Page 91 - MetalForming October 2014

erly to each other to ensure that their features provide the greatest advan- tages, including preventing potential problems such as poor arc perform- ance or wire-feeding issues. Both of these results can occur when piecing together equipment that is not specif- ically designed for compatibility.
For example, when using a smart wire feeder that allows multiple param- eter settings, communication signals must travel back and forth between the feeder and the welding power source to ensure that all of those wire- feeder features and functions work as designed. Having a system designed with components that work together can provide synergic control benefits for which the system is intended. That may not be possible when using a wire feeder that has not been matched to a given power source.
Similarly, if a welding operator uses a set of welding cables that are too small or otherwise undersized to work with a certain system or application, the cables may overheat or cause a voltage drop. This can greatly affect arc performance, especially during pulsed gas-metal-arc welding (GMAW).
Using an engineered welding sys- tem also can make regular service and maintenance easier from a trou- bleshooting standpoint. Technicians will better know what problems to look for and will be able to pinpoint issues more quickly with a performance- matched system compared to compo- nents that are not matched.
Welding Systems Available to Meet Various Needs
When selecting a welding system, there are many different types suited for various applications and needs. A full welding system typically includes a power source, wire feeder (for a flux- cored or GMAW process) and a gun for GMAW or a torch for gas-tungsten-arc welding. In some cases, the filler metal also may be included or recommended to improve performance for a given application.
The components of a welding sys- tem typically are matched together
based on the manufacturer’s knowl- edge of how the features will mesh and how they can help minimize known welding-operator challenges in the industry. Oftentimes, manufacturers design systems around a specific out- come, such as improving productivity, reducing downtime, completing welds faster or reducing burnthrough on cer- tain workpiece materials. More specif- ically, a welding system can provide
specific procedures for welding alu- minum without burnthrough or dis- tortion, or provide procedures for weld- ing the root pass in a pipe joint.
Setup Simplified, Relationships Symbiotic
Among the biggest benefits of a matched welding system is ease of setup. Welding operators often can be up and running within minutes when
Does downtime have you on the hot seat?
Sheet metal transfer clamps for hot metal forming applications
Series GRM Pneumatic Workholding Clamp
Ceramic coated components
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For a brochure,
contact PHD at 1-800-624-8511 ext.5 www.phdinc.com/mf1014
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