What types of welding machines are there?

What are the types of welding machines and their areas of application?

When someone thinks about buying a welding machine, they may not even realize what a variety of models exist on the market. The welding capabilities of metal thickness and types of alloys depend on the selected equipment. This review will show the types of welding machines by power sources and welding modes, which will make it easier to choose a product that will best suit future tasks.

To understand what types of welding machines there are, it is worth knowing that the equipment is divided into types of current sources and methods of welding. The voltage from the 220 V and 6-32 A network is not suitable for the welding process, so it needs to be converted. The following options have been developed for this.

Inverters

This is equipment that consumes alternating current from the network with a frequency of 50 Hz and changes its oscillations to 100 kHz. In addition, the voltage is rectified twice. Ultimately, welding is carried out at a direct current of 30-300 A with a voltage of 50-80 V, which promotes smooth seams, deep penetration, and less metal spattering.

To implement the process, the inverter circuit contains:

• a step-down transformer;
• rectifier block (diode bridges);
• board with keys;
• transistors;
• second transformer.

Two cables come from the device, one of which is connected to the product, and the second to the electrode holder. The advantages of the inverter are its compact dimensions compared to other sources of welding current, low weight of 3-6 kg and quiet operation (pleasant rustling of the electric arc).

Welding inverter.

The inverters themselves are divided according to the type of transistors used in them.

Mosfet Inverters

Welding machines of this type usually cost less due to the use of simpler Mosfet inverters. Transistors were developed about 50 years ago. They are reliable and convert current well for welding ferrous metals. But they weigh more than their counterparts.

For normal operation of the inverter, there should be about 20 such transistors in the electronic circuit (for 180 A models). These types of welding machines have protection against overheating, which is triggered after reaching 60 degrees, so the models have a low duty cycle of 30-40%.

The free layout and large parts make it easier for the technician to access during repairs.

Welding inverter with Mosfet transistors.

IGBT inverters

This is a more modern generation of transistors, which is installed in expensive welding machines. The weight of IGBTs is less than their analogues and up to 10 units are required in inverters with a power of 180 A.

All this contributes to even smaller dimensions of welding equipment and weight reduction. Overheating of IGBT transistors is triggered after 90 degrees, prolonging the total time of use of the device.

On the one hand, there are fewer parts in this welding machine design, but on the other hand, they are very small and more difficult to replace.

Inverter with IGBT transistors.

Rectifiers

Among other types of welding machines for manual welding, rectifiers stand out, characterized by their relative cheapness and the ability to create high-quality seams. They consume a current of 220 V from the network and lower it through a transformer to 40-80 V, and increase the power to 200-400 A, depending on the power of the model. Next, the voltage passes through the diode block and is rectified. The design includes starting and protection elements.

Welding is carried out with direct current. The equipment is reliable and durable. There are versions for domestic and industrial use. Suitable for welding ferrous and non-ferrous metals, cast iron. The main disadvantages are heavy weight and large dimensions. When they are used to cook, the rest of the network “sags” greatly, and other devices may not work correctly.

Welding rectifier.

Transformers

The cheapest type of welding machines are transformers. They consist of two windings: primary and secondary. The devices operate on the principle of magnetic induction. The distance between the windings helps to increase or decrease the current strength. Welding is carried out using alternating voltage. The devices are suitable for joining ferrous metals. They are simple and reliable. The disadvantages of this type of equipment include heavy weight, strong noise, high metal spatter and large dimensions.

Welding transformer.

Types of welding machines depending on the type of welding

Having considered what types of welding machines there are by type of power source, let’s move on to their varieties according to welding modes.

Devices for manual arc welding MMA

These types of welding machines are built on the basis of inverters, transformers or rectifiers. The welder operates a holder on which the consumable electrode is fixed. The metal rod closes the arc on the workpiece and serves as a filler material. The outer coating, when melted, creates a gas cloud to protect the weld pool from the external environment.

Manual arc welding machine - MMA.

Application. This type of welding can join ferrous metals. If you install electrodes with a stainless steel rod, you will be able to weld alloy steel. But the speed of work is slow, you need enough experience to get a high-quality connection, and you constantly have to control the arc length as the electrode decreases.

