How to choose a semiautomatic welding machine

To create metal structures, it is customary to use different types of welding machines. One of the most demanded today is the semiautomatic device. It is a versatile device with good performance properties. He has high data on the speed of the seam, there is the possibility of laying long continuous joints, as well as minimal processing of the joint in the subsequent in the area for painting. It is not surprising that the question arises of which semiautomatic welding machine to choose for personal use.

There is a wide range of these devices on the market today. There are small and large devices, expensive and cheaper ones. But the basic parameters remain the same, relying on the suitability of the application for different types of work. We have collected in the article the basic recommendations on how to choose the right welding semiautomatic device. We hope you find this information useful.

Which company to choose a semiautomatic welding machine: the best manufacturer brands

If the question arises, which semiautomatic welding machine to choose for the home, then first of all it is worth contacting the proven brands of manufacturers. It's about Resant, Inforce, Fubag, Patriot and Aurora.

Each individual device has its own special properties. They differ and prove to be useful for specific purposes. It is recommended for better orientation to consult with a consultant where you plan to purchase the device. He will definitely tell you in favor of a good model from a manufacturer verified by others.

Basic principles of operation and design of a semiautomatic welding machine

Since we choose a semiautomatic welding machine for the home, it is first of all worth noting that it is important for you to work with it in comfort. All semiautomatic devices are convenient for the master, which cannot be attributed to manual electrode welding devices. In the second case, it is necessary to constantly interrupt in order to replace the burnt electrode, and also it is impossible to impose seams, the length of which is 2 m or more. All this can significantly speed up the process of welding a structure, even if it is solid in size.

In the case of joining a large diameter pipe, you need to create a circular joint of continuous coverage. For this it is worth putting them on rollers. The inverter semiautomatic welding machine is also convenient in that it has a standard length of the nozzle and the distance between it and the seams. If we take into consideration the electrode, then when it burns out, it decreases and needs constant monitoring not only of the arc size, but also of the filler element. This is not beginner friendly.Wire equipment will maintain a regular distance to the weld surface.

The semiautomatic device is liked by a number of welders who praise the devices and for the fact that in the future it is not necessary to carry out a complete processing of the seams. This process is really minimal. There will be no slag on the surface, and therefore the product is allowed to immediately be painted.

Semi-automatic devices for welding are suitable for a number of cases. For example, it is a great option for making tack welds, joining carbon steel, or welding. They are suitable for impulse welding, cast iron welding, creating seams on stainless material.

The basic principle of operation consists of 2 processes. We are talking about gas and electric. In the second option, the required amount of voltage is generated on the inverter or rectifier area. There, a high current value will be created. Volts will be underestimated in this case. The housing will not have a wire drum and a feed mechanism that uses pinch and support rollers.

Due to the electric motor, it is possible to start the rotation. Then the wire, which acts as a filler, will go into the burner area in accordance with a special channel made of metal. At the end of the nozzle there will be a mouthpiece, which will receive voltage. Due to the minimum entry hole and excellent contact, the current "+" value will flow to the wire area.

The second contact "-" by the value will be connected to the ground cable and attached to the product. Pressing the button on the torch area will start the feed and power mechanism. Shorting the wire on the product will initiate an electric arc. In this case, the second process will also be connected; without it, welding with a semiautomatic device is impossible.

Along with the current, pressing the burner start button activates the gas valve and starts carbon dioxide or its mixture with argon. It comes from a cylinder that has a reducer on the burner nozzle, which allows for a tubular protrusion and promotes excellent diffusion. Inert gas near the weld pool. All this makes it possible to protect the molten metal when interacting with the surrounding air, and also prevents the release of carbon, which creates pores and weakens the seam.

To ensure a complex process in the device, there are all the necessary details. These are: a coil equipped with a wire; power source for welding; control board with a number of microcircuits; feed mechanism; sleeve; mass cable; gas valve; burner with nozzle and mouthpiece; reducer and cylinder.

Varieties of welding semiautomatic devices

Household

The models are distinguished by a simple design and modest power indicators. They are convenient for work in the country or in a garage. It is also very pleasing that manufacturers set reasonable prices for them.

Due to their use, it will not be difficult for the master to weld a container for water or fuel, put a patch of the required size in the area of ​​the car body, attach a gate to the fence, etc. As a rule, all owners of a house in a village or in a private sector have devices of this purpose at their disposal ...

