ESAB Fabricator 181i, Service Manual

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ESAB FABRICATOR 181i
INTRODUCTION 4-2 Manual 0-5449
1. Power Indicator
The power indicator is illuminated when the Electricity Supply is applied to the Power Source and when the ON/OFF switch
located on the rear panel is in the ON position.
2. Digital Wirespeed/Amperage Meter (Left Digital Display)
This digital meter displays preview Wirespeed in MIG mode only then actual amperage (weld current) once an arc has been
established. It also displays preview amperage in both the STICK and LIFT TIG modes only then actual amperage (weld current)
once an arc has been established.
At times of non-welding, the amperage meter will display a preview value in both STICK and LIFT TIG modes. This value can be
adjusted by varying the amperage potentiometer (Control No. 3). At times of non-welding, the amperage meter will preview a
wirefeed speed value (Inches Per Minute) in MIG mode only. This can be identified as preview wirefeed speed by a decimal point
at the lower right hand side of the display.
When welding, the amperage meter will display actual amperage (weld current) in all modes.
At the completion of welding, the amperage meter will hold the last recorded amperage value for a period of approximately 10
seconds in all modes. The amperage meter will hold the value until; (1) any of the front panel controls are adjusted in which
case the Power Source will revert to preview mode, (2) welding is recommenced, in which case actual welding amperage will
be displayed, or (3) a period of 10 seconds elapses following the completion of welding in which case the Power Source will
return to preview mode.
NOTE!
The preview functionality provided on this power source is intended to act as a guide only. Some dif-
ferences may be observed between preview values and actual welding values due to factors including
the mode of welding, differences in consumables/gas mixtures, individual welding techniques and the
transfer mode of the welding arc (ie dip versus spray transfer). Where exact settings are required (in the
case of procedural work), it is recommended that alternate measurement methods be utilized to ensure
output values are accurate.
3. Wirespeed/Amperage Control
In MIG mode, the Wirespeed/Amperage control knob adjusts the speed of the wire feed motor (which in turn adjusts the output
current by varying the amount of MIG wire delivered to the welding arc). The optimum wire speed depends upon the material
type and the welding application. The setup chart on the inside of the wire feed compartment door provides a brief summary of
the required settings for a basic range of MIG (GMAW/FCAW) welding applications.
In STICK and LIFT TIG modes, the Wirespeed/Amperage control knob adjusts the amount of amperage (weld current) delivered
to the welding arc by the Power Source. It directly adjusts the Power Source to deliver the desired level of weld current.
4. MIG Gun Adaptor (Tweco Style)
The MIG Gun adaptor is the connection point for the Tweco Gun. Connect the MIG Gun by pushing the MIG Gun connector into
the brass MIG Gun Adaptor firmly and screw the locking screw in the MIG Gun Adapter within the Wire Feed Compartment to
secure the Tweco MIG Gun in position. Failure to properly lock the Tweco MIG Gun into the MIG Gun Adapter will result in the
Tweco MIG Gun being pushed out of the MIG Gun Adapter by the MIG welding wire or lack of shielding gas (porosity in the weld)
at the weld zone.
5. Positive Welding Output Terminal
The positive welding terminal is used to connect the welding output of the Power Source to the appropriate welding accessory
such as the MIG Gun (via the MIG Gun polarity lead), electrode holder lead or work lead. Positive welding current flows from
the Power Source via this heavy duty bayonet type terminal. It is essential, however, that the male plug is inserted and turned
securely to achieve a sound electrical connection.
!
CAUTION
Loose welding terminal connections can cause overheating and result in the male plug being
fused in the bayonet terminal.