Frequently Asked Questions
General questions
What is a welding machine used for?
As can be easily guessed from its name, the welding machine is a tool that is used to weld, or to make the junction of two metal components originally separated. When they are welded together, the two components can be separated only through the desoldering operation.
Is a welding machine used only for hobbystic work or also for professional ones?
In both areas. Certainly the welding machine is a more professional tool than an hobbystic one, as those who practice some professions that involve metalworking (such as the bodyworker, the blacksmith, etc.) just can’t help using it. However, those who are passionate about DIY and / or have to carry out small repairs at home, can also use the welding machine in the home environment, as long as they choose a suitable model.
Which Welders of your brand are professional and which are for Hobby use?
We have differentiated the welders in two categories: the Blue one refers to Hobby / Semi-professional items while the Black one refers to a professional ones.
Can the welding machines be used with a power generator?
Yes, it is possible, it is important that it is stabilized and with a power compared to the welding machine at least 1.5 times higher.
What types of electric arc welding machines do you produce?
We produce three types:
- Manual electrode welding machine (MMA, or “Manual metallic arc”)
- Continuous wire welding machine with gas protection and without gas (MIG / MAG / MOG. The abbreviation MAG stands for “metallic active gas”, MIG stands for “metallic inert gas” and Mog stand for “No Gas”)
- Tig welding machine with infusible electrode and gas protection (TIG, acronym for “Tungsten Inert Gas”).
Can I use a Tig welding machine even if I have no experience?
No, this type of welder is a typically professional tool because to use it well it takes a certain experience.
So it’s best to avoid using it at home. Even professionals use it under the supervision and guidance of a welder with more experience than them.
Is it difficult to use a MIG / Mag welder?
Not particularly (it still depends on the type of equipment: a TIG welder is more difficult to use than a MAG / MIG), but at the beginning it may not be very easy. The trick for a good welding is to learn how to adjust the speed of the wire, so that a balance is created with the intensity of the current. In fact, the wire must advance at a higher speed than the melting speed: not too much, however (otherwise the metal risks not melting well).
What are the most common electrodes in MMA welding?
- electrodes with acid coating
- electrodes with rutile coating
- electrodes with cellulosic coating
- electrodes with basic coating
What are personal protective equipment?
Its are all the protective tools and accessories to wear during the welding operation to protect themselves from splashes and sparks: full-face protective helmet, gloves, apron or anti-burn suit (these are specific welding garments that protect against burns).
Is welding a dangerous operation?
It can become so if you do not work with caution, attention and with respect for the necessary safety regulations.
The dangerous reasons are essentially due to the fact that jets and sparks are emitted during welding which can cause burns on the skin or, in the worst case, even fires (if they come into contact with easily flammable substances). Furthermore, some techniques are carried out with a gas cylinder and this is an additional risk factor.
What are the gases used in Mig / Mag / Tig welding?
The shielding gases used in MIG / MAG and TIG welding processes are essentially of two categories: inert and active. Argon, helium and argon-helium mixtures belong to the first category, while gases such as carbon dioxide, mixtures of argon with oxygen or carbon dioxide are defined as active.
What safety rules should I follow when welding?
Both in the case of professional use and in the case of domestic use, it is necessary to be scrupulous in following the safety rules:
- Buy a welding machine from a reliable brand and a recent model: first of all it is good to make sure that you have a welding machine made in a workmanlike manner, that is in full compliance with safety standards. Old models may not be completely up to standard.
- Always wear all safety devices (sometimes they are sold together with the welding machine: otherwise they must be purchased separately)
- Be careful not to inhale the gases emitted during welding, as they can be toxic and harmful to health.
- Keep away from the place where you are welding flammable substances (as we have seen, the jets of the welding could cause a fire)
What is Argon?
The use of this gas in MAG applications allows for good arc stability and easy ignition. Furthermore, considering the low thermal conductivity, the central part of the arc column is kept at high temperatures making the drops of material that pass through the arc area more fluid.
What is Elio?
The properties of helium compared to argon, are lower arc stability but higher penetration depth, its use is predominant in welding of great thicknesses and of materials with high thermal conductivity such as copper and aluminum.
Since helium, unlike argon, is less heavy than air and therefore more volatile, a greater quantity of gas is required to ensure the correct protection for the welding area.
What is Carbon Dioxide?
What are Active Blends?
What are TIG electrodes used for?
Tungsten electrodes are used for TIG welding and thanks to the very high melting temperature of tungsten of about 3400 ° C, they allow to maintain the electric arc with the piece to be welded.