Diagram of the electric arc welding process.

Watch a video about MMA welding machines:

Machines for semi-automatic MIG/MAG welding

MIG/MAG welding is called semi-automatic because the seam is made using a torch, but the wire inside is fed from a special mechanism from a reel. The principle of operation is similar to MMA, only instead of a holder there is a compact torch. The metal is connected by an electric arc (the ground cable is connected to the product, and the “plus” remains on the wire).

Semi-automatic welding machine - MIG/MAG.

Application. Thanks to the continuous supply of additive, long, neat seams can be created. There is no slag in the weld pool, so it is better for the welder to control it. Protection from the external environment is provided by gas supplied from the cylinder through the burner nozzle.

This type of welding is fast and allows you to join metal with a thickness of 0.6 to 20.0 mm. Depending on the type of wire being installed, ferrous metal, stainless steel, and aluminum can be welded. But you need to carry a cylinder with you.

Even when there is wind and work outside, the weld pool becomes defenseless (the supplied gas is blown away).

Diagram of the semi-automatic welding process.

Watch a video about semi-automatic MIG/MAG welding machines:

TIG welding machines

TIG welding is performed using inverters. There is also an electric arc here, but it burns between the product and a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The latter has a diameter of 1.6-3.2 mm and is sharpened in the form of a sharp cone. This allows you to create narrow seams. Connections can be made using only the edges being fused, or using an additionally supplied additive with the welder’s free hand. The weld pool is protected by argon blown from the torch nozzle.

Tig welding machine.

Application. When working with direct current, you can weld ferrous metals and stainless steel. There are types of welding machines with AC/DC function designed for welding aluminum. With such equipment you can cook very carefully and economically, but the speed of the method is significantly inferior to a semi-automatic one.

Scheme of the argon arc welding process.

Watch a video about welding machines for argon arc welding:

Universal welding machines

Universal models of welding machines combine several welding modes.

Here are the existing options:

• MMA+MIG. The model is capable of welding with coated electrodes and wire fed from the drum. In the first case, this is practical for cutting by electric welding, and in the second for serial production of sheet metal parts or body repairs.
• MIG+TIG. Semi-automatic with the possibility of connecting an argon burner. Allows you to quickly make seams on stainless steel and ferrous metal using the MIG mode, as well as join aluminum by switching to TIG.
• MMA+TIG. Inverter for welding with conventional electrodes and tungsten rods. Practical when alternating welding of ferrous and non-ferrous metals where high speed is not required.
• 3 in 1. The most versatile machines capable of welding in MMA, TIG and MIG modes. For this purpose, the front panel has several sockets for connecting the corresponding burners. Such equipment is purchased for a wide variety of tasks.

Spot welding machines

Spot welders come in models with pliers for double-sided welding or with a gun and reverse hammer for single-sided welding. The former are used for assembling thin-sheet structures (boxes, doors, gates, gates).

Device for spot welding on both sides.

The latter are used in body repair, when it is necessary to weld to a plane without access to the reverse side. There are manual portable models weighing up to 16 kg and stationary resistance welding machines. The thickness of the welded metal varies from 3 to 9 mm.

Single-sided spot welding machine.

Plasma welding machines

These types of devices use an electric arc burning in a nozzle between the cathode and anode. Compressed air from a compressor is passed through it, which forms plasma. Closing the mass on the product allows you to transfer the arc and make it not a duty arc, but a cutting arc. If you use filler wire, this method is suitable for welding parts.

Plasma welding machine.

Watch a video about plasma cutters:

Gas welding machine

The apparatus here means an acetylene generator that produces gas when carbide interacts with water. Additionally, a cylinder with oxygen is connected, which supports combustion and promotes the development of flame temperatures of up to 3000 degrees. But recently, more often they use not devices, but simply two cylinders (acetylene + oxygen or propane + oxygen). Then all that remains for welding is to purchase a torch and two sleeves.

The flame heats the edges of the metal, and the filler wire fills the weld pool and increases the height of the seam.

Gas welding machine.

