How to choose a welding inverter

When people invented the welding machine, it became possible in a short time to connect metal parts to each other with the highest quality. Only progress did not stand still. He stepped even further, there was such a device as an inverter. It is compact and beautiful in size, with options and performance.

The current conversion is double. It took place inside it in order to create an even arc and apply fine-flaked seams, characterized by high strength. This device is presented today in the arsenal of almost all workshops and reputable construction organizations. Its capabilities directly depend on the minimum and maximum values ​​of the set parameters. Knowing them, it will be possible to buy a welding machine with reliable properties. It will correspond to the tasks assigned to you. Against this background, the question arises: "which welding inverter to choose?". It is proposed to talk about this within the framework of our article.

List of manufacturers of welding inverters: which company to give preference to

If you have a summer cottage, a private sector, then from time to time, there will be a need to weld something. Of course, it is not necessary to study the topic of which welding inverter to choose for your purposes. The problem is solved much easier - to call a welder and pay him for services. In fact, it is really expensive, and not all jobs require special qualifications.

Against this background, the task arises - to buy an inverter for home and summer cottages, having learned how to use it on your own. The easiest way is to learn how to weld on inverter type welding machines. They are easy to operate due to the electronics, there are options that, in general, are able to facilitate the work of a novice welder. Such devices will make it possible to make a high-quality seam, even if you do not have much experience in this area.

When wondering which company to choose a device for simple work in a private sector or a garage, choose products from trusted brands: Brima, Fubag, Elitech, Inforce, Patriot.

It will be important to understand that welding inverters have a number of distinctive parameters. You should pay attention to them when buying equipment.

Basic principles of operation and device of the welding inverter

The device has a number of differences from a simple welding machine. It is worth relying on the frequency of the current. Each of them has an alternating voltage. For a transformer, it will be the same as in a 50 Hz network, and for an inverter - 50,000-80000 Hz, which makes it possible to subsequently transform into a constant.This has an excellent effect on the penetration of the filler material into the depth of the main weld and forms a fine-flaked weld with a smooth surface. This arrangement has the effect of minimizing the formation of pores and, when carbon is released, contributes to the resistance of the created joint to breaking and kinking.

The use of inverters is wide. With their help, you can make: gates, gates, a water or fuel tank, doors, a fence, a fence, a greenhouse, a greenhouse, heating and plumbing, a patch for the bottom of a car, equip a heated towel rail.

Welding inverters are used in private houses, large enterprises, in summer cottages and for various small jobs. A construction device is also suitable. It may be appropriate for welding fittings inside filling columns, as well as for the use of monolithic frame houses. This machine is suitable for welding cast iron, low alloy steel, aluminum, copper and stainless steel. Due to the use of a transformer, such success cannot be achieved.

To understand how to choose an inverter welding machine, you need to know exactly its structural device. It includes a case, transistors with radiators, a diode bridge, a transformer, noise filters, current sensors, a rectifier, an integral stabilizer, a relay, a cooler, contactors and a board equipped with a control.

In order to turn the device into operation, you need to have a voltage network. It must meet the corresponding characteristics. The mass cable must be connected to the product or the metal barrel where it is located. The holder fits into the hand of the master. It includes an electrode, which also acts as a filler material. It is able to protect the molten metal from the influence of ambient air.

Due to the touch of the electrode to the surface of the product, the poles of the device are closed. This creates an electric arc, which makes it possible to manipulate and create a seam. To do this, hold the end of the electrode at a distance of 3-5 mm from the surface. Due to this, the arc will burn freely, melting the filler and base materials. Those. will not stick to the product itself.

In order to obtain a constant voltage, the current in the device must pass several nodes. From the network, it will be in the rectifier, which consists of diodes and a bridge. After that, constant voltage will be applied to the keys, radiators and transistors. Those. the frequency will become much higher. The sensing transformer reduces the voltage to a safe level. Due to this, the current strength will be increased to the value that is capable of melting steel.

Inverter purchase parameters

In order for the device to fully suit its owner in the work, it is worthwhile to correctly determine the parameters that are suitable for different types of work and conditions where they should be carried out. This compliance will make it possible to obtain the desired result and use the inverter on a permanent basis.