Questions about the terminology
What is a Multiprocess welding machine?
The multi-process welder or multifunctional welder is an all-in-one machine! These generators can combine MMA coated electrode welding, TIG, MIG MAG and cored wire (no gas).
What is MIG / MAG welding?
The terms “MIG” and “MAG” identify two types of continuous wire arc welding that are very similar to each other. More precisely, it is a technique that can be put applied in two slightly different ways. Both types of welding are performed by keeping the metal to be processed under the protection of a gas. In this way the power released by an electric arc heats the metals and join together the parts to be welded.
What is NO GAS welding?
The absence of the gas cylinder in the welding circuit, together with the use of cored electrode wires, identifies the welding process without gas protection (SELF SHIELDED WIRE, NO GAS or FLUX); in this case the gaseous protection is obtained thanks to the action of the core which is part of the wire.
What is MMA welding?
MMA (Manual Metal Arc) coated electrode welding uses heat generated by an arc that arises between the electrode and the piece to be welded. It is probably the most widely used technology in the world for welding electric arc manual. With this procedure all ferrous metals are commonly welded, namely iron, the different types of steel, including stainless steel, and cast iron. With other metals poor results are obtained, for some welding ad electrode is impossible. The productivity of this process is limited: it is necessary to stop welding when the electrode is worn out and needs to be replaced, moreover yes must remove the slag after every single pass.
What is Tig welding?
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What is the difference between MIG welding and MAG welding?
These are very similar types of welding. Specifically, they work in the same way: the welding process varies only with reference to the shielding gas used. The MIG method, or “Metal Inert Gas”, involves the use of an Inert Gas. The MAG method involves the use of an active GAS. For this reason, the term MAG stands for “Metal Active Gas”.
What is the difference between MIG / MAG and TIG welding?
Tig welding, or “Tungsten Inert Gas”, is another of the most popular methods precisely because it allows you to create high quality joints. Also in this case, inert gas protection is used. The procedure can be performed with or without a filler tube. Tig welding differs from MIG and MAG welding in that it is proposed as an arc welding process which however involves the use of an infusible tungsten electrode.
What is the Electrode for MMA welding ?
The coated electrode is composed of two parts or a metal core that acts as a filler material and a coating that provides protection.
During welding, the electrode core melts and, in the form of drops, is transferred to the melt pool; at the same time, the coating also follows the core in the melt pool in such a way as to form a cup at the end of the electrode; with this conformation, the coating contributes to the protection of the end of the electrode where the material is melted and also creates a local overpressure of the gases inside, capable of causing the detachment and transfer of the drop.
What is an Acid Electrode
The coatings of these electrodes consist of iron oxides, ferroalloys of manganese and silicon. They guarantee good arc stability which makes them suitable for both alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC). hey have a very fluid bath that does not allow vertical welding; furthermore, they do not have a great cleaning power on the base material and this can cause cracks.
They do not withstand high drying temperatures, with the consequent risk of residual moisture and therefore of hydrogen inclusions in the weld
What is a Rutile Electrode?
The coating of this electrode is essentially composed of a mineral called rutile. The latter is made up of 95% titanium dioxide, a very stable compound that guarantees excellent arc stability and high fluidity of the bath, with an appreciable aesthetic effect on the weld. The task of the rutile coating is however that of guaranteeing a smooth, easy-to-make melt, facilitating the formation of an abundant and viscous slag that allows good smoothness in welding, especially in a flat position. In this case the cord is visually beautiful and regular.
What is a Basic Electrode?
The coating of the basic electrodes consists of iron oxides, iron alloys and above all of calcium and magnesium carbonates to which, by adding calcium fluoride, fluorite is obtained, which is a mineral capable of facilitating fusion. They have a high purification capacity of the base material, so that quality welds with considerable mechanical strength are obtained. Furthermore, these electrodes withstand high drying temperatures, so they do not contaminate the bath with hydrogen.
What is a Cellulose Electrode?
The coating of these electrodes consists mainly of cellulose integrated with ferroalloys (magnesium and silicon). The coating gasifies almost completely, thus allowing welding also in a vertical descending position, which is not allowed with other types of electrodes; the high gasification of the cellulose reduces the amount of slag present in the weld. The high development of hydrogen (deriving from the particular chemical composition of the coating) causes the weld pool to be “hot”, with the melting of a considerable quantity of base material; in this way welds are obtained which penetrate deeply, with little slag in the bath.
