet is transferred to the puddle <NUM>. The process is repeated during the welding operation. To control the welding process the power source controller/control system can use either one of a bridge droplet current duration and/or a bridge droplet size detection to determine if the bridge droplet is of a size to be transferred. For example, in one embodiment a predetermined bridge current duration is used for a given welding operation such that a bridge current is maintained for that duration, after which droplet transfer is then initiated. In a further exemplary embodiment, the controller of the power source/supply can monitor the welding current and/or voltage and utilize a predetermined threshold (for example a voltage threshold) for a given welding operation. For example, in such embodiments, as the detected arc voltage (detected via a known type of arc voltage detection circuit) detects that the arc voltage has reached a bridge droplet threshold level the power supply initiates a droplet separation portion of the welding waveform. This will be discussed further below in some exemplary embodiments of welding waveforms that can be used with embodiments of the present invention.

<FIG> depicts an alternative exemplary embodiment of a contact tip <NUM> that can be used with embodiments of the present invention. As described previously, in some embodiments the electrodes can be directed to the torch via a single wire guide/liner. Of course, in other embodiments, separate wire guide/liners can be used. However, in those embodiments, where a single wire guide/liner is used the contact tip can be designed such that the electrodes are separated from each other within the contact tip. As shown in <FIG>, this exemplary contact tip <NUM> has a single entrance channel <NUM> with a single orifice at the upstream end of the contact tip <NUM>. Each of the electrodes enter the contact tip via this orifice and pass along the channel <NUM> until they reach a separation portion <NUM> of the contact tip, where the separation portion directs one electrode into a first exit channel <NUM> and a second electrode into the second exit channel <NUM>, so that the electrodes are directed to their discrete exit orifices <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively. Of course, the channels <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM> should be sized appropriately for the size of electrodes to be used, and the separation portion <NUM> should be shaped so as to not scar or scratch the electrodes. As shown in <FIG>, the exit channels <NUM> and <NUM> are angled relative to each other, however, as shown in <FIG>, these channels can also be oriented parallel to each other.

Turning now to <FIG>, various exemplary waveforms that can be used with exemplary embodiments of the present invention are depicted. In general, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the current is increased to create the bridge droplet and build it for transfer. In exemplary embodiments, at transfer the bridge droplet has an average diameter which is similar to the distance S between the electrodes, which can be larger than the diameter of either of the electrodes. When the droplet is formed it is transferred via a high peak current, after which the current drops to a lower (e.g. background) level to remove the arc pressure acting on the wires. The bridging current then builds the bridge droplet without exerting too much pinch force to pinch off the developing droplet. In exemplary embodiments, this bridging current is at a level in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>% between the background current and the peak current. In other exemplary embodiments, the bridging current is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>% between the background current and the peak current. For example, if the background current is <NUM> amps and the peak current is <NUM> amps, the bridging current is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> amps (i.e., <NUM> to <NUM>% of the <NUM> amp difference). In some embodiments the bridging current can be maintained for a duration in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, while in other exemplary embodiments the bridging current is maintained for a duration in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. In exemplary embodiments the bridging current duration begins at the end of the background current state and includes the bridging current ramp up, where the ramp up can be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> depending on the bridging current level and the ramp rate. With exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the pulse frequency of waveforms can be slowed down as compared to single wire processes to allow for droplet growth which can improve control and allow for higher deposition rates as compared to single wire operations.

