Section 16
Terminology
96
Terminology
Term
Description
Constant current
Closed loop control of weld current resulting in the weld current being regulated to a
programmed value.
CT
See Current transformer.
Current transformer
A coil of wire wound on a circular core. This is used to measure the current in a cable
passing through the circular core. iPAK2 can use a CT to measure primary current.
Cool time
The time between weld pulses.
Downslope
A linear decrease in current from the Main heat value to a final value.
Downslope time
Time taken for the welding current to decrease from the Main heat value to a final
value.
End of sequence
An output that switches on as the electrodes open on completion of a weld. The
output indicates the end of the weld sequence.
EOS
See End of sequence.
HAV
Hi-lift Air Valve. See also Retract.
Heat
A measure of power put into a phase angle controlled (non- constant current) weld.
The Heat relates directly to the firing angle on the mains voltage waveform.
Expressed as a percentage.
Hold
The time between the last application of current and the electrodes opening. This
interval allows the molten material created by the weld process to solidify.
Hold time
The time period following the last weld pulse prior to the electrodes opening. This
period allows the molten material to solidify.
IP address
Internet Protocol address. A unique address used by devices on an Ethernet network.
Initiation signal
The signal that starts the weld sequence. See also Start signal
kA
Kilo amp (1000 amps).
kVA
Unit of power (1000 volt amps).
mA
Milliamp (1/1000 amp).
mV
Millivolt (1/1000 volt).
Off time
In a Repeated weld sequence this is the time between sequences.
PHA
See Phase angle control.
Post-heat
The application of current to prevent the weld cooling too quickly.
Pre-heat
The application of current prior to welding for the purpose of burning through plating
or surface contamination.
Presqueeze
The time interval in a weld sequence for the electrodes to close onto the work piece.
Primary current
The current in the primary winding of the weld transformer which is the current drawn
from the mains whilst welding.
Program select
A group of inputs representing the binary value of the weld program to be used.
Proportional valve
A device for regulating air-line pressure. Controlled by 0 to10 V dc signal.
Pulsations
The number of times the Main heat interval is repeated during the sequence.
Successive applications of Main heat are separated by Cool2 time.
Retract
The electrodes have two open positions: fully open to move the weld gun to and from
the work piece, and a working position for welding.
Retract air valve
For use on a gun where the electrodes can be opened and closed in two stages. This
is an electrically operated valve for admitting air to the air cylinder that controls the
electrode movement.
2nd stage
A signal required to allow the weld sequence to proceed.
Secondary current
The current in the secondary winding of the weld transformer which is the weld
current.
Squeeze
The time interval in a weld sequence for the electrodes to exert full welding force on
