Glossary of Welding Terms and Acronyms

Analog Input/Output Module - Often used to control pressure regulators for weld tool pressure. Typically find in DCIT controllers.

Application Programming Interface - API is the software that works in between two applications to enable them to communicate properly.

C-Factor (or Capacity Factor) is a parameter, which is used to track changes in the weld tooling. C-Factor is calculated by determining the amount of total capacity utilized to create the target current and dividing this value by the actual current created. The C-Factor feature can be used as a maintenance tool to monitor weld tooling degradation and current shunting paths (primary or secondary).

Control Input/Output Module - A module in the controller that connects to the CPU/Processor and assists in controlling and powers the other modules within the weld control unit. 

Common Industrial Protocol - CIP encompasses a comprehensive suite of messages and services for the collection of manufacturing automation applications – control, safety, synchronization, motion, configuration and information.

Connector Inverter - A port at the top of the inverter that allows for the measurement of the current in the inverter.

Connector Power Light - A plug on top of the inverter that allows for monitoring of the current in the inverter, residing in the capacitors and through the circuit.

Control Stop - A fault and also an I/O bit that must be high (on) for the weld controller to operate.  The control stop stops the control from sending current by triggering a fault after a set of conditions happens.

Direct Current Integrated Transgun - A model of weld controller intended for use with a hand-held weld gun with an integrated transformer (Transgun).  The controller has built-in redundant modules designed to detect conditions that are unsafe to the transgun operator.

Data Entry Panel - The teach pendant for the WTC weld control.  There are several models of DEP.  The current iteration is the DEP 600.