<FIG> depicts an exemplary current waveform <NUM> for a pulsed spray welding type operation. As shown, the waveform <NUM> has a background current level <NUM>, which then transitions to a bridge current level <NUM>, during which the bridge droplet is grown to a size to be transferred. The bridge current level is less than a spray transition current level <NUM> at which the droplet starts its transfer to the puddle. At the conclusion of the bridge current <NUM> the current is raised to beyond the spray transition current level <NUM> to a peak current level <NUM>. The peak current level is then maintained for a peak duration to allow for the transfer of the droplet to be completed. After transfer the current is then lowered to the background level again, as the process is repeated. Thus, in these embodiments the transfer of the single droplet does not occur during the bridge current portion of the waveform. In such exemplary embodiments, the lower current level for the bridge current <NUM> allows a droplet to form without excessive pinching force to direct the droplet to the puddle. Because of the use of the bridge droplet, welding operations can be attained where the peak current <NUM> can be maintained for a longer duration at a higher level than using a single wire. For example, some embodiments can maintain the peak duration for at least <NUM>, and in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>, at a peak current level in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> amps, and a background current in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> amps. In such embodiments, a significantly improved deposition rate can be achieved. For example, some embodiments have achieved deposition rates in the range of <NUM> to 26lbs/hr, whereas similar single wire processes-can only achieve a deposition rate in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> Ibs/hr. For example, in one nonlimiting embodiment a pair of twin wires having a diameter of <NUM>", using a peak current of <NUM> amps, a background current of <NUM> amps and a droplet bridge current of <NUM> amps can be deposited at a rate of 19lb/hr at a frequency of <NUM>. Such a deposition is at a frequency much less than conventional welding processes, and thus more stable.

<FIG> depicts another exemplary waveform <NUM> that can be used in a short arc type welding operation. Again, the waveform <NUM> has a background portion <NUM> prior to a short response portion <NUM> which is structured to clear a short between the droplet and the puddle. During the shorting response <NUM> the current is raised to clear the short and as the short is cleared the current is dropped to a bridge current level <NUM> during which the bridge droplet is formed. Again, the bridge current level <NUM> is less than the peak current level of the shorting response <NUM>. The bridge current level <NUM> is maintained for a bridge current duration that allows a bridge droplet to be formed and directed to the puddle. During transfer of the droplet current is then dropped to the background level, which allows the droplet to advance until a short occurs. When a short occurs the shorting response/bridge current waveform is repeated. It should be noted that in embodiments of the present invention it is the presence of the bridge droplet that makes the welding process more stable. That is, in traditional welding processes that use multiple wires there is no bridge droplet. In those processes when one wire shorts or makes contact with the puddle the arc voltage drops and the arc for the other electrode will go out. This does not occur with embodiments of the present invention, where the bridge droplet is common to each of the wires.

<FIG> depicts a further exemplary waveform <NUM>, which is a STT (surface tension transfer) type waveform. Because such waveforms are known, they will not be described in detail herein. To further explain an STT type waveform, its structure, use and implementation, <CIT>, is incorporated herein in its entirety. Again, this waveform has a background level <NUM>, and a first peak level <NUM> and a second peak level <NUM>, where the second peak level is reached after a short between the droplet and puddle is cleared. After the second peak current level <NUM>, the current is dropped to a bridge current level <NUM> where the bridge droplet is formed, after which the current is dropped to the background level <NUM> to allow the droplet to be advanced to the puddle, until it makes contact with the puddle. In other embodiments, an AC waveform can be used, for example an AC STT waveform, pulse waveform, etc. can be used.

As discussed above, the wire electrodes used in a multi-wire deposition operation (e.g., welding, additive manufacturing, hardfacing, etc.) can be spaced by a distance S that facilitates formation of a bridge droplet between the wire electrodes. The size of the bridge droplet is determined by the spacing between the wire electrodes and the spacing between the exit orifices in the contact tip. The size of the bridge droplet determines the width of the electric arc that exists during the deposition operation, and reducing the spacing between the exit orifices and wire electrodes narrows the arc width. Larger bridge droplets may be preferred for larger welds, and smaller bridge droplets preferred for smaller welds. Deposition rate is impacted by the arc width, and the deposition rate for small gauge wires can be increased by reducingthe spacing between the exit orifices and wire electrodes (e.g., from approximately <NUM> to <NUM>).

The maximum spacing between the exit orifices and wire electrodes is reached when the magnetic forces developed by the current waveform (e.g., at the peak current level) still allow formation of the bridge droplet, and is exceeded when bridging is no longer possible. The minimum spacing is that which keeps the wires separated at the point of bridging. The magnetic forces tend to pull the wire electrodes together, and the wires are somewhat flexible. Thus, the minimum spacing between the exit orifices and wire electrodes will depend on the stiffness of the electrodes, which is impacted by parameters such as wire diameter, material of construction, etc..

