Welding technology with the support of inverter semi-automatic devices in recent years has spread widely in various fields - from professional construction to household services. The compact electrical appliance with ergonomic controls allows precise installation and repair operations, requiring minimal effort from the user. Nevertheless, the variety of models presented on the market significantly complicates the process of choosing the right tool. The rating of inverter-type welding semiautomatic devices presented below will facilitate this task, demonstrating the main characteristics, pros and cons of the best representatives of the segment.
10. Solaris MIG-203
The unit is one of the most modest in terms of technical and operational qualities in the domestic market. The power of the device is only 5.5 kW, although the current range is standard - from 20 to 200 A. How did this semiautomatic device deserve its place in the rating? In addition to the lowest price tag (about 12 thousand rubles) of all the options presented, this model is characterized by high physical ergonomics and advanced functionality.
Firstly, the Solaris inverter-type welding semiautomatic device has a modest weight of 11 kg, is connected to a 220 V household network and is equipped with all the accessories necessary for the working process from electrode holders to a hammer brush. Secondly, the apparatus can be used for all main types of welding, in principle accessible to modern inverters. Among them are the methods MIG, MAG, MMA, as well as a number of technologies for smelting metals without a gas protective environment. Of course, the technical limitations of this model will not allow a professional welder to confidently perform complex and voluminous work, but in garage conditions this tool will find its organic place.
9. "Interskol ISP-200/7"
The next in terms of price level (17 thousand rubles) and qualitative characteristics of the device, also designed more likely for the household segment. According to reviews, the model manifests itself well in temperature environments –5 ... + 40 ° , making connections using electrodes with diameters of 1.6-5 mm. What is especially important, despite belonging to the budget class, the inverter-type welding semiautomatic device ISP-200/7 is oriented specifically to the conditions of unstable behavior of the power grid. The developers provided the electrical stuffing with reliable protection against power surges in the range of 160-240 V. Plus, it is worth adding an effective ventilation system that reduces the risk of overheating. In terms of welding capabilities, again, the model is not the most productive and generally corresponds to the previous apparatus. The maximum supported current is 200 A, and thin-sheet blanks can be processed at 20 A. The moderate weight of 12.6 kg again applies to the advantages.
8. "Resanta SAIPA-200"
The electrical equipment of the Latvian manufacturer Resanta is widely represented on the Russian market. The semiautomatic welding segment illustrates this particularly vividly. One of the most popular models can be called "SAIPA-200". This development is popular due to the combination of reliability, functionality and flexible settings of operating parameters. The basic characteristics are average values, however, with the same margin of amperage of up to 200 A, the welding semiautomatic device of the "Resanta" inverter type has a decent constant switching ratio of about 70%. This means that during prolonged work the operator will be less likely to pause to cool equipment.
However, there are drawbacks to this tool. The manufacturer stinted on a complete set, having excluded protective devices for the operator from the basic set. Also, many users complain about the short sleeve of the standard torch, which is only 2 m. This nuance may affect the ergonomics of using the device, but does not affect the quality of welding as such.
7. Foxweld Invermig 160
The last representative of the strictly budget segment in this review of inverter-type welding semiautomatic devices, the cost of which fits into 20 thousand rubles. We must immediately emphasize the very modest performance of the inverter, even by the standards of entry-level technology. In particular, Foxweld's offer power is 4.6 kW, current strength is up to 160 A, and the continuous operation coefficient is 60%. Nevertheless, the model has many more important advantages that should be considered separately.
Mainly users of Invermig 160 pay attention to the digital control of a modern type, which is typical for premium tools. With the help of a digital indicator, the operator can accurately and efficiently set the optimum operating values. But that is not all. It is rightly believed that the low price of budget equipment during operation is offset by an increase due to unbalanced energy consumption. Experts explain this by the narrow voltage ranges allowed for the operation of semiautomatic devices. Foxweld's inverter-type fusion splicer is not only suitable for problematic power networks, but in each fusion mode, whether MMA or MIG, it sets special limits on power consumption standards. As a result, the seam turns out to be of high quality, and the energy consumption is kept within reasonable limits.
6. "Atlas MIG 190K"
A model from the middle segment that provides long-lasting and even joints of almost all popular metals used in construction. In particular, the apparatus supports powder welding methods and work in protective gas environments using copper-bonded wire. Conventional consumable electrodes are also allowed. For specialists, the ability to configure indicators of amperage, inductance and polarity will matter. Proper adjustment ensures high-quality work with flux consumables, eliminating the need to connect gas media.