Application. This method is suitable for welding pipes and containers with wall thicknesses up to 4 mm. Gas welding does not require electricity and can be carried out in the field, but the welding speed is very low, and the likelihood of deformation of the product from heating is high.

Understanding the difference in the types of welding machines based on the current source and welding method, you will be able to select equipment for specific tasks, be it welding parts in a garage, body repair or serial production of products in a workshop.

Source: https://srbu.ru/instrumenty-i-oborudovanie/1713-vidy-svarochnykh-apparatov.html

What types of welding machines are there: features and types, operating principles, selection criteria - Machine

Reading time: ≈9 minutes

The welding machine plays a major role in the welding process. The only thing more important than him is the welder. For this reason, it is advisable to begin your training in the basics of welding with a welding machine. After all, the final quality of the weld largely depends on its correct operation.

What do you need to know about welding machines? First of all, their varieties and principle of operation. Before you start practicing, you will need to choose the welding machine that will meet your requirements. And only then will you study the topic of setting up the welding machine and its application. In this article we will tell you what types of welding machines there are.

Types of welding machines

In this article we will not list all possible types of welding equipment, but will only talk about the most popular ones. They are used in 98% of cases. They can handle both garage work and factory conditions.

So, most often welders use a transformer, rectifier, inverter or semi-automatic machine. Professional welders may have several different welding machines to perform different tasks. Below we will describe each type in detail. You will learn the structure and operating principle of each type of welder.

Semi-automatic

A semi-automatic machine is a regular inverter, but with a built-in welding wire feeder and welding modes designed to operate in a shielding gas environment. Using this device you can weld without electrodes, replacing them with filler wire.

Also, to work with a semi-automatic machine, you will need a gas burner through which gas and wire will be supplied. And the gas cylinder itself. The gas can be argon, helium, carbon dioxide or a mixture of these gases.

Why is such a device called a semi-automatic? It's simple. The wire is fed in semi-automatic mode. The welder himself sets the feed speed, and the mechanism feeds the wire at the specified speed during the welding process.

Many semi-automatic machines have a mode with which you can use this device as an inverter. In this case, its application and operating principle will not differ from welding with an inverter welding machine, which we discussed above. But if you turn on the semi-automatic welding mode, the operating principle will change.

Firstly, wire, and not an electrode, will be fed into the welding zone at a given speed (as we would have to do when welding with the devices described above). Secondly, simultaneously with the wire, shielding gas is supplied to the welding zone from a cylinder, which protects the seam from oxidation.

Using a semi-automatic machine, you can weld any metals, including non-ferrous ones, and all types of steel. Therefore, in recent years, semi-automatic welding has gained great popularity. It is technologically advanced, the seams are of very high quality, and are formed easily and quickly. For this reason, semi-automatic machines are indispensable in auto repair shops, large factories and garages of home craftsmen.

But we must not forget that although the semi-automatic device is not so large and heavy, it comes with a gas cylinder. And it is not always convenient to move it from place to place. So it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to cook at altitude. Also, a semi-automatic machine is the most expensive type of equipment of all that we described in this article.

Instead of a conclusion

That's all we wanted to tell you about the most commonly used welding machines. Of course, there are other types of welders, but they are rarely used and you are unlikely to use them in your practice.

We hope this article will help you choose which welding machine is right for you. At the same time, you can choose either a temporary budget inverter for training or an expensive semi-automatic machine with an eye to the future. It all depends on your desires and capabilities. We wish you good luck in your work!

Source: https://regionvtormet.ru/prochee/kakie-byvayut-svarochnye-apparaty-osobennosti-i-vidy-printsip-raboty-kriterii-vybora.html

Types of welding machines

Welding, as a type of joining metal elements, became widespread a little more than a century ago. However, today it is used in many fields of activity, from electronics production to the construction of giant structures.

Since the composition of the metals used is very diverse, many types of equipment have been invented and implemented to obtain reliable welds. The most popular among them are welding machines.

Let's look at what types of welding machines there are, the pros and cons of each.

Argon arc welding machine

This type of welding equipment uses special non-consumable tungsten electrodes; the protection gas is helium or argon..

