Today on the market there are a large number of models of welding machines designed for various working conditions. When choosing these devices, you should clearly understand where they will be used, as well as which characteristics are of the greatest importance.
Welding transformers are in high demand. They allow you to work on industrial facilities, and in domestic conditions. These devices are quite simple in their device, have a low cost, and some craftsmen use home-made welding transformers. With their help, you can weld ferrous metals overlap and butt.
Devices are evaluated by such properties as the constancy of the welding process, the initial ignition and arc elasticity, the quality of the weld formation. Accordingly, at higher rates you can judge the best features of the device.
When choosing welding transformers, the current strength of the device should be taken into account. According to this indicator, devices are distinguished for domestic purposes (up to 200 A), professional (more than 300 A) and semi-professional, working with a current of up to 300 A.
If you need to use the device for simple domestic work, it is enough to purchase a transformer with a current strength of 160 A. For more complex and labor-intensive actions, a more powerful device is required.
Another indicator that you need to pay attention to is the voltage used. At home and in production, these indicators differ (220 and 380 V). Therefore, it is important to know where the device will work. The higher the open circuit voltage of the device, the faster it ignites and the arc works more stably. Performance also depends on the type of electrode that AC welding transformers work with.
The devices use both thin and thick electrodes. The most commonly used materials are 2-5 mm in diameter. If there are difficulties in determining the type of electrodes, then it is necessary to purchase a universal apparatus that is capable of working with any consumables and metals. All characteristics of the transformer can be found in his passport.
When evaluating the efficiency of welding devices, we can say that this indicator is not high, averaging no more than 80 percent. Welding transformers are not able to make a high-quality seam. This drawback must be taken into account, and in order to perform critical work it is better to purchase inverter equipment. However, this gap is more than compensated by the unpretentiousness of the device and low cost.
The fixtures are quite simple to use and this is not inferior to any type of welding equipment. Any person who has at least minimal knowledge about welding is capable of performing work using a transformer. The main condition for using the device is compliance with safety regulations and the use of special protection. To ensure the safety of welding, you should purchase a shield or mask that will protect your eyesight.