Welding machines are used when pieces of metal need to be permanently joined. Welding machines come in a variety of types and sizes with varied amounts of voltage produced. These output voltages range from a small welder with 80 amps to larger welding machines used in industrial settings that can produce up to 12,000 amps. Depending on the type of welding you will be performing, your machine will range in power from the low end of the scale to the higher end.
Welding machines take the electrical current they are supplied with, either from a regular household socket to a more advanced power system, and convert that power into an arc of energy that is used to join the two pieces of metal together. There are two different types of welding machines, constant current or constant voltage. Welding machines that use constant current maintain a set current by changing up the output voltage. A constant voltage welding machine keeps the voltage steady by adjusting the amount of output current.
- Transformers are used by some welding machines to convert the high voltage current from the power source to a lower voltage current used for welding. The output current can be adjusted by the welder within a certain range. This allows the welder to properly set the output current for the type of welding that is being performed.
- An alternator or generator is used by some types of welding machines that use a motor or combustion engine to convert the electrical energy into mechanical energy. An alternator or generator is used to convert this mechanical energy into a low-current electrical output.
- An inverter welding machine produces high amounts of voltage that are necessary for high-intensity arc welding. This type of welding machine stores the high voltage current obtained from the power source in a capacitor. A microprocessor then switches the stored energy into a transformer where it is then converted into the correct output current needed to successfully complete the weld.
If for any reason you are unsure of the type of preferences your welding machine requires you should always consult the manual that came with your welding machine. This will provide you with the necessary information you need to properly use and set your welding machine. If you continue to have questions, consult an experienced welder who can offer you valuable insight into how to get the most out of your welding machine.