The mechanical characteristics of the welding are excellent.
What are TIG electrodes?
Tig electrodes are conductive elements: they connect an external electrical circuit with a medium within which the current must flow. Tungsten electrodes (TIG) are used in arc welding with inert gas and tungsten (Tungsten Inert Gas).
What is MIG wire?
As in the coated electrode process, the MIG wire completes the electrical circuit by creating the arc, but is continuously fed through a welding torch from a coil or barrel. MIG wire is a solid wire, uncoated and protected by a gaseous mixture.
What is meant by cored wire?
Cored wire is similar to MIG wire in that it is a filler metal for continuous welding. However, the flux cored wire is not a solid wire, but internally contains the flux that provides the protection (chemical components and metallic materials). Gas is not needed.
What is the Duty Cycle?
Time of use of a welding machine, expressed as a percentage, without causing excessive overheating from the activation of the thermostatic protection. (Example: 170 A @ 40% – the welding machine is characterized by periods of 4 minutes of work and 6 minutes of pause).
What is meant by ARC FORCE?
Dynamic increase of the welding current when the arc becomes too short. It prevents sticking of the electrode to the piece to be welded. It could be adjustable by the operator, or prepared in the design phase so that it intervenes automatically.
What is meant by ANTISTICKING?
Drastic reduction of the welding current when the electrode sticks to the piece, or the arc voltage is zero for a time that exceeds the limit set in the design phase. It facilitates the removal of the electrode from the piece to be welded and avoids overheating of the secondary circuit of welding.
What is meant by HOT START?
It can be automatic or adjustable by the operator.
What is meant by Tig HF?
The arc striking occurs without contact between the electrode and the piece. o avoiding such contact is important, because any tungsten parts residual in the weld pool, may cause mechanical defects of the welded joint.
What is meant by Tig LIFT?
The electrode is placed on the piece and slowly lifted up to ignite the welding arc, the risk of tungsten contamination is modest.
What is meant by Tig Scratch?
You lose accuracy and the risk of contamination from tungsten is high.
What is meant by RAMP UP Tig?
It allows to avoiding an abrupt start of melting.
What is meant by RAMP DOWN Tig?
What is meant by BALANCING Tig ?
What is meant by AC FREQUENCY in Tig?
What is meant by BI-LEVEL in Tig ?
Widely used in case of welding of objects with uneven thickness.
What is meant by TIG PULSE?
and craters. Used in case of regular cords of thin thickness.
What is meant by PULSATION FREQUENCY in Tig?
What is meant by PRE-GAS?
What is meant by POST-GAS?
What is meant by SOFT START?
What is meant by BURN BACK?
What is meant by 2T / 4T?
What is meant by SPOOL GUN Torch?
It avoids wire sliding problems, mainly if aluminum wire is used, and allows longer lengths of the torch lead. Often used in the carbody shop.
What is meant by TIG AC?
The generator alternates the output poles with an appropriate frequency.
It is used for aluminum and magnesium alloys.
A pure tungsten electrode is preferred.
What is meant by TIG DC?
The electrode always has negative polarity, the melting phase is continuous.
It is used for all metals except aluminum and magnesium alloys.
A 2% cerium tungsten electrode is preferred.
What is meant by Plasma Cutting?
In this way, the concentration of charged particles that are formed increases significantly, consequently the thermal effect increases and the temperature rises. The high-temperature gas tends to expand and, by passing through the choke, acquires a very high speed, a dart of concentrated energy charges is obtained, which can be used to cut metals.
A plasma cutting system can be created using a current generator with appropriate characteristics, a gas source and a torch that conveys the gas into a nozzle inside which the electric arc is generated.
What is meant by IGNITION WITHOUT HIGH FREQUENCY in Plasma?
What is meant by HIGH FREQUENCY IGNITION in Plasma?
What is meant by QUALITY CUT in Plasma?
What is meant by MAXIMUM SEPARATION in Plasma?
What is meant by CONTACT CUTTING in Plasma?
What is meant by CUTTING WITH SPACER in Plasma?
Technical questions
How many Amps per mm do I need to weld in MMA?
Below is a list of values for welding:
- Material up to 1.5 mm from 40 to 60 Ampere with 1.6 mm electrode
- Material from 2 to 3 mm from 60 to 70 Ampere with 2 mm electrode
- Material from 2 to 5 mm from 80 to 100 Ampere with 2,5 mm electrode
- Material from 3 to 10 mm from 100 to 130 mm with 3,2 mm electrode
- Material from 5 and + mm from 130 to 160 Ampere with 4mm electrode
How many Amps per mm do I need to weld in Tig mode in direct current (DC)?