An argon arc apparatus using a tungsten electrode contains the following components:

• a source that provides direct or alternating welding current;
• regulation device for working with current;
• set of burners for use with different voltages;
• control circuit providing welding cycle coordination and protection;
• stabilizing device for excitation and alignment of the arc.

Units of this type are used if there is a need for high-quality welding of non-ferrous metals.

Spot welding machine

Spot welding is one of the types of contact welding of the thermomechanical class. The process itself consists of several moments. To begin with, the parts, folded in the required manner, are placed between the electrodes and compressed with each other, after which they are heated until plasticity is achieved and are deformed together. Welding speed in factory conditions is up to 10 points per second.

The parts are heated using an instantaneous (0.01–0.1 sec.) welding current pulse. This rapid impulse makes it possible to achieve heating of the metal until it melts, which leads to the appearance of a liquid zone common to both parts. After the current stops, the parts are still aligned, pressed against each other until the temperature drops and the molten point solidifies. Compression of parts stops with a time delay to create conditions for better crystallization of the metal.

The advantages of spot welding include cost-effectiveness, reliability and strength of the seam, and the ease of achieving automation. Unfortunately, this type of welding seam is not airtight, which limits the scope of its use. .

Gas cutting and welding machine

Gas welding involves heating the part until it melts with a high temperature flame . In this case, flammable gases are used - hydrogen, natural gas, acetylene. A distinctive property of these gases is their good combustion in air. Most often, acetylene is used in gas welding machines, which is easily obtained using calcium carbide and water. The combustion temperature of this gas is 3200–3400 °C.

Advantages of gas welding and metal cutting:

1. Simple technology.
2. No access to the electrical network is required, no need to use electric current.
3. The equipment used for welding is quite simple.

It should be noted, however, that gas welding will not provide high speed and productivity, because it can only be done manually.

When gas welding, serious attention is paid to preparing parts, regulating the power of the torch, and installing it in the desired position.

Plasma welding

Plasma welding (cutting) of metals is an operation during which the metal is melted by a plasma stream. Plasma is a gas containing charged particles that conduct electric current. The gas is ionized by heating with an arc emerging from the plasma torch. The higher the temperature of the gas, the higher the ionization. The arc temperature in plasma welding machines reaches tens of thousands of degrees.

The technology is this: gas and electric current are supplied to the burner at a fast pace to form an arc. Cutting occurs not only due to the melting of the metal, but also due to the fact that the high-speed ionized flow washes the metal out of the plasma action zone .

In addition to knowing what types of welding machines there are, the user’s needs should be taken into account when choosing. And if a professional device may be needed in a car repair shop or in production, then for domestic needs an inexpensive device is sufficient.

Source: https://proinstrumentinfo.ru/kakie-byvayut-svarochnye-apparaty-vidy-i-printsip-raboty/

What types of welding machines are there: features and types, operating principles, selection criteria

Welding is a popular method of joining metal components. This method became widespread a little over a hundred years ago.

But these days it is used in many sectors of the national economy, from the production of modern electronics to the construction of large-sized structures.

Since the composition of metals can be different, to obtain high-quality welding seams, different types of welding units have been invented and implemented. Let's take a look at what types of welding machines there are and analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.

Types of Welding Machines

The undoubted advantage of electric welding is the ability to quickly and reliably connect components at low cost. Some types of welding machines make it possible to cut metal, even in hard-to-reach places that cannot be reached using conventional tools. In recent decades, electronics have been increasingly used in production, which has made it possible to significantly reduce weight and size , contributing to the expansion of their use in everyday life.

Tig welding machines

For work, special tungsten electrodes are used; helium or argon acts as a protective gas . The device is composed of:

• a source that provides continuous current;
• devices for adjusting current;
• a set of burners used at different voltage levels;
• control circuit for coordinating welding cycles and protection;
• stabilizing device for straightening the arc.

These units are used for joining non-ferrous metals.

Knowing what kind of welding machine there are, types and types, you can make the right choice. When professional devices are needed in auto repair shops or large industries, a small and inexpensive device will be enough for a home craftsman.

