Welding machine inverter. Which one is best for home?

The principle of operation of the welding machine is rectification and conversion of current into alternating current with high frequency

Inverter equipment. Device and characteristics

We are all accustomed to imagine a huge box with a transformer in its device when we say a welding machine. It is this part of the equipment that is responsible for generating a fairly large current, which drives it into operation and supports the welding arc. An inverter-type apparatus is able to reproduce the same process, only in this version the current is generated by the inverter.

Inverter equipment is much more complex than outdated transformer models. In it, the mains current bypasses four conversion stages:

• straightening, smoothing with a special filter;
• conversion of current into alternating current with high frequency;
• decrease in voltage with a parallel increase in current strength even up to 250A;
• rectification of current.

Compact welding machine with a convenient carrying handle

For this, the equipment is provided with a line filter, rectifiers and frequency converters. The high current readings obtained at the output are capable of creating a fairly powerful arc that easily melts almost any metal.

Inverter classification

Depending on the purpose, devices with different output current indicators are used. They are usually divided into:

• low-power (140-160 A);
• medium-power (160-200 A);
• high-power (200-250 A).

Internal structure of the inverter welding machine

The first ones are the weakest, their use is reduced to the creation of small cosmetic seams and work with metal that has a small thickness. Medium power units are quite common, handle large volumes easily and produce fairly high quality connections. High-power ones can be attributed to professional equipment, they are used if welding of metal surfaces with a large thickness is required.

Power is a rather important indicator that you need to focus on when choosing equipment such as an inverter welding machine. Which one is best suited for the home, it is up to the buyer to decide, of course, but it is worth focusing on other characteristics.

Useful advice! It is necessary to work with the welding inverter only in a special mask. Powerful light beams can damage your eyesight.

Complete set of inverter TIG 207 welding machine

Types of inverters by type of welding

Inverters are also classified according to the type of welding modes:

• manual welding arc (MMA);
• semiautomatic device (MIG / MAG);
• argon welding (TIG);
• plasma cutting (CUT).

For home conditions, equipment with MMA marking is perfect. This type of welding inverters is lightweight, but at the same time is almost ideal for solving any household tasks. You will need to purchase the most common electrodes for it.

Inverters with MMA marking are perfect for use at home or in the country

Semi-automatic welding machines are mainly used on a production scale and are completely unsuitable for the home. The power and dimensions of such equipment are much higher. Its principle of operation is to feed a special wire to the arc, as a result of which a weld is formed.

Welding with an argon arc unit is a rather complex process. For it, special tungsten electrodes are used, and the formation of an arc occurs when interacting with an inert gas. Such equipment is quite expensive and its use at home is simply impractical, just like using the following type of apparatus. Plasma cutting machines are not actually welding machines, although they work in much the same way as an inverter welding machine. Which is the best option for home use is now more or less clear.

The principle of operation of the apparatus when welding metals using filler wire

Additional functions of the welding inverter and its advantages

For those new to welding, additional functions that make work easier will be useful. Almost all inverters increase the amperage when they start to operate, resulting in a powerful starting arc. This is the so-called hot start function. Its presence allows you to start working immediately after turning on the unit.

It is not bad if the "anti-stick" function is provided on such a welding machine. The equipment automatically lowers the operating current the moment the electrode is seized. After its detachment, all parameters are restored. Another convenient feature is arc boost. It allows you to get a high-quality arc with minimal metal spatter.

Some models of welding machines provide forcing and anti-sticking functions

Useful advice! Often, with the first experience with a welding machine, it is not possible to create a good arc. To make it, you need to strike the electrode against the metal surface, as if with a match.

Besides the fact that the inverter greatly facilitates welding work, it can work with different electrodes. It copes well with materials such as cast iron, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals.

Welding machine inverter. Which is the best in terms of technical parameters?

When choosing an inverter device, you need to pay attention to other equally important parameters. Quite an important indicator is the input voltage range. An ideal unit will be with a specified voltage of 170 to 250 V or with a tolerance of about 15%. The operation of such a device will not depend on voltage drops in the network.

External structure of the case of the inverter welding machine

The duty cycle is usually indicated as a percentage. If the value of this indicator is 60%, then after 10 minutes of operation of the equipment, it will need about 4 minutes of rest. If this parameter is exceeded, the built-in protection will be triggered and the device will turn off.

An equally important parameter is the diameter of the electrode. It is best to select a model that works with 4-5 mm electrodes. Their use allows you to create better quality seams while reducing stress.

Portable welding machine ARC-250 from the manufacturer Skiper

Useful advice! When purchasing a welding inverter, you also need to pay attention to the location of a nearby service center. In the event of a breakdown, specialists will quickly help to cope with the problem.

Verified manufacturers and models

The German company FUBAG has shown itself to be excellent in the welding machine market. Among its models, you can choose a unit of any capacity both for work at home and for professional welders. FUBAG IN 163 is an ideal choice for the home. Such devices are insensitive to voltage surges, allowing you to create a smooth and beautiful seam without splashing metal drops. They are equipped with an efficient ventilation system and built-in overvoltage protection. Very easy to use, equipped with “quick start”, “anti-stick” and “arc force” functions.

Electronic circuit of the inverter welding machine

The Italian brand Telwin has long gained a reputation as a quality manufacturer. The inverters of this company are made from 220V. Distinctive features of Telwin units are considered to be light weight and compactness. The TELWIN FORCE 165 inverter has all the functions a beginner needs to make the job much easier. Handles power surges in the 15% range easily. Such equipment consumes little electricity and has a reliable cooling system. All types of electrodes are suitable for it.

Compact welding machine inverter MMA 201 from Tesla Weld

Quite good welding inverters are manufactured by ProfHelper. A whole line of units, called Prestige, is in fairly high demand. The Prestige 181S inverter is one of the common models. It is compact and can be carried on the shoulder, which makes it possible to work even in hard-to-reach places. He is not afraid of voltage drops. The standard set of functions: "hot start", "anti-stick", "forced arc" allow even a beginner in welding to create high-quality, reliable seams.

If you plan to carry out some work on the arrangement of metal structures on your own at home or in a suburban area, then, by the way, it will be impossible to buy equipment such as an inverter welding machine. Which is better - to choose the buyer. After reading this article, you can not be afraid to make a mistake in your choice.

How to choose a 220V welding machine for home and summer cottages (video)