Input voltage indicator

There are those options for inverters that are included in the work exclusively from the 220V network. This allows them to be used both on site and at home. 380V devices are powered only from a panel with this voltage, which is equipped at the enterprise. This connection is available in garages with 3-phase input. Due to this, it is possible to cook throughout the day, melting the thick sides. But in the conditions of a summer house or apartment, this is a useless acquisition.

There are those models that are equipped with the ability to switch the input voltage - 220-380V. It is very comfortable. The user gets more freedom. Connection is possible both at home and away. Steel welding is carried out with a thickness of 5-6 mm, and if it is a workshop or production, then with 3 phases. Welding can also be used for thick structures. Such units are convenient for those who work in repair crews.

Operation at minimum voltage

If some inverters operate exclusively at 220V, and the voltage begins to drop, then the arc is reduced.As a result, this leads to permanent adhesion of the electrode end. Such equipment should not be purchased if the line to which the garage or house is connected is not overloaded. You can find out if you start monitoring the parameter when using a voltmeter.

Where there are loads and drops in the circuit, you need to buy a 135-165 V apparatus. It is able to independently stabilize the internal voltage. This is convenient as there is no effect on the optional arc properties and seam performance. This model is useful for both the welder and the repairman who is busy with heating and does not know the network parameters at the future place of work.

Degree of protection

In the presented characteristics there is a degree of protection of the unit body, which makes it possible to understand what endurance properties are present. The parameter is indicated by IP and numbers. The first number makes it clear how protected the machine is from solid objects, and the second - the welder cannot accidentally damage his fingers under the area with the body. She also points out that dust and small scale can accumulate in thick fittings, as there are many ventilation holes in the casing.

When work is to be carried out in a dry room, then an indicator of 21 will be optimal. If there is an order for installing gates in the private sector, then the indicator is optimal - 22, but for frequent work on the street in bad weather - 23.

Electrode diameter indicator

In everyday life, the electrodes are 1.6-6 mm thick. Their choice is carried out in view of the work to be done in the near future. The thicker the welding material, the higher the diameter of the electrode. If you do not observe the parameters correctly, but with the help of thin electrodes, you will not be able to cope with the task.

In order to work with pipes, it is enough to use an electrode of 3 mm. This will allow water supply or heating. To weld the machine body, you need to be guided by 1.6-2 mm, and for welding the sides of 5-10 mm - 4-6 mm electrodes.

Work cycle

This concept is usually called the time during which the device operates without stopping. It is customary to calculate as a percentage. The value that remains is needed in order for the device to cool down. For example, 70 percent says that the inverter will cook for 7 minutes, but 3 minutes must be set aside for rest.

If you purchase a device for a summer residence, choose models with an indicator of 60-70 percent. It can be used for welding a fence, greenhouse, shed. Those. where fit, installation of parts needs cooling of the apparatus. For professional activities in welding containers, doors, heating, a value of 80-100 percent is needed. The time indicator as a percentage makes it possible to understand what the use of the device is at the maximum current (A). When the device limit is 300 A, then the work will be carried out at 200 A, i.e. the time of continuous operation will become higher.

Power indicators

Those inverters, power indicators that are measured in kW, varying 2.7-27, can melt a large thickness. The higher the power ratings, the more likely it is to work with thick products. But keep in mind that this puts a load on the wiring, and therefore in the room it must have an appropriate section.

A power of 2.7-3.5 kW for a summer residence will allow you to weld a pipe or, using tacks, to build a low greenhouse. For welding entrance doors or plumbing, you need a good penetration. For this reason, an indicator of 5-7 kW is required. In order to melt boiler-type steel, which is alloyed with chromium, it is important to provide yourself with an inverter, whose power indicators will be 10-20 kW. But keep in mind that if this is a wiring in the house, then it simply cannot withstand such a load. A 3-phase input must be used.

Maximum welding current: optimal value

On a digital board or scale, a value is set that is calculated in A. It can be 160-500.It also has a connection with the ability to melt a certain wall thickness and the metal that we connect to it. If the number of amperes is not enough, then it is worth waiting for the stratification of the filler material. Those. there will be no melting inside. Such a connection is not tight. It is fast enough in the event of a break.