Source: https://tokar.guru/svarka/kakie-byvayut-vidy-i-tipy-svarochnyh-apparatov.html

Main types of welding machines

Reading time: 7 minutes 

In modern stores you can find a wide variety of welding equipment. Expensive, cheap, domestic, foreign, for home welding, for professional welding. How to choose among a wide variety and not make the mistake of spending a considerable amount? Is it even worth buying an expensive welder?

If the topic of choosing welding equipment is new to you, then this article will help you understand the issue. You will learn what types of welding machines exist and their uses, as well as which machine to choose if you are a beginner, a practicing or a home welder.

Types of welding machines

There are many types of welding machines designed to perform specific jobs. We will not list them all, since this is not necessary. Below is a brief classification from which you will learn about the most popular types of welding equipment.

Transformer

A welding transformer is the most primitive and oldest type of welder. Its characteristic features are heavy weight, large dimensions and almost unlimited power.

The transformer has no microcircuits or any other “smart” filling. All his work is based on the simplest principles of electrical engineering. Thanks to this, transformers are extremely durable, practically do not break, and if they do break, they can easily be repaired “on the knee” on their own.

In addition, due to the practically unlimited power, transformers can be used both when welding thin metals and when working with thick parts. But the difficulties when using a transformer begin at the very beginning of work

To configure such a simple parameter as current strength, you need to know the basics of electrical engineering, understand what inductive reactance and thyristors are. There is no “magic” button or regulator with which you can set the desired value, as in an inverter or semi-automatic device.

Another difficulty when working with a transformer is the impossibility of welding on direct current, since the transformer only produces “change”. What does it mean? This means that you will not be able to weld aluminum, stainless steel or any other non-ferrous metals. In addition, the arc on alternating current burns very unstable and is difficult to ignite. And this is an additional problem for a beginner.

Don’t forget about the dimensions, which we have already mentioned in passing. The transformer must be transported on a trolley. You won't be able to throw it in the trunk of a car or climb to a height with it.

Are there any advantages? Yes. Low price, high power and incredible maintainability. Also, many old school welders love transformers because they once learned and worked on them. After all, there was simply no alternative.

Inverter

An inverter is perhaps the most popular type of welding equipment. Do you know why? Inverters are free of all those disadvantages that are inherent in transformers and any other primitive welding machines.

The inverter has microcircuits, thanks to which the device is configured using a pair of regulators and buttons. Everything is intuitive even for a beginner.

Source: https://svarkaed.ru/oborudovanie-dlya-svarki/poleznaya-informatsiya-ob-oborudovanii/osnovnye-vidy-svarochnyh-apparatov.html

Types of welding machines: advantages and disadvantages of devices, selection rules, rating of the best models

In addition to the poor quality of processing, the following disadvantages of the unit are highlighted:

• Significant dimensions and heavy weight.
• Dependence on the network voltage - if it decreases, the quality of welding deteriorates.
• Increased energy consumption.

In addition, despite the ease of use, using transformers requires certain skills and abilities. It is for this reason that the device is not recommended for beginners.

Rectifiers

These are more modern devices.

The device is equipped with a rectifier unit that transforms alternating current into direct current. This is the main difference from the previous type of welding machine. The tool is characterized by high quality material processing.

Rectifiers have the following advantages:

• Ease of use - even beginners can use such units, since they do not require special skills and abilities.
• Possibility of use not only for ferrous, but also for non-ferrous metals, the main thing is to choose suitable electrodes.
• High quality processing.
• Stable continuous arc.
• Functionality - this device is suitable, including for use at home.
• High reliability.
• Acceptable price.

Flaws:

• Significant dimensions and large weight, which negatively affects mobility.
• The operation depends on the voltage of the electric current.
• Increased electricity consumption.

Despite the shortcomings, this type of welding machine is in demand due to the quality of welding and relatively low price.

Semi-automatic

These are modern units that are characterized by carrying out the procedure under the protection of inert gases.

Most devices use argon, but carbon dioxide can also be used.

An additional function of the devices is wire welding. No electrodes are used and no gas protection is required. The essence of the procedure is the supply of a gas mixture with the simultaneous release of wire, which melts under the influence of an electric arc.

