Benefits of TIG inverter technology

TIG inverter technology helps companies achieve better part quality, increased productivity, space savings and reduced power draw. Additionally, wireless remote TIG foot controls can provide numerous benefits in productivity and reliability.

TIG welding inverter technology isn’t new—inverters have been available for years. The welding industry, however, is a major proponent of the “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” philosophy. As such, the old transformer-style machines of the past are still used extensively in manufacturing and fabrication facilities around the world. While these machines are reliable, they are energy hogs that don’t feature the latest TIG welding advancements, and if that weren’t enough, they take up valuable space on the shop floor.

The case for TIG inverters
We hear it all the time: “My Syncrowave has run for 20 years.” Those machines are built like tanks, and we’re extremely proud of them. However, TIG technology has evolved (and continues to evolve) to a point where the ROI and long-term savings (i.e. profit) with inverters make solid business sense. Key features include the ability to independently set electrode positive (EP) and electrode negative (EN) amperages, expanded AC balance and frequency controls, and DC-pulsed TIG controls that far surpass old technology at up to 5,000 pulses per second. They also draw substantially less power and take up a considerably smaller footprint on the shop floor.
The key benefits of an inverter-based power source
?Improved productivity: faster travel speeds, improved deposition, and less rework and clean-up

?Improved quality: superior arc control (AC), expanded pulsing ates (DC), better control over heat input into the piece, less distortion, better preservation of base metal microstructure, narrowed weld bead and heat affected zone, and more accurate weld placement through directional control

?Energy savings: reduces your energy draw (possibly lower bills) and allows for more units to run off existing power (expanded production)

?Space savings: smaller, compact machines help with the flow and layout of production 

Today’s inverters allow operators to set the electrode negative (EN) portion of the cycle up to 99%. This extended balance range allows for the arc to be fine-tuned according to base metal conditions in each application. If there is a heavy-oxide layer that requires more cleaning, that EN portion of the cycle can be lowered for more cleaning action (65% is a good starting point). If the bead is too wide and etching is seen at the sides of the weld, it allows the operator to turn the balance up to narrow the bead, direct more heat into the part for better penetration and increase travel speeds. Also, EN and electrode positive (EP) cycles can be set independently to further fine-tune the arc and extend tungsten performance.

Another benefit is the ability to change AC frequency. Older TIG technology is typically locked in at the line frequency: 60 hertz in North America and 50 hertz in other locations around the globe. New inverter technology gives operators the ability to dial that in between 20 and 400 hertz. Higher frequencies limit the time that the arc expands on each half cycle, creating a narrow, focused arc with significantly better directional control, ideal for welding in corners, on root passes and fillet welds. Lowering the frequency creates a softer arc with a wider puddle, ideal for gaps and build-up.

The ability to exert that greater control over the arc shape and the heat being put into the weld arguably provides its greatest benefit at the start of the weld. Advanced AC controls make it easier than ever to get the puddle started and moving along — a regular challenge with aluminium.

Inverters provide power saving
Modern TIG inverters are extremely efficient compared toAir Jordans