In terms of technical and operational indicators, we can distinguish an accessible range of voltages from 180 to 240 V, power up to 6.5 kW in MMA mode and the ability to use thin working equipment with a diameter of 0.6 mm. The fact is that an inverter-type welding semiautomatic device of this version is provided with a special wire roller, due to which the process of physical handling of consumables is greatly simplified. The maximum thickness of the wire can reach 1 mm.
5. Fubag IRMIG 200
The German company is famous for high-quality welding equipment, but limits the audience of its customers to high price tags. Therefore, in this case, not the most typical representative of the Fubag family is considered - an optimized household version of the semi-automatic IRMIG 200 worth 23 thousand rubles.
As often happens, inexpensive and amateur models of various electrical tools for large brands do not work out well. The device in question has a low coefficient of continuous operation of up to 20% and a low current strength of 170%. But, as the practice of operation shows, a high-quality elemental base and well-thought-out design allows the welding semiautomatic device of the inverter type IRMIG 200 to work effectively with thick workpieces by connecting electrodes with a diameter of about 2-3 mm to the process. In addition, the retention of performance at maximum load without interruptions for cooling can be increased in time if the device is set to a current strength of up to 90 A. In this mode, welding with wire up to 0.8 mm thick is quite acceptable, which is usually used in household repair works.
4. Elitech IS 220P
Another product from one of the leaders in the segment of welding machines. In this case, a more advantageous combination of current strength and continuous operation coefficient is implemented - 180 A, respectively, at 80 percent operating time without cooling delays. More importantly, an Elitech inverter-type welding machine favorably tolerates voltage drops of up to 160 V. The users themselves put ergonomics in first place in the list of strengths of this model. Convenient voltage regulators, and a high speed of the direction of the wire, as well as compact dimensions with wide possibilities for transporting equipment, are noted.
3. AuroraPRO Speedway 200
Semi-professional apparatus worth 35-37 thousand rubles. It is optimally suited for large volumes of work with a maximum current of up to 200 A and with a voltage subsidence of up to 140 V. The features of this version include mechanical control, which may seem strange for equipment with such a price tag. However, operating parameters, arc voltage and current are displayed through digital indicators. In factories and in construction, an Aurora Speedway 200 inverter-type welding semiautomatic device will be advantageous for its ability to work with electrodes with a diameter of 3-4 mm. The duration of the welding session can be increased by loading massive coils of wire with a powerful pulling system.
2. "Cedar MIG-175GD"
Also a model close to a professional group, deservedly occupying second place in the ranking of welding semiautomatic devices. Technical and operational indicators are generally consistent with the previous version, but the management approach is fundamentally different. The creators have implemented a fully software synergistic interface. Only one button with support for the multifunction controller will be at the disposal of the operator, and the job parameters are set via the digital display. It is also worth noting the increased level of equipment protection. From a safety point of view, this is the best inverter-type welding semiautomatic device in its class, which is confirmed by the presence of VRD mode. This technology automatically adjusts the voltage so that in the pauses between work operations the operator can even touch the equipment without the slightest risk.
1. "Svarog PRO MIG 200"
In terms of combination of characteristics, ergonomics and degree of reliability, this is the most attractive model. There are no restrictions on the type and parameters of the wire used, all modes of inverter welding are available, and the coefficient of continuous operation is 100%. In any case, when using a 4 mm electrode, forced pauses due to overheating of the equipment are completely eliminated. Also, for an argon burner, the developers have provided a special one-touch ignition mode - according to the TIG Lift system. As for the minuses, the automatic welding semiautomatic device of the invertor type "Svarog" in this modification costs more than 50 thousand rubles.
Conclusion
The considered technique covers the entire range of operating parameters, functional and technical-ergonomic qualities, which is a niche of amateur and professional inverters. In choosing a specific option, it is worth relying on individual requirements and conditions for the use of equipment. This rating of inverter-type welding semiautomatic devices represents models suitable for working with light alloys and thick workpieces by various methods. There are no restrictions in terms of network connectivity. Almost all devices can operate on a 220 V network, and some semi-professional devices in this regard are universal and are connected to three-phase power lines at high load.