Illinois Tool Works Inc.
HOTWIRE DEPOSITION MATERIAL PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract:

A material processing system includes a power supply and a wire feeder to feed a wire electrode for a material processing operation. The enthalpy and/or temperature of a region of the tip of the electrode is maintained substantially constant via closed loop control. The control may be based upon regulation of current applied to the electrode. The control of the current may be based upon an electrode extension error. Wire feed speed may also be controlled to assist in maintaining a substantially constant enthalpy and/or temperature near the electrode tip.