Design and function
TIG welding
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099-000109-EW501
23.08.2018
5.3.8
AC balance (optimise cleaning effect and penetration characteristics)
To weld aluminium and aluminium alloys, AC welding is used in combination with a continuous change in
polarity of the tungsten electrode. The process encompasses two phases (half-waves): a positive and a
negative one. The positive phase cracks the aluminium oxide layer on the material surface (so called
cleaning effect).
At the same time, tungsten balling occurs at the tip of the tungsten electrode. The size of this balled end
depends on the length of the positive phase. Please note that an excessively big balled end will cause the
arc to become unstable and diffuse, with low penetration. In the negative phase, the tungsten electrode is
cooled and the required penetration is realised. Make sure to select the correct durations (balance) for
positive phase (cleaning effect, balled end size) and negative phase (penetration depth) by setting the AC
balance. The default (zero setting) balance setting is 65%, referring to the duration of the negative half-
wave.
Figure 5-18
5.3.9
AC amplitude balance
As with AC balance, durations (balance) for positive phase and negative phase are set for AC amplitude
balance. The balance changes in terms of the current amplitude.
Figure 5-19
The AC amplitude balance can be set in the Expert menu (TIG) using parameter
> see 5.3.17 chapter
.
Increasing the current amplitude in the positive half-wave facilitates the cleaning effect and the
cracking of the oxide layer.
Raising the negative current amplitude increases the penetration.
