• General recommendations for selection
• domestic production
• Types welding inverters

For lovers of welding, it is always a question of acquiring the appropriate tools. But how to choose a welding inverter correctly and not make a mistake? To do this, there are several points that must be considered in order to choose the right equipment.

inverter welding machine equipped with double insulation, so it is absolutely safe for electric welding.

Since the welding inverter is powered by the mains, you should be aware of the inconsistency of the voltage in it. To date, most models have protection against such surges. The most optimal level for such equipment is 20-25%. Such a system will protect against failure if the drops are in the range from 170 V to 270 V. But it’s worth mentioning right away that such a high rate is more suitable for industrial use than for domestic use. In household use, an indicator of 10-15% is enough. After all, the stronger the protection, the more expensive the inverter will cost.

The next thing to pay attention to when choosing is ventilation. During operation, such a device heats up and, accordingly, it requires cooling. And here dust enters through the ventilated holes. Each manufacturer has its own methods of protection.

The most common is tunnel ventilation. With such a system, the radiator is located along the length of the entire body, but the main components lie inside. Such a build really saves if the work is done in very dusty and polluted places.

But again, if you choose a welding inverter for home use, then such serious protection is simply useless. Therefore, alternate cleaning is enough. To do this, the body of the apparatus is removed and the accumulated dust is removed with a soft brush or blowing.

Printed circuit boards are considered a very important component of the welding inverter. In fact, their breakdown is quite common, and the cost of their repair is high. Therefore, custom boards indicate that such a model breaks down extremely rarely, so there is no need to keep spare parts in free sale.

The range of operating temperatures in the inverter is also important. If the environment in which welding will be carried out (for example, a factory) has high rates, then such a technique will automatically turn on protection. The maximum permissible temperature is +40 ° C, but if it is higher, then it is advisable to stop the work, otherwise the inverter will simply fail.

As for low temperatures, it largely depends on the internal configuration. The fact is that microcontrollers, capacitors, transistors and other similar elements are very sensitive to frost. Moreover, each detail has its own individual limit. Therefore, depending on this indicator, the operating temperature range can seriously vary for each model individually.

Most often, the manufacturer refers to GOST, then in this case for foreign brands it is EN 60974-1, and for domestic brands it is GOST R IEC 60974-1-2004. This mark indicates that the inverter can be used both at +40°C and at -40°C. But it’s worth mentioning right away that such a marking is not a guarantee that the equipment will start up freely at temperatures below -15 ° C. And all because electronics do not like low temperatures, and when it is started, an overload signal is most often lit.

If, nevertheless, the equipment is loaded with work in the cold, then as a result of heating, condensate forms, which settles on the insides of the inverter, which is quite detrimental to them. Therefore, if the instructions do not clearly indicate that the selected model is intended for work at low temperatures, then it is better to refrain from operation.

Back to index

How to choose the right welding inverter?

Judging objectively, it is quite difficult to choose an inverter, so many points must be taken into account.

You need to know that inverters are classified: household, professional and industrial. They were named so according to the scope.

For example, household inverters have a small capacity, so they can work for approximately 15-30 minutes, after which they need to cool down (about an hour). Professional models come with more powerful content, so their working time is 8 hours, that is, one shift. Well, industrial devices can be used 24 hours, taking into account short breaks.

In fact, household and professional tools are similar in their technological characteristics. Therefore, before choosing a welding inverter finally, it is necessary to determine the scope of its application.

Back to index

Manufacturers of welding inverters

First of all, you should pay attention to such nuances as:

• are there service points in the city;
• availability of a product catalog;
• whether the resource of the manufacturer is full;
• in what languages ​​is the attached instruction, and if it is translated, what is the quality of the translation.

As for foreign representatives, the most popular brands are Wester, Fubag, Profhelper, Gysmi, Blueweld, Neon. Therefore, a few words should be said about each.

The Wester welding inverter has a fairly high output power. This suggests that when working with such a technique, it is possible to use electrodes up to 0.5 cm. Moreover, their equipment does not depend on the input voltage parameters, be it 200 V or 180 V.

Their models are equipped with a system of protection against short circuits and sticking of electrodes. This moment greatly simplifies operation, besides, the quality of work remains always high.