The following types of such instruments are distinguished:

1. Devices with forced gas supply.
2. Devices with a gas supply shut-off function.
3. Devices without gas, operating exclusively with flux electrodes, which ensure the creation of a protective layer over the welding site during the intended use of the unit.

Areas of application of such devices:

• At industrial enterprises.
• At home.

• At vehicle maintenance centers.

This type of welding machine has the following advantages:

• Can be used for metal whose thickness is less than 1mm.
• High quality processing.
• During use, the metal practically does not splash.
• High performance.

The disadvantages include the following:

• High consumption of materials - gas and wire.
• High cost of both the unit itself and consumables.

This device can be used even by beginners. This is due to ease of operation. The main thing is to adhere to a certain algorithm of actions.

Inverters

This is equipment with optimal characteristics.

Even beginners can use it. This explains the demand for devices.

Device advantages:

• Easy to use.
• Small dimensions and weight.
• High performance and reliability.
• The metal practically does not splash.
• High quality processing.
• Low energy consumption compared to previous units.
• Quick ignition.
• Arc stability.

Inverter design:

• Transformer.
• Electronic circuit.
• Throttle.

There are several types of inverters, each of which has its own characteristics.

MMA

These are units for manual welding using coated electrodes.

Advantages:

• Light weight and compact dimensions.
• High degree of reliability.

• Easy to use and maintain.
• High quality processing.

Such devices are recommended for home use.

These devices differ from the previous version in higher power. Due to this, they have large dimensions and significant weight. The essence of the devices is to feed the wire into the welding area using a special device. Such units are recommended for use in production. They are not suitable for home use.

This is a type of semi-automatic, but with a more complex device. Such equipment belongs to professional devices, therefore it is used mainly in production. Not suitable for home use.

Argon arc device

This unit was developed specifically for welding non-ferrous metals, but can also be used for alloys.

Initially, it was envisaged that the device would be used in industrial production, but the manufacturers decided to introduce devices for use at home.

Device design:

Source: https://tehno-gid.net/power/vidy-svarochnyh-apparatov-preimushhestva-i-nedostatki-priborov-pravila-vybora-rejting-luchshih-modelej.html

What types of welding machines are there: types, characteristics, operating features

The assembly of metal structures using welding equipment is in many cases preferable to the method of fixation using fasteners. The interpenetration of molten metal produces a strong connection.

Installation using rivets, bolts, and special mechanisms is appropriate if necessary to ensure the replacement of a part during repairs or routine maintenance. Information about what kinds of welding machines there are, what are the features of their operation, will help you make the right choice when purchasing.

Main types of welding

Electric welding is divided into 2 main classes: non-arc and arc.

Non-arc welding is more often called contact welding. In resistance welding, electrodes that supply current are applied directly to the metal being welded. A short but very powerful current discharge (thousands of amperes) is supplied through the metal located between the brought electrodes. In this case, fusion occurs only between the applied electrodes.

If the electrodes are located directly opposite each other, then the welded joint is a spot weld. Although spot welding is not the only type of contact welding, it is the most common. Therefore, the concepts of “spot welding” and “resistance welding” are often used as synonyms. Spot welding voltage is a few volts.

Therefore, resistance welding is used primarily for fastening thin sheet metal. For example, in the automotive industry.

In construction, electric arc welding has become much more widespread. In electric arc welding, there is a small gap between the current source (electrode) and the metal being welded, which is filled with an electric arc.

It is a mistake to assume that this is an air gap. This is a gap of ionized gas that conducts current. Arc welding, as we imagine it today, is impossible without gas.

The gas can simply be supplied from a separate cylinder, or it can be formed as a result of burning of the electrode coating.

The most common technologies in construction are the following:

• MMA (in the domestic classification - manual arc welding, or MMA)
• TIG (argon arc)
• MIG-MAG (semi-automatic, wire).

MMA

The popularity of this type of welding is predetermined precisely by the absence of the need to carry a gas cylinder with you. The coating of the electrode is the “frozen” gas cloud. As soon as the electrode touches the metal and the resulting short circuit current melts the metal of the electrode, the coating around it will also melt. The resulting gas cloud will provide a conductive ionized environment for the arc and protect the molten metal from oxygen.

