Today’s TIG welding guest post comes from Andrew Pfaller of Miller Electric:
There are proper tools designed for every job to prevent damage and to increase ease of productivity throughout the task at hand. When you are not appropriately equipped for a particular job, it can make it very hard to complete the job successfully.
It can be even more frustrating to have the correct tools, but lack the knowledge or experience to utilize these tools properly. One particular tool that comes to mind is the pulse feature on welding machines.
When utilizing the pulse feature on the Miller Maxstar® or Dynasty® TIG welders, there are several variables to adjust that can yield significant benefits.
- Pulses Per Second [PPS] – This variable is the number of times the
machine switches from a high to low amperage each second. Often times it is
referred to as the pulse frequency. - Peak Time [Peak t] – Peak Time is the percent of the pulse cycle
spent in the high or peak amperage - Background Amperage [BKGND A] – During the low amperage portion of
the pulse, this variable sets the amperage as percent or ratio of the peak
amperage.
A frequency at the lower end of the available spectrum can be used as a training tool for beginners when they desire to weld thinner materials. Common settings for this type of application would be:
- 0.5 Pulses Per Second
- 40-60 percent Peak Time
- 25 percent Background Amperage.
The addition of filler material at each higher amperage pulse will help melt the filler. Having a visual aid denoting when to add the filler material enables even a novice to achieve the “stacked dimes” appearance. Furthermore, by reducing the heat input for a portion of the weld, an operator has more forgiveness to reposition or progress the torch forward.
Adjusting the Pulses Per Second provides the most visible change to the weld operator. For a majority of applications, a good starting point for the pulse
variables is:
- 120 Pulses Per Second
- 40 percent Peak Time
- 25 percent Background Amperage
By increasing the Pulses Per Second, one should quickly note a tighter arc cone. Increasing this frequency can result in better directional control, a smaller weld puddle, and increased penetration. With the proper settings of these variables, the pulse feature can increase weld quality, weld penetration, and travel speed – all of which translate into increased productivity.
Weld strong and live long.
Learn more about TIG welders at Baker’s Gas and
Welding
About Today’s Guest Blogger
Andrew Pfaller
Product Manager/Weld Engineer
Miller Electric TIG Division
Andrew Pfaller is a product manager for the TIG Division at Miller Electric Mfg. Co. He was formerly a weld engineer and has a degree in Welding Engineering Technology from Ferris State University.