Fubag, on the other hand, makes its inverters quite versatile, which makes it possible to work with various types of welding. In these models, the moment of ignition of the arc is greatly simplified, which significantly affects productivity. There is no need to change the electrodes and clean the seams from the accumulated slags.

Resant inverter welding machine has small dimensions and is successfully used in hard-to-reach places.

The representative of such an inverter combines both manual arc welding (MMA) and semi-automatic (MIG / MAG). Such analogs have smooth adjustment of voltage and supply of welding current.

Profhelper has several lines - Prestige, Solution, DaVinci, Euro Tig, Plasma Cut. The manufacturer equips its models with forced cooling systems. They can operate in a shielding gas environment using flash-mag technology or flux-cored wire. Such inverters are very popular, as they have the option of stepwise switching of current, smooth adjustment of the speed of its supply and protection against overheating.

Gysmi is a French company that produces welding inverters of mobile dimensions. At the same time, they are quite easy to use and quite loyal in price. These models have multifunctional characteristics.

Blueweld manufactures inverters designed for thin metal work. Stretch seams are excellent.

Neon is in high demand right now. Her technique is designed for manual welding. The power of such a welding inverter comes from the mains, and they are quite mobile, so there are no problems with transportation, especially if there is a need to work from the outside of the building. These units do not consume much energy and make it possible to weld even in hard-to-reach places.

Back to index

domestic production

Domestic welding inverter Spets IMMA-200 of Russian production has been tested satisfactorily and meets all the necessary parameters.

But it is worth noting domestic manufacturers, because they are also quite common on the market. Especially some representatives.

Resanta is a representative of S.I.A. Such inverters are produced according to not only domestic standards, but also international ones. Differ in high manufacturability and productivity.

Models "Masters" easily cope with hard-to-reach places. Such welding inverters go into the category of professional equipment, as thanks to them it is possible to carry out work of increased complexity.

Forsage equips its equipment with sufficiently high-quality components. Such devices are not large, due to which they are quite mobile. They have thermostats and air-forced cooling, so they are not afraid of overheating.

Welding takes place with direct current using rutile, cast iron, basic or stainless steel electrodes.

Such an inverter has a fairly easy arc ignition, built-in thermal protection and most of its accessories are removable.

"Svarog" has an excellent price-quality ratio. Such models are small-sized and do not require special skills in their operation. They can have either metal or plastic housings. Welding cables are included as standard, and as an addition, there may also be a case designed for transportation.

"Bars" is also very popular, as high quality equipment is bought for relatively little money.

November 2, 2015

What is the best welding inverter?

It is difficult to give a definite answer to this question. Among various models welding machines to choose the one that would satisfy everyone is almost impossible - each master has his own preferences. If a person is still learning to weld, then the best one will be the one that fell into his hands. And for a professional, only he himself can choose a model, in accordance with his preferences, manner of work and other likenings of a personal nature.

Nevertheless, there are a number of recommendations that will help you navigate the world of welding inverters so as not to buy completely unsuitable equipment for your home. Some features of inverter machines are unknown even to many professional welders working on traditional designs. Therefore, you should choose an inverter only armed with information about their device, types, capabilities, advantages and disadvantages.

Inverter Benefits

Inverters have a number of advantages over conventional transformer-type welding machines:

• they are more compact;
• have efficiency up to 95%;
• the welding mode is smoothly regulated by current and voltage;
• low welding voltages;
• the possibility of using any electrodes;
• minimal welding spatter.

Compactness is determined by the fact that the operation of the device is based on a source of high-frequency current - an inverter and does not require the use of massive transformers. Inverter devices heat up slightly, are characterized by faster ignition and arc stability.

Where to start choosing

Before choosing an inverter, you need to decide what you need it for. If for a home or for a summer residence, then some devices are suitable, if for professional work, for example, in auto repair shops, others. If you approach the choice from a broad position, then all inverters can be classified into household, semi-professional and professional.

It is very difficult to draw a clear line between the second and third varieties, moreover, such a division is very conditional. It concerns only the possibility of continuous operation. If amateur inverters after 10 - 20 minutes of work must "rest" for at least an hour, then professional ones can work for 7-8 hours without a break. The quality of the seam depends little on the class of the device.

