The following is an introduction to the machines corresponding to three welding types, namely ARC welding (manual arc welding), TIG welding (tungsten inert gas welding), and MIG welding (metal inert gas welding), as well as how to make selections:
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- Arc Welding Power Source: This is the core equipment for manual arc welding. Commonly, there are alternating current (AC) arc welding power sources and direct current (DC) arc welding power sources. The structure of the AC arc welding power source is relatively simple and has a lower cost. It is suitable for welding common carbon steel and other materials where the requirements for welding quality are not extremely high. The DC arc welding power source has better arc stability and can be adapted to the welding of various metal materials, such as stainless steel and low-alloy steel. However, its price is usually higher than that of the AC arc welding power source. For example, the inverter DC arc welding machines of the ZX7 series have the characteristics of energy saving, portability and excellent arc stability, and are widely used in many small processing workshops and maintenance scenarios.
- Welding Materials: If the main welding material is common low-carbon steel, the AC arc welding power source can basically meet the requirements and has a low cost. If it involves materials with high requirements for arc stability, such as alloy steel and stainless steel, it is recommended to choose the DC arc welding power source.
- Welding Workload: For maintenance scenarios where welding is occasional and the workload is small, a small, lightweight and relatively affordable arc welding machine is sufficient. However, for long-term and large-scale welding production occasions, an industrial-grade arc welding power source with appropriate power, stable performance and good durability should be selected.
- TIG Welding Machine: Functionally, it can be divided into DC TIG welding machines, AC TIG welding machines and AC/DC dual-purpose TIG welding machines. The DC TIG welding machine is suitable for welding metals such as stainless steel, copper and titanium, with good arc stiffness and can achieve high-quality welding. The AC TIG welding machine is often used for welding aluminum, magnesium and their alloys because the alternating current can effectively break the oxide film on the surface of the welded parts, which is conducive to welding fusion. The AC/DC dual-purpose welding machine has the advantages of both and has a wider application range. Some digital AC/DC TIG welding machines of brands like Ruiling and Times have the function of precisely adjusting welding parameters and excellent welding effects.
- Welding Materials: Determine the main metal material to be welded. For example, if welding aluminum and magnesium alloys, the AC TIG welding machine is the first choice. If stainless steel, copper, etc. are the main materials, the DC TIG welding machine can meet the requirements. When welding multiple materials in combination, the AC/DC dual-purpose TIG welding machine is more appropriate.
- Welding Precision Requirements: For scenarios with extremely high requirements for the appearance and quality of welds, such as the manufacturing of precision instruments and pipeline welding, a high-end TIG welding machine with high precision in adjusting welding parameters and good arc stability should be selected to facilitate the control of welding heat input and the state of the molten pool.
- Welding Current Range: Estimate the required welding current size according to factors such as the thickness of the welded parts, and choose a welding machine that can cover this current range with a certain margin. At the same time, match it with a welding torch with the corresponding cooling method (air cooling or water cooling) to ensure the smooth progress of welding.
- MIG Welding Machine: It is divided into semi-automatic MIG welding machines and automatic MIG welding machines. The semi-automatic MIG welding machine requires the operator to hold the welding torch manually and is widely used in industries such as mechanical manufacturing and automobile maintenance, with relatively flexible operation. The automatic MIG welding machine is mostly used in automated production lines, with high welding efficiency and stable welding quality. From the perspective of power source types, there are tapped type, inverter type, etc. The inverter type MIG welding machine is becoming more and more widely used due to its advantages of energy saving, high efficiency and flexible adjustment of welding parameters. For example, the inverter type MIG welding machines of brands like Panasonic and Lincoln are highly favored in the market.
- Welding Automation Degree Requirements: If it is for single-piece and small-batch production, maintenance operations, etc., the semi-automatic MIG welding machine is more appropriate because of its convenient operation and strong flexibility. For large-scale production and automated production lines with fixed welding tasks, the automatic MIG welding machine can greatly improve production efficiency and the stability of welding quality.
- Welding Materials and Process Requirements: For welding low-carbon steel, a MIG welding machine with carbon dioxide gas protection can meet the economic and quality requirements. For materials such as stainless steel and aluminum alloy, a welding machine that can be adapted to argon gas or corresponding mixed gas protection should be selected, and appropriate welding parameters should be adjusted according to the characteristics of the materials.
In conclusion, when selecting machines of these three welding types, it is necessary to comprehensively consider various factors such as welding materials, workload, welding precision requirements, working environment and cost, so as to select the equipment that best meets one's own welding needs.
