i Series
User Manual
10
Shield Gas Setup
During the pulse-arc welding process high temperature plasma quickly melts metal into a molten pool . As the weld is
performed, a small amount of shielding gas is released through the weld stylus to prevent oxygen from entering the molten
pool . After the weld has occurred the protective gas turns off .
If oxygen from the air enters this molten pool, the result is a metal oxide that is brittle, porous and burnt-looking . Protective
shielding gas is used, such as 99 .996% pure Argon (Argon 4 .6) or higher, to prevent these effects . Shielding gas is
necessary to produce clean and repeatable pulse-arc welds . We recommend high purity argon . This can be purchased at
your local welding supply shop .
Pressurized Gas Safety
There are several important rules that should be followed when using a compressed shielding
gas such as argon .
•
Always secure the pressurized gas tank to a fixed location (such as a sturdy table leg) . If
the pressurized gas cylinder were to tip and become damaged there is possibility that
the tank could become a projectile, expelling the high-pressure shielding gas as propel-
lant .
•
Always turn off the shielding gas at the main valve when finished . This will help your shielding gas supply last longer in
case there is a small leak in the tubing . This is also a good safety practice . If the tube becomes dislodged shielding gas
could fill the room and displace oxygen, which can lead to suffocation . Argon is heavier than air and will fill the room
from the bottom upward . If you experience a large shielding gas leak, open all of the doors and windows in the room .
SHIELDING GAS TANK AND REGULATOR SETUP
•
Ensure that your shielding gas tank is securely fastened to a stationary point
near the welding area .
•
Turn the regulator dial COUNTER CLOCKWISE (closed) until it is fully backed out .
Meaning the dial becomes loose to prevent over-pressurization of the line .
•
Screw the gas regulator onto the shielding gas tank .
•
If not already done, insert one end of the included ¼”OD gas tubing into the gas
port on the back of the power supply . Tug gently on the tube to verify a tight fit .
•
Connect the other end of the gas tubing to the gas regulator .
•
Open the gas tank slowly . The dial on the right should pressurize and the dial
on the left should remain at zero (when the regulator dial is fully backed out or
the dial becomes loose) .
•
Slowly turn the regulator dial CLOCKWISE until the gas pressure reads between
7-10 psi . (This will adjust the dial on the left side of the regulator .)
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