Let's look at the case when you need to weld 2 pieces of 6 mm reinforcement. This requires 100-150A. If these are 2-inch pipes, which are usually used for heating, then 120-160 A.

For doors made of metal, the overhead sheet of which is 3 mm and a corner of 4 mm with a wall, you need to arm yourself with a powerful 200-300A inverter. These indicators can be used for welding a canopy or a fence. But if you need to work with a heat exchanger in a furnace, the walls of which are 10 mm, then you need an inverter with 400-500A.

Minimum welding current: optimal value

This parameter is also indicated on the scale. There are models that are lower in the range of 10-60 A. Currents are small, but they are needed to work with thin iron. The inability to lower the amperage will result in the sides overheating very quickly. The consequence of this can also be overheating or burn-through. Here you need to use additional resistance from a steel-type spring, but this will require additional costs, which is not practical for connections.

It is recommended to immediately buy an inverter that is able to reduce the current to the desired value. Welding a 1.2 mm sheet iron shower tank needs an indicator of 60-80A. At the same time, the car body metal can be equal to 1 mm, its welding is carried out at 30-40A. You can grab thinner metal-based sheets in the area of ​​\ u200b \ u200bthe frame structure by setting the scoreboard to 10-20 A.

Adjusting the current indicator

It is possible to adjust the number of amperes. For this purpose, there is a switch in the area of ​​the inverter housing. This is necessary every time the thickness of the metal of the parts to be joined changes. The regulation method is stepped and smooth. The first is used on expensive models, where you can set the amperage in accordance with the units - 19-20-21-22 A. This makes it possible to choose the optimal value that is convenient for the welder, and also meets the welding details.

Another way is to switch in steps of multiples of 20 A using a circular toggle switch. This is quite enough for performing a number of simple jobs that do not need a high level of quality. If this is an individual case, then it may seem that 40 A is not enough to achieve good penetration, and 60 A leads to burn-through.

For this reason, for welding irrelevant products or for use in the country, it is worth purchasing those inverters that have a toggle switch. Working on a pipeline, making containers for fuel, or the need for frequent welding of thin materials with different walls, requires an apparatus with a digital display and a smooth switch.

TIG connection

This option makes it possible to disconnect a simple cable equipped with a holder and place it in the area of ​​an argon type burner. The design has an additional channel that supplies argon and the ability to connect control buttons from the burner. If, of course, there are any.

Due to TIG, there is a possibility of welding non-ferrous metals. These are copper, aluminum and stainless steel. The burner uses tungsten, i.e. non-consumable electrode. It helps to excite the arc. The seam is formed by melting the joint edges and the filler material, which is fed separately from the wire area. Protection against the influence of ambient air will be provided by an inert gas from the cylinder. This option will be useful for the production of heated towel rails, welding heads from the engine block, as well as repairing stainless steel arcs in machines, brazing copper. The application requires additional costs for tungsten electrodes, which are really expensive. It is also necessary to purchase a gas cylinder, transportation.

Those.this option is exclusively for professionals. For giving, the element is not in demand. Don't even try to overpay for it.

Open circuit voltage

When turned on, even before the electric arc is struck, the device will idle. The inverter can be in 40-90V mode, responsible for quick contact between the ease of ignition and live parts. The higher the score, the better it will perform.

When the electrode is closed on a surface that is connected to ground, the voltage will drop automatically, gaining a value of 12 V. If you have only recently begun to master this direction, then lighting the arc and keeping it at the required distance may seem difficult. This is due to the fact that it often goes out, and therefore needs to be re-ignited. It will be more practical to use equipment with 70-90 V, so that it is convenient to work.

If you are an experienced craftsman, then such an idle indicator is not needed. This is due to the increased consumption of electricity during the idle time of the device. Options 40-60V are suitable.

Inverter weight

The mass of the device can be 2.5-10 kg. Everything will depend on power indicators and equipment. But the weight itself has an impact on the usability in certain conditions. For example, if you frequently move around the object, it is quite difficult to carry a 10 kg inverter. And this is bad for the hand that works. If you apply a suture, it may be damaged. The optimal weight is 5-6 kg.