Use on: common carbon steel (commonly called “iron”), stainless steel, copper and its alloys, silver, titanium and its alloys.
- Piece thickness (mm) 0,4 Current (A) 5-15
- Piece thickness (mm) 0,6 Current (A) 10-30
- Workpiece thickness (mm) 0,8 Current (A) 20-40
- Piece thickness (mm) 1,0 Current (A) 30-60
- Piece thickness (mm) 1,5 Current (A) 40-80
- Piece thickness (mm) 2,0 Current (A) 70-100
- Workpiece thickness (mm) 3.0 Current (A) 80-120
- Piece thickness (mm) 4.0 Current (A) 100-150
- Workpiece thickness (mm) 5.0 Current (A) 150-260
- Workpiece thickness (mm) over 5.0 Current (A) 250-300
The following is the list indicating the diameter of the tungsten electrode to be used depending on the current chosen:
- Electrode diameter (mm) 1.0 Direct current (A) 10-75
- Electrode diameter (mm) 1.6 Direct current (A) 40-120
- Electrode diameter (mm) 2.0 Direct current (A) 100-200
- Electrode diameter (mm) 2,4 Direct current (A) 170-250
- Electrode diameter (mm) 3.2 Direct current (A) 225-330
- Electrode diameter (mm) 4.0 Direct current (A) 300-480
How many amps per mm do I need to weld in alternating current (AC) Tig mode?
- Piece thickness (mm) 1,0 Current (A) 15-35
- Piece thickness (mm) 1,5 Current (A) 30-60
- Piece thickness (mm) 2,0 Current (A) 40-70
- Workpiece thickness (mm) 3.0 Current (A) 60-100
- Workpiece thickness (mm) 4.0 Current (A) 90-130
- Workpiece thickness (mm) 5.0 Current (A) 120-170
- Workpiece thickness (mm) over 5.0 Current (A) over 170
The following is the list indicating the diameter of the tungsten electrode to be used depending on the current chosen:
- Electrode diameter (mm) 1.0 Alternating current 20-30
- Electrode diameter (mm) 1.6 Alternating current 30-60
- Electrode diameter (mm) 2.0 Alternating current 40-80
- Electrode diameter (mm) 2,4 Alternating current 60-100
- Electrode diameter (mm) 3,2 Alternating current 90-150
- Electrode diameter (mm) 4.0 Alternating current 150-200
To weld in MIG / MAG how many Amps per mm of material and what diameter of the wire do I need?
Below is a list of values for welding:
- Material thickness in mm from 0.7 to 4 wire diameter from 0.8 to 1.0 and welding current up to 200 Ampere
- Material thickness in mm from 0.7 to 7mm wire diameter 0,8 to 1 and welding current up to 250 Ampere
- Material thickness in mm from 1 to 12 wire diameter 0,8 / 1,0 / 1,2 and welding current up to 350 Ampere
What are the main features and advantages offered by MIG / MAG welding?
What do you need to perform MIG / MAG welding?
When is MIG / MAG welding used?
How to understand which tungsten Tig electrode should I use?
Tig Electrodes are differentiated by color:
- Red Color 2% Thorium: for Stainless Steel
- Blue Color 2% Lanthanum: Specific for Stainless Steel
- Green Color Pure Tungsten: Specific for Aluminum
- Gold Color Tungsten with 1.5% Lanthanum is possible use with AC / DC current it is used with high alloyed and non-alloyed steels, aluminum magnesium alloys, titanium, nickel, copper etc
- Gray color with 2% Cerium Oxide Specific for welding Aluminum and Stainless Steel.
What is the difference between welding and brazing?
In both processes, two materials are joined together. We talk about welding if the union occurs through the fusion of the edges of the pieces to be joined (regardless of the addition of filler material). On the other hand, when the base material is simply heated and only the filler material is melted, we are faced with brazing.
Charger and booster questions
What is the difference between a traditional charger and an inverter?
If you forget to unplug a traditional charger, the battery will be overcharged, run out and may be damaged. The inverter battery chargers have different phases, for example, desulfation, reconditioning, recharging and maintaining all types of lead-acid, MF, GEL and the most modern Start & Stop batteries.