It may be desirable for an operator of the welding system to change the spacing between exit orifices in the contact tip assembly to adjust the distance S provided between the wire electrodes. For example, the operator may reduce or increase the spacing depending on the size of the weld to be performed, the size of the wire electrodes, the desired deposition rate, etc. One method of adjusting the distance S provided between the wire electrodes is to replace the contact tip assembly with another having the desired spacing. A set of contact tip assemblies can be provided to the operator wherein each contact tip assembly has a slightly different exit orifice spacing to set the distance S within a given range, such as in the range of <NUM> to <NUM> in <NUM> increments. Depending on the deposition operation to be performed and the desired arc width, the operator can choose a contact tip assembly with the appropriate exit orifice spacing.

Alternatively, a single contact tip can include multiple sets of bores or channels for the wire electrodes having exit orifices separated by different distances. The sets of exit orifices facilitate the formation of bridge droplets and arcs of different widths, depending on the spacing between the exit orifices. <FIG> and <FIG> illustrate one such contact tip assembly <NUM>. The proximal end of the contact tip <NUM> is shown in <FIG>, and the distal end of the contact tip is shown in <FIG>.

The proximal end of the contact tip <NUM> would connect to a torch, and in particular to a gas diffuser (not shown) in the torch. Conventional contact tips have threads on the proximal end of the contact tip that thread into the diffuser. The contact tip and diffuser are connected by screwing the contact tip into the diffuser. Such a fastening system works well for welding with single welding wires. The welding wire can be threaded through the contact tip and the contact tip can be rotated around the welding wire multiple times and screwed into the diffuser. However, when welding with multiple welding wires simultaneously passing through the contact tip, such a fastening system would result in an undesirable twisting of the welding wires. For example, if two welding wires are fed through a contact tip, subsequently threading the contact tip onto the diffuser by multiple turns requiring greater than <NUM>° of rotation will result in the welding wires becoming twisted and unable to be fed through the contact tip.

The contact tip <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG> can be attached to a diffuser by rotation of the contact tip through less than <NUM>°, such as <NUM>° (three-quarter turn), <NUM>° (one-half turn), <NUM>° (quarter turn), less than <NUM>°, etc. The rotation of the contact tip <NUM> necessary to attach the contact tip to the diffuser can be any angle as desired that is preferably less than <NUM>° and results in the multiple wire electrodespassing through the contact tip not becoming unduly twisted during installation of the contact tip. If the welding wires are unduly twisted during installation of the contact tip, wire feeding problems will result and "bird nesting" of the wire electrodes can occur. The contact tip <NUM> includes a generally cylindrical mounting shank <NUM> having a projection or tab <NUM>. The tab <NUM> would engage a slot in the diffuser that allows for the mounting of the contact tip <NUM> with less than <NUM>° or rotation. The slot in the diffuser can have a helical portion with a slight upstream pitch that draws the contact tip <NUM> inward as the contact tip is rotated within the slot. The tab <NUM> can have a tapered edge <NUM> that matches the pitch of the slot in the diffuser to help ensure a tight connection between the two components. It can be seen that the circumference of the mounting shank <NUM> is smaller than the adjacent truncated conical portion forming the distal end of the contact tip <NUM>, which results in a shoulder <NUM> projecting radially from the mounting shank. The shoulder <NUM> can seat against the terminal end face of the diffuser when the contact tip <NUM> is installed onto the diffuser. The contact tip <NUM> can include flats <NUM> for gripping by a tool (e.g., pliers) when the contact tip is installed on the diffuser.

The contact tip <NUM> includes two pairs of bores or wire channels for setting the distance S between two wire electrodes. The bores or channels extend along an axis of the contact tip between entrance orifices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the proximal end and exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> at the distal end. The bores or channels can be arranged symmetrically about the axis of the contact tip and generally parallel to the axis, however other orientations are possible. The exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are arranged in a diamond configuration, with two of the exit orifices1118, <NUM> being spaced further apart than the other two exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM>. In one example, the center to center spacing of the vertically-aligned exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> is approximately <NUM> and the center to center spacing of the horizontally-aligned exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> is approximately <NUM>. The resulting distance S between the two wire electrodes can be approximately <NUM> and <NUM>, respectively, for the vertically-aligned and horizontally-aligned exit orifices. Adjacent bores and exit orifices (e.g., one of the vertically-aligned exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> and one of the horizontally-aligned exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM>) can be even more closely spaced (e.g., <NUM> to <NUM>). If adjacent bores and exit orifices are used during a deposition operation, an even closer spacing S between the two wire electrodes is possible.

