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www.strata.co.nz
EZIMIG 205 / ADVANCEMIG 255
MIG Welding
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding refers to a welding process
that uses the heat generated by an electric arc to fuse the
metal in a jointed area. The continuous wire electrode is fed
by a powered wire drive system that feeds filler metal into
the weld pool. The electric arc is created between the tip of
the wire and the weld material. The wire is progressively
melted into the weld pool at the same speed at which it
is being fed. Both the arc and the weld pool are protected
against atmospheric contamination by an inert shielding
gas delivered directly onto the weld pool through the gas
shroud at the front end of the torch.
The MIG process is suited to a variety of applications pro-
vided the shielding gas, electrode (wire size) and welding
parameters have been set correctly. Welding parameters
include the voltage, arc length, wire feed rate and travel
speed. The arc voltage and wire feed rate will determine the
filler metal transfer method.
Installation and Setup
for MIG Welding
Mounting the Welding Wire Spool
1. Open the side panel of the machine by pressing down
on both latches simultaneously, allowing the side
panel to drop down.
2. Remove the wire spool retaining nut from the spindle
and place the wire roll onto the spindle.
IMPORTANT:
The wire must feed off the bottom of the wire
spool in an anti-clockwise direction. Do not release the
tension on the wire as it will unravel and can cause wire
feed problems later.
Setting the Correct Drive Roller and Size
1. Loosen both wire tension knobs, and then pivot these
towards you.
2. Lift up both tension arms.
3. Unscrew both centre knurled roller retaining nuts and
remove.
4. Select the correct drive roller to suit the type of wire
and size of wire you will be welding using the chart
in this manual. This can also be found inside the wire
drive drop down panel.
5. Pull the wire from the spool, taking care not to release
tension.
6. Push the wire through the first wire guide tube, over
the first drive roller, through the middle wire guide
tube, over the second drive roller and into the last wire
guide tube. Push about 10-15cm of wire through the
last wire guide.
7. Lower both tension arms and push both wire tension
knobs back into their vertical position.
8. Tension both wire tensioner knobs sufficiently to hold
firmly but do not tighten completely.
IMPORTANT:
Correct tension will allow the wire to feed
smooth without slippage, but will also allow the drive
rollers to slip in the event of a wire jam or blockage.
10. Close the side panel of the welder.
Torch Fitting and Setup
1. Turn on the power source and select MIG function by
pressing the button until the MIG light is lit.
2. Connect the Mig torch to the euro-style connector on
the front panel of the welder and tighten securely.
3. Pull off the torch shroud with a twisting movement and
remove the contact tip.
4. Press and hold the wire feed button on the front
panel until the wire appears at the torch tip.
IMPORTANT:
Never look towards or into the torch front
end whilst feeding the wire. Always point the torch tip
away!
5. Refit the correct size contact tip for the wire size being
used and refit the torch shroud. Cut any excess wire
off leaving about 5-10mm stick out.