Automatic reel on automatic welding equipment takes up slack in the reel-fed filler wire when welding operation is terminated. The reel maintains constant, adjustable tension on the wire during the welding operation and rewinds the wire from the wire feed unit when the welding is completed

Millett, A. V.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

June 1966	 Brief 66-10236 
NASA TECH BRIEF	
/& 
NASA Tech Briefs are issued to summarize specific innovations derived from the U. S. space 
program and to encourage their commercial application. Copies are available to the public from. 
the Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information, Springfield, Virginia 22151. 
Automatic Reel Controls Filler Wire in Welding Machines 
IiIILlAiII, 
The problem: 
Present automatic welding equipment does not pro-
vide for takeup of the slack in the reel-fed filler 
wire when each welding operation is terminated. The 
springy wire frequently unwinds, snarls and slips 
over the reel flange and becomes fouled when the 
feed motor is restarted. Because of the rework caused 
by these problems, the quality of the weld may be 
affected. 
The solution: 
An automatic filler wire reel for use on automatic 
welding equipment. The reel maintains constant,
adjustable tension on the wire during welding opera-
tions and rewinds the wire from the wire feed unit 
when welding operations are terminated. 
How it's done: 
A spring loaded clutch mechanism has sufficient 
tension to maintain the filler wire in a taut condition 
during welding operations. The wire feed unit, how-
ever, has sufficient power to cause the clutch to slip 
and this feeds the wire smoothly to the electrode/ 
workpiece area. Upon completion of the welding 
operation, the wire feed unit releases the wire and 
the clutch spring unloads, causing the reel to rewind 
(continued overIea) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19660000235 2020-03-11T17:32:20+00:00Z
the unused portion of filler wire. An adjusting nut in 
the reel permits setting of the clutch spring tension 
and travel limits to accommodate a range of lengths of 
wire plus wire feed unit power. 
Notes: 
1. Several of these units are presently being used on 
automatic welding equipment to fabricate hard-
ware for the Apollo program. 
2. This device is readily adaptable for use with exist-
ing automatic welding equipment without modifi-
cations. 
3. Inquiries concerning this invention may be di-
rected to:
Technology Utilization Officer 
Manned Spacecraft Center 
Houston, Texas, 77058 
Reference: B66-10236
Patent status: 
Inquiries about obtaining rights for the commercial 
use of this invention may be made to NASA, Code 
GP, Washington, D.C., 20546.
Source: Alma V. Millett

of North American Aviation, Inc.

under contract to

Manned Spacecraft Center

(MSC-416) 
Brief 66-10236 Category 05


Automatic reel controls filler wire in welding machines

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