In this way they extend the life of the batteries and ensure great savings. Inverter chargers “communicate” with the battery during the entire process, minimizing the risk of overcharging or undercharging.
What are the Awelco range of traditional battery chargers?
What are the Awelco range of Inverter battery chargers?
Why should I recharge the battery of my car and / or motorcycle?
The alternator may take some time to recharge the battery to the optimal level.
In addition, alternators are often unable to fully recharge the batteries, even during long journeys. As a result, the battery may need to be recharged regularly. By recharging the battery before winter, the risk that the car does not start in the coldest temperatures is significantly reduced.
Can a battery be damaged while charging?
What happens if I forget to unplug the inverter charger?
What happens if I forget to unplug the Traditional charger?
I can't find the battery in the engine compartment. Can i recharge the battery?
How long does it take to charge a battery?
Can I use the same charger for the car and the motorcycle?
How to choose the right charger?
The choice of a charger essentially depends on various factors such as:
- The amperage of the battery to be recharged.
- The desired battery charging speed.
- Type of battery to be recharged Pb / PbCa / Gel / Agm.
How can I check if my battery needs to be recharged?
How does the ammeter of the battery charger work?
How many Amps will I need to recharge my car battery?
How does the car battery charger work?
How do you see if the battery is charged?
What is the "Buffer" function?
What is the desulfation function in inverter battery chargers?
How does the car jump starter work?
Are starter and booster and car charger the same thing?
How to choose the right starter for your car battery?
How long does it take to recharge a starter?
How many amps does a gasoline engine need to start ?
150 to 200 amps for a 4 cylinder
200 to 250 amps for a 6 cylinder
250 to 300 amps for an 8 cylinder
How many amps does a diesel engine need to start?
250 to 400 amps for a 4 cylinder.
400 to 500 amps for a 6 cylinder.
500 to 700 amps for an 8 cylinder.
Where can I read the amperage of the car battery?
What are the Awelco range of portable boosters?
What are the features of the Ultracharge 1000?
The function of supercapacitors has the ability to accumulate a very large amount of energy from the battery of the vehicle to be started (partially discharged) in a short time, so that in a few seconds the same vehicle from which you took the charge can be started.
Awelco ULTRA CHARGE 1000 integrates this new technology with a small internal lithium battery of 6000 mAh that can recharge the capacitors whenever the vehicle battery is empty or very weak, making it extremely versatile.
The technology used in this model has the great advantage of a very long service life, as the capacitors can be discharged and recharged thousands of times before they lose their effectiveness. This product can start small, medium and large displacement gasoline and diesel vehicles and supply a large amount of electricity for a limited time. (5 Sec.)
In addition, the tester function is to check the voltage and internal resistance of the vehicle battery.
Also equipped with a fixed or flashing lamp.
What are the features of the Energy 1500?
What are the features of the Energy 2000?
Start voltage V 12
Output current 600A from 1500A
It does not damage the vehicle electronics
Complete with 230 V AC 12 V DC power supply unit, plus-minus cable with clamp, 3.6 W lamp, plug and cable for cigarette lighter.
What are the features of the Energy 2500?
cars, vans, trucks and boats – Connected to the cigarette lighter of the
vehicle keeps circuits under voltage during battery changes – Not
damage the vehicle electronics. -Complete with 230V AC power supply
12V DC, positive and negative cables with pliers, 3.6 W lamp, plug and
Cigarette lighter cable – Battery capacity 17 Ah – Output current 300A – Short circuit current: 1300A / 900A
What are the Awelco range of Chargers/ Starters?
the Thor Series and the Thormatic Series.
What are the features of the Thor series?
What are the features of the Thormatic series?
Pre and post-sale questions
I am a private individual, can I buy a welding machine?
No, we don’t sell to individuals, but we have resellers throughout Italy. Consult the Area Agents section.
I have a hardware store in the province of... and I would like to buy your products, what can I do?
You can consult the list of our Area Agents or, alternatively, you can send us your references to the email address fcompierchio@awelco.com and we will contact you.
I’m a multi-firm agent with several important mandates, I have seen your products around and I would be interested in representing you.
Contact our resp. Sales Italy AT to the number 3483508062, will give you all the relevant info. Or, if you prefer, you can leave your number and we’ll get back to you.
I bought one of your welding machines but it doesn't work what can I do?
Contact 0827363601 and we will give you all the relevant info, or you can write your references to one of the following emails:
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
I bought one of your welding machines but I would like technical information
Contact our technician Salvatore, at the email address: laboratorio3@awelco.com