Using the contact tip <NUM>, an operator can adjust the distance S between two wire electrodes by moving the wires from one pair of bores to another pair. For example, moving the wires from the vertically-aligned bores/exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> to the horizontally-aligned bores/exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> will reduce the distance S and resulting arc width during the deposition operation.

Various spacing configurations for the bores, entrance, and exit orifices will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In exemplary embodiments, the distance S between the two wire electrodes located in any of the bores is in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>. The use of a contact tip <NUM> having more than two exit orifices can allow up to four wire electrodes to be used simultaneously during a deposition operation. Further, the bores and exit orifices of the contact tip <NUM> can be sized to accommodate wires of different sizes. For example, the vertically-aligned bores/exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> can have a first diameter to accommodate a first wire size and the horizontally-aligned bores/exit orifices <NUM>, <NUM> can have a second diameter, different from the first diameter, to accommodate a second wire size different from the first wire size. The spacing between the exit orifices can facilitate the formation of bridge droplets when performing a deposition operation using either of the wire sizes. Further, the spacing between adjacent exit orifices (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>) can allow for the use of differently-sized wires simultaneously during a deposition operation, and facilitate the formation of bridge droplets between the differently-sized wires.

<FIG> depicts a contact tip assembly <NUM> having a bifurcated distal end. Each branch <NUM>, <NUM> of the bifurcation includes a bore and exit orifice, and each branch of the bifurcation is separated by a slit <NUM> extending axially into the contact tip assembly <NUM> from the distal end. The proximal end of the contact tip <NUM> can include a similar mounting shank and tab <NUM> as discussed above. The bifurcation and slit <NUM> allows some inward bending of each branch of the bifurcation, to adjust the spacing between the exit orifices and wire electrodes. The torch can include a clamping mechanism, such as a collar, that squeezes the bifurcation to adjust the spacing between the branches and, thus, the spacing between the exit orifices. The torch can include graduations or other markings to inform an operator of the current spacing between the exit orifices. The graduations can be associated with the position of the clamping mechanism in the torch. For example, the spacing between the exit orifices can be identified by the linear position of the clamping mechanism as indicated by the graduations. The adjustable spacing between the exit orifices is configured to facilitate formation of a bridge droplet between the wire electrodes delivered through the contact tip <NUM>.

<FIG> schematically depicts another adjustable contact tip assembly <NUM>. The contact tip assembly <NUM> includes first <NUM> and second <NUM> electrically conductive portions. The electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> are directly electrically connected to each other to receiving a welding waveform and conduct the welding waveform to respective wire electrodes passing through the electrically conductive portions. The electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> are separated by a wedge <NUM> located between the electrically conductive portions. The wedge <NUM> may also be electrically conductive. The electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> can have bores <NUM>, <NUM> for the welding electrodes that are parallel to the axis <NUM> of the contact tip assembly <NUM>. The electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> are essentially separate contact tips for each welding electrode. The electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> can be moved along the wedge <NUM> to adjust the spacing between their exit orifices and the distance between the welding electrodes. Moving the electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> rearward along the wedge <NUM> will increase the spacing between the exit orifices and welding electrodes, while moving them forward along the wedge will decrease said spacing. The torch can include a clamping mechanism to fix the positions of the electrically conductive portions <NUM>, <NUM> relative to the wedge <NUM>. The adjustable spacing between the exit orifices is configured to facilitate formation of a bridge droplet between the wire electrodes delivered through the contact tip assembly <NUM>.

The use of embodiments described herein can provide significant improvements in stability, weld structure and performance over known welding operations. However, in addition to welding operations, embodiments can be used inadditive manufacturing operations. In fact the system <NUM> described above can be used in additive manufacturing operations as in welding operations. In exemplary embodiments, improved deposition rates can be achieved in additive manufacturing operations. For example, when using an STT type waveform in a single wire additive process, using an <NUM>" wire can provide a deposition rate of about <NUM> Ib/hr before becoming unstable. However, when using embodiments of the present invention and two <NUM>" wires a deposition rate of 7lbs/hr can be achieved in a stable transfer. Because additive manufacturing processes and systems are known, the details of which need not be described herein. In such processes a bridging current, such as that descried above, can be used in the additive manufacturing current waveform.