Professional-class devices are obviously more powerful, but they also consume more energy. If you buy a device for occasional use, then you should not look for the most powerful and sophisticated model. It is enough to buy an inverter of medium parameters. But for everyday work, albeit for several hours, you should buy a professional device.

Inverter power and other parameters

When choosing a welding machine, you need to pay attention to the supply voltage. If the inverter can operate with a mains voltage deviation of 15% or more (170 - 270 V), then you can buy it. When the passport says that it can operate at voltages of 200-240 V, then this range is too narrow, and during power surges typical of most of our household networks, the device will often turn off.

The current power should be chosen at least 160 A. Normal devices for home and semi-professional use should produce a current in the range of 160 - 300 A. Less powerful ones are unproductive, and it is difficult to perform most welding jobs with their help. A current of more than 300 A in a garage or home workshop is rarely needed. And the cost of the device and its power consumption directly depend on the power.

When considering the power of the inverter, one should not lose sight of such a parameter as PV (PN). It is indicated in % and shows the ratio of load and cooling time. If the duty cycle (PV) is equal to 60%, then out of every 10 minutes the device works 6, and 4 cools down. Measurements are taken at 20 0 C. But PV (PN) at 40 0 ​​C can be indicated in the passport. In this case, the number of percent is multiplied by 2 and we get the real figure. If the measurement temperature is not specified, then by default it is taken as 20 degrees. Optimal for PV inverters in 60 -80%.

PV (PN) - duration of inclusion (duration of loading).

The operating temperature range for the inverter is also very important. Most household models do not work well at negative temperatures, as well as at too high positive ones too. For a household appliance, a gap of -10 ... +40 0 C is sufficient.

Required Features

A suitable inverter must have a number of mandatory features that most clearly emphasize its advantages and significantly increase operating efficiency. It:

• Hot start - an additional current pulse created by the electronic system at the beginning of work. In the passport or on the body of the device it is designated as Hot Start.
• Accelerated ignition of the arc - the same electronics generate a powerful impulse when the electrode quickly approaches the metal surface. The arc ignites instantly. Referred to as Arc Force.
• Sticking protection - reduces the current or stops it from flowing when the electrode sticks, thus preventing the inverter from overheating. When the electrode comes off, the arc automatically resumes. Function name - Anti-Stick.

There are no such functions except in amateur devices, but you still need to check. In some models, they can be adjusted or turned off. For example, Hot Start is not needed when working with thin metal.

The ability to work with a diesel generator is also an important feature if you are going to work in the country, on a construction site or in a remote garage. It is not available for all models.

Which inverter welding machine is better to buy for home use?

This question has been bugging you for days! We searched the Internet, read reviews on forums, tormented acquaintances, but did not find an answer.

The best inverter type welding machines, what are they? Let's figure it out together!

To make a choice, answer the following questions:

• what is the voltage in the network, if it is low, then this indicator is important;
• you will cook every day or 2 times a year;
• what will be the duration of turning on the device (to avoid overheating);
• what thickness of the metal are you thinking of processing (device power);
• How much money are you willing to spend on a purchase?
• is there a workshop for warranty repairs of the brand you like in the area;
• what is your skill level.

Based on the answers, a choice is made of the class of welding equipment - professional, semi-professional or household. Models differ in price, power and cycle time.

1. For short-term needs (15-20 minutes of work, an hour of rest), a cheap household unit is suitable.
2. For intensive loads, choose semi- or professional inverters that work for 4-10 hours.

Models designed for power supply at 150-240 V work efficiently at low voltage.

According to reviews, a good purchase is a device with the following functions:

• hot start (Hotstart);
• anti-sticking (Anti-Stick);
• forcing the arc (Arc Force).

For beginners, such functions will help to master the welding processes in a short time.

What and how to choose?

There are many models on the market. Which one is better, the reviews are conflicting! Some praise a particular model, while others scold.

The truth is this. In the market, 90 percent of inverters are in China, under various names.