Electrodes are selected according to the type of metal and diameter. The type of metal is important, since during operation the metal of the electrode rod flows drop by drop into the metal being welded and fuses with it. For a strong connection, the metal of the electrode rod and the metal being welded must be identical. The packaging of electrodes always indicates which metals these electrodes are suitable for.

Once you have decided on the type of electrode, you need to decide on its thickness. Newbie question: why do we need electrodes of different diameters? It's simple. The thicker the electrode, the greater the current that can melt it. The same goes for the edges of the metal being welded. Therefore, the thickness of the electrode is selected to match the thickness of the metal being welded. For ferrous metals it is recommended:

MMA technology allows you to work with most common metals, with the exception of aluminum and alloys based on it. Although theoretically this is also possible with an assistant, if you ensure that the cleaned aluminum surfaces do not have time to be covered with a film before melting. But it is more correct, of course, to simply use welding technologies suitable for this.

TIG

Consumers of TIG welding are entirely professionals and advanced users, and almost all of them are not in the construction sector. TIG produces cleaner seams, but is far inferior to MMA in performance and ease of use.

For example, many “amateurs”, having honed their skills on MMA machines, are frustrated by failures during their first experience with TIG. It turns out that, unlike MMA, it is not easy to strike an arc with a TIG machine unless it is equipped with a device such as an oscillator.

(And almost all “2 in 1” devices are not equipped, of course). The welder strikes with a tungsten electrode - there is a spark, but the arc cannot be raised. But an experienced welder places a piece of coal under the electrode - and the arc starts without problems.

It is no coincidence that specialized TIG devices rarely exceed a 1% share of retail store sales.

In TIG welding, devices with the ability to switch to alternating current mode, the so-called, deserve special mention. AC/DC. These devices are the main equipment for welding aluminum. It is they who predominantly make up this very 1% of TIG in retail sales of welding equipment.

MIG-MAG

Semi-automatic wire welding is mainly used for welding sheet metal. Therefore, traditionally its main area of ​​application is body repair, as well as the construction of structures made of black sheet metal. Using wire instead of replaceable electrodes greatly improves productivity. Household devices use coils with a capacity of 1 and 5 kg, and professional ones use 5 or 15 kg.

The wire can be used both regular (without coating) and with coating (so-called flux). In the first case, it is necessary to use a gas cylinder (GAS mode). In the second, a cylinder is not required (NO GAS). Despite the fact that it is more convenient to work without a cylinder, uncoated wire is the leader in sales by a large margin. The reason is simple: it is much cheaper than flux. In addition, many professionals believe that the accuracy of the seams in the gas environment from the cylinder is higher.

Despite the fact that this type of welding also belongs to electric arc welding, the principle of the MIG-MAG device is fundamentally different from the principles of MMA and TIG. In MMA and TIG it is important to maintain current stability despite electrode fluctuations, in MIG-MAG it is important to maintain arc voltage stability.

And the strength of the welding current in MIG-MAG machines is a conditional indicator (although, according to the habit developed in MMA, most people focus on it). The strength of the welding current in MIG-MAG will depend on the set voltage, the diameter of the wire used, the gas used and the wire feed speed.

So, making a semi-automatic MIG-MAG out of an MMA device by attaching a wire feed unit and a torch will not work.

Text author: Yu. Shklyarevsky

Source: https://www.kuvalda.ru/blog/articles/polz/osnovnye-vidy-svarki.html

What types of welding machines are there?

Welding became a part of our lives a little over 100 years ago. Now it is impossible to imagine a production where welding would not be used.

With the development of this area, new types and methods of welding appear, and along with them, modern devices are created for making strong metal connections. Moreover, the “smarter” the welding unit itself, the less knowledge the welder needs.

Let's analyze what types of installations there are, compare the advantages and disadvantages of each type and make a choice. Let's look at the most popular welding systems, these include:

• transformer devices;
• rectifiers;
• semi-automatic installations;
• welding inverters;
• units for argon electric arc welding.