Users note a number of advantages in them. For example, the fact that repairs can be done even on your own, maintenance is not burdensome. The device is simple in type, but suitable for different tasks. Small in weight, compact in size. The device is suitable for beginners. If we talk about the efficiency, then in this case it is equal to 30-50 percent.

But not everything is so smooth. Household semiautomatic devices for welding have disadvantages. For example, you can mention the fact that the power indicators are really weak, as well as the amperage. And, often, manufacturers equip devices with short cable channels.

Professional

Devices of a professional look are distinguished by their solid weight, as well as a body with a volumetric value.The wire feeder, like the cable duct, is designed to accommodate different diameters. The user will be able to weld thin metals of tanks and car bodies, as well as thick steel of channels and flanges. The application is very wide, both in the production of mechanical engineering, and in order to create water treatment systems.

The advantages include high power indicators, which are inherent in professional models. The length of the cables will vary. The ampere setting is presented at maximum rates up to 500 A, but the degree of protection deserves special praise. Everything is worked out exactly to the smallest detail. Models are also available that are equipped with trolleys.

When it comes to efficiency, 80-100 percent is worth mentioning. This is a really significant indicator. When idling at 50-80 V.

If we note the minuses, then it is important to indicate the presence of a solid weight in the device. And there are problems with the fact that the semiautomatic welding machine is powered only from the 380V network.

Semi-professional

Semi-professional devices are distinguished by increased power properties. At the same time, a solid set will be at our disposal, the possibilities for creating metal structures of an extended type. They are used in order to provide a service station with tools or private workshops. Those. A semi-professional semi-automatic machine will work every day for 4-6 hours.

The advantages are the high build quality of the device, as well as different degrees of protection. Power indicators are 5-7 kW. In this case, there are different possibilities for the input voltage, large indicators of the current strength at the maximum. If we talk about the efficiency, then it is 60-70 percent. In this case, the cable length will be more than 2-3 meters.

The disadvantages include the presence of expensive spare parts, as well as the presence of a lot of weight. It is not always possible to omit the current strength if indicators of 10-20A are needed.

Features of the choice of a semiautomatic welding machine: important parameters of the device

Input current indicators

These devices provide for connection to the network for operation. The parameter should be rated for 220-380 V, combined type.

If you need a device to work in the country, then consider a 220V model. Those. powering will involve the use of a simple outlet. But professional devices use 380V. They have a 3-phase network. All this gives guarantees of high performance and the ability to connect several units together.

There is also a third option. This is a combined type. The purchase will be rational if a combined moving way of work is supposed. Those. between non-production premises and workshops, where it is not known what the opportunities associated with connecting to the electrical network will be.

Power properties

The parameter is capable of influencing the ability of the semiautomatic device to cook metal of a certain thickness. It affects how the performance of the device will be in the future. The parameter can vary from 3-14 kW. In this case, the specified amount of current consumed by the equipment for 60 minutes of operation.

Please note that the higher the indicator, the wider the scope of the unit will be. Also note that the thickness of the pipe depends on the power, the plates, which can be connected more efficiently. But the working value will be a 20 percent margin. It is slightly lower than the power consumption.

Provided that the device is used in the country, it is necessary to put a patch on the body of a car, welding the tank, indicators of 3 kW are required. This is not a high value.

But the doors and gates, which are made of metal 1.2-1.5 mm, can be assigned with a power of 4-5 kW. Thick iron sheets and flanges will be welded using machines with a power of 7 kW or more.

Features of the degree of protection

All welding devices have a special characteristic, which is called the degree of protection.As a result, the device will not be afraid of moisture or mechanical objects that may be inside. For these purposes, manufacturers mark the parameter with special numbers, which are indicated by the IP marking.

Semi-automatic machines are presented in 3 options. This 21 is exclusively for indoor use and installation in a high stand area, strictly upright. Allowed if a small amount of moisture gets on the case. Those. if the roof is leaking, then there will be no problem. Such machines can be used to perform certain welding jobs in a garage.

22 means that the device can be used with a stand and a slight deviation from the vertical. Degrees can be no more than 15. In this case, the marking indicates that water will not get inside the device. Such devices are used under a canopy or in conditions of frequent workshops. Those. where there may be a roof leak or spray from a rainstorm. This is a good device that is intended for welding pipes with water, as well as when using a pedestal or trolley.