1. Experienced welders recommend that, before buying a welder, beginners first download a vocational school textbook from the Internet for review.
2. Next, determine the budget for the unit for the electrodes. Home craftsmen work with an average electrode diameter of 3 mm. For such electrodes, an inverter device with a capacity of 140 amperes is enough (with a real one, and not declared by the manufacturer). For 4 mm, choose 160 A for infrequent work and 180 A for frequent. For large volumes of work, it is better to take for 4 mm - 200 A.
3. If you plan to repair a rotten car body, then it is better to take a semi-automatic device with the RDS function. Can be welded with wire and electrode.

A universal 200 amp welder with a full argon function (built-in oscillator, Post-Gaz, crater filling, etc.) is a super technique according to reviews. In truth, a universal inverter cannot work well in all declared modes.

It is better to fork out and look towards well-known brands that have been operating on the market for more than 5-7 years and have proven themselves positively.

In stores, consultants talking about welding machines worth 15-20 thousand rubles, they say - this is Europe or America. You can’t believe it, real European or American welders start at 40 thousand rubles for a 140 A product. For example:

• for the Finnish KEMPPI Minarc 150VRD they ask for 53 thousand rubles;
• the price of the German Lorch Handy 160 is 55 thousand rubles;
• for the German EWM Pico 162 they give 43 thousand rubles;
• on the Italian Selco Quasar 150 - the price is 61 thousand rubles;
• Swedish ESAB CADDY ARC 201I A33 of the fifth generation costs 100 thousand rubles.

The inverter welding machines presented above, answering the question of which one is better, do not need reviews. These are products of well-known brands that produce high quality products.

Products cheaper than 40,000 rubles are made in China, Korea and Russia. few welders. If the seller inspires you that the selected brand is of Russian assembly, then ask him to show the address of the manufacturer in the passport. Most likely, there will be China.

It is worth paying tribute, the Chinese assembly is different, from good to high-quality products.

Which inverter welding machine is best for home use? There is no single answer! Each model is selected individually for each person, depending on the type of work and the preferences of the welder.

Let's say you are ready to spend up to 6,000 rubles. Which one to take? Try each device in the store by weight and buy the heaviest one. The lighter the product, the more likely it is to break quickly. The manufacturer saved on something.

Many inverters have a high welding current. For example:

• gives out 190 A;
• Resanta 160 - 120 A.

Video: test - which inverter welding machine is better to choose.

Best actions when choosing:

1. some stores provide the opportunity to cook the selected model on the spot, it is better to go to such places;
2. tried to cook with an apparatus from a friend and take the same one;
3. or go shopping knowing exactly what to buy.

The main rule: cheap - quality does not happen. There are exceptions (rarely).

Which welding inverter is better - reviews

Sergey, an experienced amateur:

A year ago, I purchased an inverter Fox Weld (Foxveld) Master 202, it works well. Before that, I used Resantu 160. Ask which inverter welding machine is better? I answer: Foxveld is 100 times better, and the price for 2016 is affordable - 16,000 rubles.

For a year I tried 4 brands of electrodes. With the main coating, OK 5370 and with rutile MP-3,. Foxweld 202 brews well with 4 different brands of consumables.

1. Pay attention to the power - 190-200 A, golden mean. With more power, the dimensions of the device increase, it is difficult to carry. At lower power, it will not pull electrodes of a larger diameter.
2. It is better to purchase an inverter for convenience with an electronic display, the numbers automatically show the current strength.
3. Thick terminals are preferable compared to thin ones, they heat up less, work longer.
4. Cables with a simple electrode holder are standard, there is not much choice. What's in the kit is what it is.

Video: Fox Weld Master 202 review.

Leonid Oshchenko:

I bought Resanta SAI 160 6 months ago. The declared characteristics of the plant do not correspond to reality. The electrodes are ignited with difficulty, they do not hold the arc well, the seam is of poor quality. The assembly is terrible, the current regulator is fixed on the board by soldering. When it burns out, I'll take another brand.

Video: Resant SAI 160 review.

Ivan Alekseevich:

I walked around the Schweis SP-300 Professional for 3 days, plucked up the courage and bought it for 10,000 rubles. with acid, basic, rutile and cellulose coating. It has digital display, showing the welding current.

Friends, I liked Schweiss. The device has protection: against short circuit, overheating. The mains filter suppresses interference in the network. The open-circuit voltage of 70 V and the current of 300 A allow the device to be used to its fullest. Get it, you won't regret it.

Video: Schweis SP300 review (Schweis 300).

