Patent ID: 8035059

Claim:
A method for controlling a welding process using a melting welding wire and a welding torch comprising the steps of: (a) igniting an electric arc; (b) subsequently conducting welding, the welding being adjusted on the basis of several different welding parameters and controlled by at least one of a control device and a welding current source; and (c) carrying out at least one mechanical adjustment process during the welding to determine the position of the welding wire using the welding wire as a sensor; wherein, during the at least one mechanical adjustment process, the welding torch is maintained in position and the welding parameters are controlled in a manner that no or only little welding wire material melting is effected; wherein, during the at least one mechanical adjustment process, contacting of the welding wire with a workpiece is effected by moving the welding wire towards the workpiece; and wherein, after contacting of the welding wire with the workpiece, the welding wire is moved away from the workpiece to a fixedly pregiven or adjustable distance relative to the workpiece.