A reliable way to firmly bond two metal parts is to use electric welding. Recently, manufacturers have been focusing on the electronic component, so the devices are more functional, compact and capable of performing the necessary work in places where improvised means cannot cope.

Transformers

Such types of devices as transformers are considered traditional. They are the pioneers of welding. The operating system is very simple. The main element that ensures the welding process consists of the primary and secondary windings. The current changes depending on the change in winding level in one direction or another. At the output we receive alternating current, which leads to the spattering of metal particles during melting.

This negatively affects the quality of the seam. To improve the stability of the welding arc and work with non-ferrous metals, you need to stock up on additional components that are as bulky as the transformer itself. Not every electrode will be compatible with this device, and an inexperienced welder should not start working on transformer machines due to basic ignorance of the basics.

The efficiency is close to maximum, but most of it is spent to warm up the machine. Cooling occurs by operating multiple fans at different power levels to reduce the temperature of the heavy unit. In modern industry it is not so often possible to find this type of welding machine due to its bulkiness and imperfection, but given its low cost and durability, it is in demand.

In the case of working with metals containing alloying elements, this type of apparatus is the most ideal.

Rectifiers

Rectifiers are modernized transformers that take into account all the shortcomings of the first devices. Alternating current, converted to direct current, produces an even and stable arc. This reduces metal spattering and contributes to a better and more beautiful joint.

The use of all types of electrodes greatly facilitates and simplifies the work. The choice of materials that a welding rectifier can join is quite extensive. You can work with non-ferrous metals, stainless alloys, cast iron. For each metal it is necessary to select the appropriate electrode.

Do not forget about the polarity of the current when connecting the electrode. Work with aluminum using reverse polarity. This type of welding machine is also not in great demand due to its large mass, but real adherents still exist.

Also among the minuses, it is worth paying attention to minor voltage surges during the welding process, but in terms of cost and proper quality of the seam, they give a head start to subsequent models.

Semi-automatic devices

This type of welding unit is common in automobile production and for home use. Complex internal equipment does not in any way affect ease of use. Semi-automatic machines operate in an environment of protective gases or without them; an analogue is a filler wire coated with a special composition, when melted, a protective cloud is formed that prevents contact of the metal with oxygen.

The wire is not cheap, but ease of use is guaranteed. Based on which model you purchase, it is possible to work only with a gas cylinder, exclusively with filler wire. There are also combined views where you can switch modes. The welding current is controlled sequentially; there are settings for the wire feed speed and its mechanism.

The direct relationship between the current and the speed of the rod sets the welding mode.

It is also worth mentioning the mechanism that feeds the wire into the weld pool area. They come in three types:

• ejector mechanism. In this form, all moving elements are located inside the body of the device, and the accuracy of the extension is ensured by a special fitting. This location option is most convenient for the welder;
• The pulling option involves the location of the assembled mechanism in the torch, which the welder holds in his hands. It allows for longer seams, but puts more strain on the hand. There are adapted stands, but they are not popular among experienced craftsmen;
• combined. They combine the two previous types, but finding them will be very difficult. Professionals say that such difficulties are unnecessary.

Summing up the results of semi-automatic units, we can say with confidence that they have high efficiency, the finished seams come out at a decent level, it is possible to connect different metals, but there is a slight spattering of small drops and a significant price for consumables.

Inverters

This species has rightfully gained love and recognition in the last few years. Having improved the previous shortcomings of their predecessors and introduced a fair amount of microcircuits, the devices turned out to be miniature, affordable, easy to operate and inexpensive to maintain. The spattering of metal is so small that it practically does not affect the quality of the seam, and the arc can be maintained even by a non-professional with a little training.

Arc welding

In these types of work, a tungsten tip is used, and helium or argon is used as a shielding gas. The first gas is not as expensive to purchase as the second, due to its availability of production. Arc welding is intended for welding non-ferrous metals.

Now you know what types of welding machines there are and what they are used for. Depending on the type of work you want to do, you can definitely purchase the right unit. An inexpensive and modern inverter or semi-automatic device is quite suitable for use in a home workshop.

Source: https://svarka-weld.ru/kakie-byvayut-vidy-svarochnyh-apparatov