To figure out how to learn, you must first find out what exactly these devices are. The welding inverter has a rather compact design, it is much easier to transfer it from one place to another in comparison with an ordinary welding machine based on a transformer. In addition, it is much more convenient to work with a modern device.
Welding metal elements using an inverter is quite reliable only if you know at least its approximate device. First of all, the design of this equipment does not take up too much space: all the necessary parts are placed in a small-sized metal box, which does not exceed half a meter in length, usually no more than 20 cm in width, and about 30 cm in height. The total mass of the structure is about 10 kg.
Its principle of operation is to deliver an electric current with a suitable strength and voltage. The inverter produces in the area of the welded surface a direct current formed from an alternating voltage in the household network - 220 V.
The devices always have two terminals - the cathode, or negatively charged conductor, and the anode - positive. One of them is used to connect the electrode, and the other is connected to the metal to be welded. After the voltage starts to be applied, a single electrical circuit is formed. If you make a slight gap to it, the value of which will be only a few millimeters (as a rule, no more than 8), then in this place the air is ionized and a corresponding electric arc arises.
To be correct, it should be understood that the bulk of the heat is released precisely in the electric arc, which burns at a temperature of about 7000 degrees. This allows high-quality melting of the edges of the welded metal workpieces.
When the arc sparks, not only the edges of the metal melt, but also the electrode itself, as a result all these materials are mixed with each other. If the welding work is performed poorly, then the slag, which, as a rule, is much less in density compared to the metal, will remain in the thickness of the metal. This significantly reduces the quality of the resulting welded joint.
Usually, the slag comes to the surface and does not allow the elements to be welded to be oxidized by the oxygen contained in the air, or begin to absorb nitrogen from the environment. After the molten metal begins to solidify, the formation of a welded joint occurs.
Main parameters of welded works
To learn from the experience of seasoned welders, you need to understand the concept of current polarity, because it can be direct and reverse. The first is formed when the current flows from the cathode to the anode. Reverse polarity results in the opposite situation.
If a person knows how to cook correctly, then he will understand that the highest temperature will form at the terminal, from which an electric current begins to flow. When using straight polarity, the temperature will be higher directly on the workpieces. As a rule, this technology is used by welders who are just beginning to comprehend the basics of this craft.
With reverse polarity, a higher temperature forms at the electrode. This technology is useful when working with thin metal sheets, as well as when working with metals that do not react too well to overheating, which can lead to damage to the workpiece.
An important role is played by the thickness of the electrode or welded wire. This indicator directly depends on how thick the parts to be welded will be. In principle, this indicator should be based on when choosing the current strength. It turns out that the higher the electrode thickness, the more electric current must be applied to it.
It should also be borne in mind that the current strength is directly influenced by the location of the seam - horizontal, vertical, ceiling, and so on. For the gradual development of inverter welding, you should carefully study the table, which shows the corresponding amperage, electrode diameters and other important indicators related to welding.
What are the main positive qualities of an inverter?
The inverter is much more convenient for welding. Even most professional welders say that this technology is much better and simpler than a primitive transformer. Thanks to the use of this product, it is possible not only to form an arc with ease, but also to get it ultimately as stable as possible.
This effect prevents excessive metal spatter. The inverter is also good in that it provides a number of different kinds of additional characteristics. In particular, one of the most useful functions is the so-called "Hot Start", which allows you to make the welding current as strong as possible at the very beginning of work. This allows you to form an arc much easier and faster.
Another feature is Strong Arc. This element is activated only if the electrode is too close to the elements to be welded. With a similar development of events, the device will increase the current in automatic mode. This allows the metal to be melted as quickly as possible so that the electrode does not stick to the workpieces.
The third useful quality is the "Anti-Slip" option. If necessary, it makes the electric current as low as possible so that the electrode can be very quickly torn off the metal surface and continue to work. The function is very useful for those who have not yet fully figured out how to properly detach the electrode from the workpiece.
The inverter is a fairly economical device. If we consider electrodes with a diameter of 3 mm, then for their high-quality use it is quite enough to set a voltage with a power of 4 kW - this fully corresponds to the normal parallel connection of two electric kettles.
The economy of the design in terms of the consumption of electric current allows literally within one season to justify the rather high cost of the inverter welding machine.
What safety precautions need to be followed?
To figure out how to cook with inverter welding, you first need to understand the basic safety standards. The fact is that welding works are especially dangerous for human health and life, so they should be approached with caution.
- Before starting work, you need to clear the surrounding space from wooden objects and other things that can quickly ignite. This moment is very important for those people who are just starting to master welding. Electrodes, slag, molten metal are very hot, which can cause rapid ignition.
- You should wear tight clothing that, if possible, covers the whole body: long tight trousers, a jacket or a jacket with long sleeves. This is to prevent molten metal droplets from getting on the skin and causing severe thermal burns.
- The eyes and face must be protected with a special mask with a built-in dark glass or light filter. It will not let in sunlight, but the arc will be clearly visible, and this filter will also allow you to take a good look at how the metal melts and the weld is filled.
- If the arc burns, but the metal does not weld, then this may indicate a malfunction of the apparatus or insufficient current strength. You can add it on the working panel of the equipment. If this does not help, then the tool should be disconnected immediately, since there must have been some kind of breakdown inside it. It can cause electric shock.
- It is strictly forbidden to work in wet weather, at too low temperatures and other unfavorable weather conditions, because this also often causes an electric shock.
- You should not observe the performance or performance of welding without protective glass - this causes a severe burn of the cornea, from which you will have to recover within several days. Burns of this plan are different: a weak degree is characterized by the appearance of light spots in front of the eyes; the middle degree begins with a feeling of sand in the eyes; severe can cause partial or complete loss of vision.
How to light the arc correctly?
People seeking to figure out how to learn how to cook with a welding inverter must first practice how to properly ignite the arc and keep it burning throughout the entire period of work.
At the first stage, the terminals should be connected depending on which polarity you plan to work with - direct or reverse. If there is no experience in welding at the moment, then only the direct connection should be used. It is better for a novice welder to take universal electrodes suitable for most metals: their diameter is 3 mm.
It is undesirable to use thicker electrodes, as they can cause severe arc oscillation and unstable arc burning. Working with such consumables requires the best skills.
At first, you need to set the current strength equal to 100 A. Using a mask from habit can cause some discomfort, but you can sacrifice it to preserve vision. Before directly igniting the arc, you need to lightly tap the electrode on the metal in order to knock the coating off its edge.
The arc can be ignited in one of the following ways:
- striking;
- light touch.
If we take into account all the points considered, then it will not be too difficult to figure out how to cook with a welding inverter. Moreover, it can be used for various materials.
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