23 - the devices are equipped with protection from water or oblique rain drops, even if they fly at an angle of 60 degrees. You can use them in bad weather. There are no restrictions regarding the weather. Such welding devices can be useful for carrying out work on pipelines or in the case of a site near the workshop.

Welding current indicator: maximum value

All semiautomatic devices are indicated by a maximum indicator that determines the generation of welding current. The measurement is carried out in amperes and ranges from 110-500A. This is important for determining the properties of the metal and its thickness, which the apparatus must boil.

If the indicator is insufficient, then the weld will not be penetrated deeply during welding. Those. he will be on the surface. The connection will be leaky and easily prone to breakage. But very high rates when welding thin metals will lead to the exclusion of the entire resource of the semiautomatic device and overpayment.

Please note that for the manufacture of doors or gates, containers and tanks made of metal with a thickness of 1-1.5 mm, you need to use devices with 160-180A, but for working with a car body with a wall of 0.6-0.8 mm, a device with 110-120A welding current is suitable.

If we are talking about flanges and thick-walled pipes with a thickness of 2-4 mm, then welding is carried out using equipment 200A and higher. An indicator of 300-400A will be designed for heavy plates and channels for metal structures.

Welding current: minimum value

It is important to indicate that the need may be the opposite, when it is necessary to reduce the welding current to a minimum. Such conditions are observed when working with a thin product. In this case, the capabilities of the devices will vary within 10-40A.

If the device is not able to reduce the current to the desired value, burn-throughs may occur. Adding additional resistance to the circuit will be helpful, but it will slow down the process.

When working related to the production of doors, in order to save money, thin steel can be used. But be aware that there may be problems with welding. It is really difficult to connect it to the frame of the frame. It is better to lower the current so that it does not exceed 20 A. But in the case of car bodies, you need to rely on the limits of 10-20 A. The metal is thin, and therefore holes can easily form from the arc.

Welding of a tank based on sheet iron can be without burn-through. It will be available if you go down to 30-40A.

Indicator of current regulation in a semiautomatic welding machine

Due to the presence of a switch, the current strength indicator can be changed on the device. This allows the metal to be welded, despite the fact that its thickness is different. The way of adjustment can have a significant impact on the work performed, as well as the performance of the device. A number of cheap devices have a step-by-step circular toggle switch. It makes it possible to add 10A more current.

If the operation is carried out under the condition of using the same material, then a value of 80A is suitable. install it and start the task. But if the connecting parts need to be changed, relying on the welding method and their thickness, then it will not always be possible to get a good seam with a current of 80A. For this reason, it will be necessary to change the current strength, applying certain knowledge. Those. in the latter case, it will be useful to buy a digital adjustment at a step of 1A. Due to such a solution, it is possible to select the optimal current for each individual case.

Idling

If the semiautomatic device is plugged into the network and ready to work, but the arc for welding does not burn, then it will function, but at idle speed. This is the standby mode, which provides for the readiness of the device for action. For this, there is a support for a certain voltage level on live parts, which is 30-90V. Due to this, in the event of a contact closure with the wire on the surface, it will be possible to initiate an arc.

Take note that the higher the idle speed, the easier it is to ignite the arc and weld. Often, after the seam is over and there is a short break, the welder needs to start a new process, but the contact does not close due to fusion at the end of the wire. Those. you will need to remove this element with special tools so that the contact with the mass is better. This will slow down performance a little.

In the event that there is no strict work schedule, i.e. when tasks are performed in the conditions of your own garage, private sector, you can buy models at 30-40V idle. For use in service stations or in workshops, pay attention to the indicators of 50-60V. But the production involves the use of semiautomatic devices, which differ in this indicator in 80-90V.

Cable channel length

This element, as a rule, varies in length from 2-5 meters. It causes the movement of the filler wire as well as the flow of inert gas. The indicator will also affect the properties of maneuverability, convenience for the welder when he works in different conditions.

In the presence of a massive apparatus, as well as a structure for welding large values, movement on a trolley with a cylinder is inconvenient. In this case, you need a sleeve of 4-5 meters. Those. length is preferred.

