GALA MIG 257.
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3.1 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE USE OF THE EQUIPMENT AND WELDING OPERATION.
MATERIALS AND GASES.
The adjustment of the welding parameters in the MIG-MAG equipment is a much more sensitive job than in traditional
welding equipment. The adjustment depends mainly on:
- Welding voltage.
- Wire speed.
- Type of gas used.
- Thickness and material of the part to be welded.
- Arc length, torch position and type of seam.
The welding intensity depends on the wire speed. If the wire speed increases, the welding current value will increase
resulting in a shorter arc.
If maximum penetration is desired, the minimum voltage possible must be used. Although it must be taken into account
that as the voltage drops the seam aspect worsens. The correct adjustment of the welding parameters results in a smooth
and quiet operation, with a typical sound during operation. If the wire speed is high, the wire tends to trip up and the arc
becomes unstable. If the speed is low there may be many projections or the wire can get burnt.
SOFT AND WEAKLY ALLOYED STEELS WELDING.
We recommend using a gas mixture of Argon plus CO
2
. Remember there are special mixtures, which will optimise the
welding process. The best gas flows are between 8 and 12 litres/minute, depending on the wire diameter and the part
thickness.
Pure CO2 can be used, although we do not recommend this as, since it provides greater welding penetration, the aspect
of the welded seam is worse, and also the number of projections is higher.
STAINLESS STEELS WELDING.
In this case the most suitable gas is pure Argon. If this gas does not offer suitable results in the job to be done, we advise
using a mixture of Argon and 2% oxygen.
The best gas flows are between 8 and 12 l/min. The wire coil will be of stainless steel with suitable composition
depending on the material to be welded.
ALUMINIUM WELDING.
The gas to be used in this case is pure Argon (MIG welding system). The flows will be between 8 and 18 l/min.
We advise using an aluminium wire with a minimum diameter of 1 mm. Aluminium is a soft material, which can cause
problems in driving. Do not press the motor handle too much. The torch cable must be of Teflon. Torch neck: Strap cable.
If you wish to weld with aluminium and have doubts, contact us.
THIN SHEETS WELDING.
If you wish to weld sheets less than 1 mm thickness, we advise you to take the following measures:
1. If the result obtained with the 0.8 mm diameter filler wire is not good (the sheet is perforated or the
arc stability is not correct) use a steeled 0.6 mm diameter wire. Welding voltage in points 1 or 2.
2. If the arc lacks stability even using 0.6 mm diameter filler wire, check that the length of free wire
does not exceed 5 mm.
