Oscillator is a welding device that facilitates the corresponding work with elements of aluminum, other color and stainless steel. Such a device helps to efficiently perform arcing of the welding arc and maintain its stability. The device has both industrial and domestic applications.
How is the unit arranged?
The oscillator, the principle of which is the formation of a high-frequency transformer charging the capacitor and maintaining a further specific arc value, consists of the following elements:
- Step-up low-frequency transformer (PT), with a secondary voltage of 2-3 kW.
- Arrester (transmission device).
- Inductive loop oscillations.
- Working capacity.
- Blocking capacitor.
- Safety winding.
Through the last element, the high-frequency oscillation capacitor touches the arc formation. In it, the voltage of the power source is not subject to bridging. The inductor interacting with the working circuit acts as a winding insulator in the apparatus from breakdown. The most commonly used cooking oscillators, whose power is 250-300 watts. Literally a tenth of a second is enough for the duration of the pulses.
Impulse devices
An oscillator is a device that is divided into two types. The device with pulsed power allows you to provoke on the initial occurrence of the arc its constancy with alternating current. When welding is performed, fluctuations in the current used may occur, which can sometimes cause a deterioration in the quality of work. To avoid this, the oscillators are synchronized.
Often, pulse- type generators are used to excite a non-contact arc, in which there are accumulated reservoirs that are recharged from a special device. Given the fact that the phase change in the welding current in the working process is not always stable, to organize reliable generator functionality, a device is needed that synchronizes the discharge of the capacitance in cases where the current from the arc passes through zero.
On alternating current, the oscillator is used for welding with both conventional electrodes and elements used for working with stainless steel, non-ferrous metals, and argon treatment.
Continuous Units
Such devices operate synchronously with the supply source. The process of excitation occurs by applying high voltage and frequency to current-carrying parts. This current does not pose a danger to the worker, but it is able to excite the welding arc without contact of the electrode and the workpiece, and due to the high frequency, sufficient arc burning is maintained.
An oscillator whose types are connected in series is considered more effective. He does not need activation in the source circuit of a special protective system from excessive voltage. The coil is connected in series to the arc. During operation, the arrester emits a soft crackle.
With the unit switched off from the mains, the spark gap in the range from 1.5 to 2 millimeters can be adjusted with the adjusting screw. The installation of such equipment should be entrusted to specialists, since unprofessional installation can threaten the health and life of the worker operating the device.
Operating conditions
An oscillator is a device whose registration is required by the telecommunication inspection authorities. Other operating conditions include the following requirements and capabilities:
- The unit can be used indoors and outdoors.
- In rain and snow, working with the appliance outdoors is prohibited.
- The temperature mode of operation is in the range from minus ten to plus forty degrees.
- Operation of the device is allowed at atmospheric pressure from 85 to 106 kPa and humidity not exceeding 98 percent.
- It is strongly not recommended to use the device in dusty rooms, especially where corrosive gases or vapors are contained.
- Before starting work, it is necessary to take care of reliable grounding.
Security
To understand what an oscillator is, what it is for, you need to have minimal welder skills. The main differences between the considered devices and the principle of their operation are given above. When working with such devices, certain safety measures must be observed.
It is necessary to constantly check the correctness of the connection to the welding circuit and check the contacts for serviceability. In addition, you should work using a protective cover, which you must remove and wear when the device is turned off. It is also necessary to periodically check the surface condition of the arrester (clean it with sandpaper from carbon deposits).
Where to get?
Oscillator is a device that you can buy in specialized stores or do it yourself. Independent manufacture of it requires knowledge in connecting electrical circuits and the correct selection of components, the main of which is a high-voltage transformer.
You can make a home-made model according to the simplest scheme. The kit includes a voltage regulator (from 220 to 3,000 V) a transformer and a spark gap that can withstand the passage of a powerful electric spark.
The device is controlled by a button that synchronously activates the spark gap and the shielding gas enters the welding area. Directly high-frequency pulses, ensuring the efficiency of the process, are generated by a spark gap and a transformer having a high voltage. At the output, such a device has positive and negative contacts. The first delivers currents from the transformer, connects to the torch of the welding unit, the second - directly to the elements being processed.
Features
In order to independently produce this equipment, which greatly facilitates the welding of parts from non-ferrous metals and stainless steel, it is enough to have minimal knowledge of electrical engineering and assembly skills of electrical devices.
The main thing to consider when assembling and using a home-made oscillator is the strict observance of safety precautions when operating electrical appliances. It is important to adhere to the correct assembly of electrical circuits, and also use only those elements that have optimal characteristics.
Conclusion
The welding device oscillator, what it is, was discussed above. In general, it can be designated as a device that allows you to create a working arc without touching the electrode to the surface of the processed components. It also provides arc stability.
This functionality of the unit is guaranteed by the fact that the electric current coming from the welding equipment interacts with a similar value of high frequency and a large voltage indicator. Especially significant help from the device in question is observed when working with colormet and stainless steel. A big plus is the fact that the oscillator can be assembled with your own hands, while not possessing superpowers and knowledge of the structure and placement of the elements of electrical appliances.