But under the condition of the small size of the device, if it is worth carrying it by the handle, welding can be reduced to a considerable distance. This is possible with a short cable channel. In this case, the electric wire and gas hose will stretch.

If the work is carried out in a cabin with a small movement radius, then models with a channel of 3 meters can be used. But for welding conditions on the table, a size of 2-2.5 meters is suitable.

Pulse welding options

Some models of semiautomatic devices are represented by a pulse mode, when the program itself regulates the supply of current and wire with interruptions that are not long. The welder gets the opportunity to rearrange the direction of the torch to a new work area and get a uniform tack with the same length and degree of penetration.

This option is convenient when working with iron with fine properties. The car body, joining metal sheets without taking into account the use of the base - all this is possible with this option. Similar options are purchased for use at service stations or in order to create decorative products with forging on the basis of tin.

Welding torch: size features

One of the most basic loads when using a semiautomatic device is experienced by the burner. It is susceptible to high temperatures, shock from dropping and splashing from molten metal. The area of ​​the cable channel is constantly being trampled, and it is possible to catch it on the corner of the product. In general, the replacement of elements in the future will be inevitable.

The socket for the torch and the cable channel can be: euro 19 pin, euro or individual.

Considering all the options in more detail, please note that the first 2 types are much easier to select due to the standard features. They can be matched with models from another device or manufacturer. This is useful for professional and semi-professional activities, i.e. when you don't need to waste weeks looking for or buying a new burner of a suitable level.

To perform tasks in everyday life, we would recommend opting for an individual connector. Those. intermittent use will not waste device resources so quickly Buying a new one will not be urgent.

Semi-automatic welding machine weight

The weight of the welding machine varies between 13-120 kilograms. This indicator can affect mobility, as well as the need for additional equipment. If these are lightweight models that are no more than 20 kilograms, then they can be used for a garage or summer cottage. This will allow you to cook without problems in the places where you need it. And if necessary, then transfer the devices to the desired part of the yard. But keep in mind that without a long gas hose and carrying it will be difficult.

Devices 25-40 kg will be placed on the stand area and are suitable for stationary use near a table. The transfer is difficult, and therefore you cannot do without a second assistant. The thing is that the dimensions of the device are large.

And if a model of 50 kg or more will be used, then the installation must be carried out on a trolley. The balloon should be attached to it. Due to this, the complex can be rolled over the territory. But keep in mind that the floors must be concrete or tiles. Those. such options are suitable for service stations or production shops.

Undervoltage operation

In order for the device to work fully, it must be supplied with the proper voltage. The parameter can vary from 140-220 V. At the same time, not all models, but there are those that work exclusively at 220V. If there is a voltage drop in the network, then the arc will be weak, and therefore it will be impossible to weld. Such semiautomatic devices need to be bought only where it is possible to provide a stable voltage level or a stabilizer is used.

But devices from 140V can be used for villages, the purpose of moving work. Those. those options when the network parameters are not accurate. They are suitable for garages and the private sector.

Power source

Without current with the required number of amperes, it will not be possible to produce welding performance in a rectifier or inverter. These are devices that have different designs and capabilities. If the second option is more appropriate for beginners, then the first is for experienced craftsmen.

Maximum wire diameter

In the case of semi-automatic welding machines, you can change the spool and wire by installing a different one. But this also forces the rearrangement of the cable channel, rollers with grooves on the feed mechanism. Not every model has such a high replacement range, and therefore you need to carefully choose a device, taking into account future work.

The thicker the metal, the higher the wire diameter is needed. This will create a penetration and provide an excellent connection. Butt weld pipes will also work great if there is a 1.0 mm wire, like a gate and a door structure, taking into account the same parameters. As for the plate and flanges with a thickness of 5-7 mm, then a wire of 1.2 mm in diameter is needed. But if it is planned to work with more powerful properties of the metal structure, then the diameter indicator should be increased to 1.6 mm.

Price question: the price of a semi-automatic welding machine on the market

If you need to purchase a version of a household tool, get ready to spend 15 thousand - 18 thousand rubles. If the purchase is for a workshop that specializes in the production of gates and doors, then count on spending in the region of 20 thousand - 30 thousand rubles.

But welding of thin metal for a service station will cost 9 thousand - 27 thousand rubles.

This concludes the article.We sincerely hope you find this information useful in choosing a quality welding tool for your personal needs.