It is noted that exemplary embodiments are not limited to the usage of the waveforms discussed above and described herein, as other welding type waveforms can be used with embodiments of the present invention. For example, other embodiments can use variable polarity pulsed spray welding waveforms, AC waveforms, etc. For example, in variable polarity embodiments the bridge portion of the welding waveform can be done in a negative polarity such that the bridge droplet is created while reducing the overall heat input into the weld puddle. For example, when using AC type waveforms, the waveforms can have a frequency of <NUM> to <NUM> of alternating negative and positive pulses to melt the two wires and form the bridge droplet between them. In further embodiments the frequency can be in the range of <NUM> to <NUM>.

As explained previously, embodiments of the present invention can be used with different types and combinations of consumables including flux coredconsumables. In fact, embodiments of the present invention can provide a more stable welding operation when using flux cored electrodes. Specifically, the use of a bridging droplet can aid in stabilizing flux core droplets that can tend to be unstable in a single wire welding operation. Further, embodiments of the present invention allow for increased weld and arc stability at higher deposition rates. For example, in single wire welding operations, at high current and high deposition rates the transfer type for the droplets can change from streaming spray to a rotational spray, which appreciably reduces the stability of the welding operation. However, with exemplary embodiments of the present invention the bridge droplet stabilizes the droplets which significantly improves arc and weld stability at high deposition rates, such as those above 20lb/hr.

Additionally, as indicated above the consumables can be of different types and/or compositions, which can optimize a given welding operation. That is, the use of two different, but compatible, consumables can be combined to create a desired weld joint. For example, compatible consumables include hardfacing wires, stainless wires, nickel alloys and steel wires of different composition can be combined. As one specific example a mild steel wire can be combined with an overalloyed wire to make a <NUM> stainless steel composition. This can be advantageous when a single consumable of the type desired does not have desirable weld properties. For example, some consumables for specialized welding provide the desired weld chemistry but are extremely difficult to use and have difficulty providing a satisfactory weld. However, embodiments of the present invention allow for the use of two consumables that are easier to weld with to be combined to create the desired weld chemistry. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to create an alloy/deposit chemistry that is nototherwise commercially available, or otherwise very expensive to manufacture. Thus, two different consumables can be used to obviate the need for an expensive or unavailable consumable. Further, embodiments can be used to create a diluted alloy. For example, a first welding wire could be a common inexpensive alloy and a second welding wire could be a specialty wire. The desired deposit would be the average of the two wires, mixed well in the formation of the bridged droplet, at the lower average cost of the two wires, over an expensive specialty wire. Further, in some applications, the desired deposit could be unavailable due to the lack of appropriate consumable chemistry, but could be reached by mixing two standard alloy wires, mixed within the bridged droplet and deposited as a single droplet. Further, in some applications, such as the application of wear resistance metals, the desired deposit may be combination of tungsten carbide particles from one wire and chrome carbide particles from another. Still in another application, a larger wire housing larger particles within is mixed with a smaller wire containing fewer particles or smaller particles, to deposit a mixture of the two wires. Here the expected contribution from each of the wires is proportional to the size of wire given the wire feed speeds are same. In yet another example, the wire feed speeds of the wires are different to allow the alloy produced to change based on the desired deposit but the mixing of the wires is still produced by the bridged droplet created between the wires.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claim 1:
A welding or additive manufacturing system (<NUM>), comprising:
a contact tip assembly (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), including:
a first electrically conductive portion having a first wire passage terminating at first exit orifice;
a second electrically conductive portion having a second wire passage terminating at a second exit orifice,
wherein the first electrically conductive portion and the second electrically conductive portion are directly electrically connected to each other, and a spacing between the first exit orifice and the second exit orifice is adjustable; characterized in that the system comprises means for adjusting the spacing between the first exit orifice and the second exit orifice,
wherein the means for adjusting the spacing comprises
a set of contact tip assemblies, wherein each contact tip assembly has a slightly different exit orifice spacing, or
a contact tip assembly including multiple sets of bores or channels for the wire electrodes having exit orifices (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) separated by different distances.