If you need to cook a tall greenhouse or support for a power line, you need to get a lighter model. 3 kg will be enough. This is enough to hang the inverter by the shoulder strap. Any mass can be applied for stationary activities in the garage.

Wire length

A set of inverters supplemented with earth cables and holder. They are 1.5-1.8 m long. This is enough to carry out small work on the table, cook a fence or heating. Those. where the device can be moved closer to you if necessary.

The production of large containers, seams in the greenhouse area force the use of extended cables. In order not to drag the equipment along, you need to choose an additional wire, which will be about 2.5-3 m

Availability of additional options

Some types of work are much more comfortable to perform if the inverter has a set of additional options. For example, a hot start. By using this function, you can avoid the procedure of stripping the electrode and immediately begin to apply the suture. This opportunity will be useful for beginners or in those cases when you need high quality products with minimal traces of welding contacts.

Another option is arc afterburner. Due to it, you can momentarily increase the voltage, regardless of what values ​​were set. Those. the device will independently sense that the electrode is stuck. This is a very handy option for beginners or if you are working with very thin metal.

Types of inverters for welding

Although it seems that the principle of operation is common to different types of inverters, like the internal structure, there are only 3 types of devices. They all have special capabilities and goals. It will be important to consider each type separately.

Household inverter

A distinctive feature of this type of apparatus will be that their cost is low. At the same time, the dimensions are also modest. Please note that the power is not limited by high limits, in terms of performance this is also not the best option when we talk about the maximum current time.

As for the possibilities of joining thick metals, they are limited by low amperes. These inverters are suitable for infrequent work in the country. For example, if you need to attach a water tank to your home shower, build a canopy. Also, the device will be appropriate for personal repairs, for example, if you need to weld the railings on the balcony, connect the pipe and thread, or make a fence, a gate.

The advantages include low weight and affordability. The manufacturer also provided the device with good protection. And in general, this option is useful for the purpose of welding.

Unfortunately, there were some drawbacks. They are that the current power indicators are limited to 4-5 kW, while the current strength has a limit of 180-200A. The welding wire is thin, it is impossible to connect metal less than 1 mm in thickness with it. Also, the inverter will not work if the mains voltage drops.

Semi-professional inverter

The equipment is characterized by increased power. This makes it possible to melt the material faster. The performance metrics of the models are truly advanced. They are able to work even if the voltage drops significantly to 165 V. At the same time, the current strength is 200-300A. Sometimes the models can be supplemented with a TIG connector.

These options are usually used in the conditions of construction crews and automotive services. Those. where welding is not the main activity, but needs high quality.

The advantages include high ampere rates, which make it possible to cook material with a thick surface. The work is powerful even when the voltage drops. There is a connector for the TIG option. As for prices, it is the average on the market.

The downside is that 60 percent is the duty cycle. The maximum thickness of the welded metal is 5-6 mm.

Professional inverters

The models are distinguished by solid indicators in the field of amperage, duty cycle and power. With their help, you can cook thin iron. Digital adjustment makes it possible to reduce the current strength, which will be equal to 10A. The device will work even if the voltage drops to 130V.

This type of inverter is usually used for professional purposes. The duty cycle is 90-100 percent. The device can work for 6-8 hours daily. This is an excellent option for welding heating, heated towel rails, plumbing, doors, containers or gates.

The advantages include a high current of 300-500A, the ability to TIG welding, reducing amperes to 10, power and digital regulation.

But the disadvantage is that this is an expensive version of inverters, their mass is 8-10 kg, which is not always convenient, and the length of the cables is small. For this reason, it is worth making an additional purchase.

Price question: how much does it cost to buy a welding inverter

A model for a summer residence will cost around 4-8 thousand rubles, for welding heating - 6-12 thousand rubles. If you need an inverter to work with non-ferrous metals or work in a car service, you need to be ready to pay around 14-38 thousand rubles. Models of inverters for welding thick steel are even more expensive - 17-40 thousand rubles.