laser welder

 Basics of Welding and Forms of Welding Machines:

As it pertains to welding machines, it is very important to understand what sort of connection will be working best in properly starting up your torch. To be able to ascertain this, you must first familiarize yourself with the basic principles of welding and the forms of welding machines. Whether you're a new comer to TIG and MIG welding or certainly are a master fabricator, it could be difficult to discern between the large array of adapters and connectors. In addition, manufacturers have cheated inverter technology and produced several different designs for welding machines. The type of machine used is dependent on the particular laser welder.

Know About TIG and MIG Welding Methods:

TIG and MIG welding are generally techniques which were invented in the 1940's to meet up the increased demand for weaponry. TIG is primarily used in the aviation industry, while MIG welding was used to improve the speed of weapon production.

MIG vs. TIG Welding:

TIG - tungsten inert gas welding

• Runs on the tungsten electrode that is not consumed through the welding process
• Provides shielding with a mix of argon, hydrogen, and a helium gas mix
• Best for use on materials like magnesium, aluminum, copper, alloys, metal

MIG - metal inert gas welding

• Among the fastest welding processes available
• Runs on the metal electrode that doubles as a filler material for the weld and is consumed during the procedure
• Argon gas is either used alone or along with oxygen, carbon dioxide, or helium

Benefits of TIG and MIG Welding:

TIG welding produces higher quality welds, produces less splatter, and includes a lower disposition rate. Additionally it may make welds without filler metal and has more precise control of heat of the electrode. On one other hand, MIG welding is cheaper, easier to master, better for home use, and requires less cleanup. Overall, although MIG welding is significantly simpler, TIG welding produces high quality welds.

Determine the Type of Connection you Need to Attach your Torch:

Once you have a better notion of what sort of welding machine you have, you can figure out what sort of connection you need to connect your TIG torch. On older models, the torch is bolted onto the device with a threaded stud terminal. On newer welding machines, however, the DINSE style connector is used, which is really a twist-locking quick disconnect system. Dinse connectors come in either the tiny (9.5mm diameter pin) or the more common large (12.7mm diameter pin). Some machines use what is called Gas through Dinse connection, meaning torch's shield gas supply flows directly through the Dinse connector. Another kind of commonly used connector is the Tweco type, or American style, split pin connector, which also twists and locks into place.

In addition, you must also consider the kind of TIG torch you have, as different torches have different adapter connections at the device end. TIG torches come as either water-cooled or air-cooled. It is preferred to eventually upgrade your laser welder to simply accept a Dinse style connector, which makes it simple to modify from torch to another. For older style machines with threaded studs, work with a stud-to-Dinse female converter to upgrade the connection. For machines with a Tweco style connection, use an adapter that mounts onto the device to convert to a Dinse style plug.