Thermal Arc FABRICATOR 181i, Operating Manual

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Fabricator 181i
Manual 0-51
91
3-11 INSTALLATION, OPERATION AND SETUP
When STICK Mode is Selected
In this mode the multifunction control knob is used to adjust arc force. Arc force control provides an adjustable
amount of welding force (or “dig”) control. This feature can be particularly beneficial in providing the operator
the ability to compensate for variability in joint fit-up in certain situations with particular electrodes. In general
increasing the arc force control toward ‘10’ (maximum arc force) allows greater penetration control to be
achieved. Arc force is increased by turning the control knob clockwise or decreased by turning the knob
counterclockwise.
When LIFT TIG Mode is Selected
In this mode the multifunction control knob is used to adjust down slope. Down slope allows the user to
select the ramp down time of the amperage at the completion of the weld. The main function of down slope
is to allow the welding current to be gradually reduced over a pre-set time frame such that the welding pool
is given time to cool sufficiently.
Note that when in 2T normal mode (Control No. 11), the Power Source will enter down slope mode as soon
as the trigger switch is released (ie if the multifunction control knob is set to 5, the Power Source will ramp
down from the present welding current to zero over 5 seconds). If no down slope time is set then the welding
output will cease immediately. If the Power Source is set to 4T latch mode, to enter down slope mode the
trigger must be held in for the selected time period (ie press and release trigger to commence welding, then
press and hold trigger again to enter down slope mode). Should the trigger be released during the down slope
phase (4T only), the output will cease immediately.
10. Arc Control (Inductance)
The arc control operates in MIG mode only and is used to adjust the intensity of the welding arc. Lower arc
control settings make the arc softer with less weld spatter. Higher arc control settings give a stronger driving arc
which can increase weld penetration. Soft means maximum inductance while Hard means minimum inductance.
11. Trigger Mode Control (MIG and LIFT TIG Mode only)
The trigger mode control is used to switch the functionality of the of the MIG or TIG Trigger Switch between
2T (normal) and 4T (latch mode)
2T (Normal Mode)
In this mode, the MIG or TIG Trigger Switch must remain depressed for the welding output to be active. Press
and hold the MIG or TIG Trigger Switch to activate the Power Source (weld). Release the MIG or TIG Trigger
Switch to cease welding.
4T (Latch Mode)
This mode of welding is mainly used for long welding runs to reduce operator fatigue. In this mode the operator
can press and release the MIG or TIG Trigger Switch and the output will remain active. To deactivate the Power
Source, the trigger switch must again be depressed and released, thus eliminating the need for the operator
to hold the MIG or TIG Trigger Switch
Note that when operating in LIFT TIG mode, the Power Source will remain activated until the selected Downslope
time has elapsed (refer Control No. 9).
12. Process Selection Control
The process selection control is used to select the desired welding mode. Three modes are available, MIG,
LIFT TIG and STICK modes. Refer to section 3.15 or 3.16 for MIG (GMAW/FCAW) set up details, section 3.17
for LIFT TIG (GTAW) set-up details or section 3.18 for STICK (SMAW) set-up details.
Note that when the Power Source is powered off the mode selection control will automatically default to MIG
mode. This is necessary so as to prevent inadvertent arcing should an electrode holder be connected to the
Power Source and mistakenly be in contact with the work piece during power up.