P.S. When choosing an inverter, study the passport, familiarize yourself with the operating temperature range, the availability of warranty conditions and service. Find out the manufacturer's address and if there is an instruction manual in an accessible language.

(4 times, score: 2,75 out of 5)

About the advantages of inverter welding machines

Most often, beginners seeking to master welding ask themselves the question: inverter welding machines - how to choose the right one? Of course, goals can be pursued very different. Someone just wants to have a welding unit on the farm “just in case”, and does not plan to use it often. Someone wants to have a good workout at home, so that later they can do welding professionally. And someone else himself does not know for what purposes he will use the inverter in the future.

Welding machine Resanta for beginners

Therefore, it is worth, for starters, to figure out a little for what tasks a welding inverter can be useful, as well as what advantages and disadvantages it has.

First of all, the inverter is a modern and affordable device for everyone. Due to its compact size, light weight, ease of use and reasonable price, its popularity is extremely high. Therefore, many people want to have such a “toy” in their household.

You can call this equipment not only modern, but even innovative, because it combines advanced electronic technologies.

The inverter as a welding machine for the home provides the opportunity to work with the most various materials(almost any thickness). This is achieved due to the ability to change the welding current over a wide range.

Key advantages of the inverter

The main disadvantages of inverters

No type of technology can consist only of advantages. There are always certain disadvantages. In the case of the inverter, such disadvantages also exist. Before choosing a welding machine, let's take a closer look at them.

High requirements for storage conditions

An inverter is not a shovel, it cannot be thrown somewhere near a barn or in a frozen garage. The welding inverter does not tolerate dust well. Therefore, it is contraindicated to store it in a dusty room. And from time to time you need to disassemble and clean inside.

Relative high cost

Welding machines made in Italy, one of the most expensive

Of course, the cost of budget models of inverters is not very high, however, in comparison with transformer welding machines, it is usually still 2-3 times higher.

The vagaries of electronics

In case of temperature fluctuations (for example, when the device was brought from frost into warm room) you can’t start work right away - you have to wait about two hours. Otherwise, condensation may form on the electronic boards, which often causes damage.

Working hours

The inverter cannot be operated for a long time without interruption, otherwise it will overheat. You have to pause regularly to let the machine cool down. And the lower its cost, the more often you have to take such breaks.

Nuances of choice

Before you choose a welding machine for your home, you should get to know it better, carefully study the characteristics. Do not focus only on the price - this is not a guarantee of a successful choice.

As for brands, not everything is clear. Traditionally, European goods are considered to have a higher level of quality than Chinese ones. However, the "promoted" brand, in fact, can also be manufactured at a factory in China. And if not, then the price may be unreasonably high. Overpaying just like that, "for the brand" is not worth it. It is better to correctly choose a device with the necessary parameters, and pay attention to the manufacturer and cost in last turn. So how do you get started with an inverter?

Protection system

The principle of operation of inverter welding is such that powerful power transistors are of key importance. They provide a stable welding current by generating high frequency pulses. If the voltage in the network drops, the transistors compensate for this by increasing the current strength. The problem is that they can burn out from overload. Not every unit is equipped with an automatic protection system against such a situation. If problems with the voltage in the mains are expected (and this, for example, often happens in the private residential sector), then it is better to choose an inverter that has a reliable overload protection system.

Power

A welding inverter is a device that consumes significant power. Here again you have to worry about electrical wiring. Not every cable is able to withstand the maximum loads that the inverter can deliver in peak modes. It is also worth paying attention to the mains fuses. For example, 16 amps is often not enough for inverter welding - 25-32 (or more) will be required.

Continuous working time

The duration of continuous use of the device at maximum power is an important parameter in operation. For example, if this figure is thirty percent, then it turns out that out of ten minutes, only three can be worked, and seven minutes will have to wait until the device cools down.

At good inverters this figure is 60 percent (or higher).

Welding current

How to choose an inverter welding machine by current strength?

To understand what welding current is required, you need to know the parameters for working with various materials. The main thing that affects the required current strength is the thickness and type of material. If, for example, there is a need to weld parts at a current of 120 amperes, then it is better to choose an inverter that provides some margin (for example, so that it can deliver a current of 160 amperes). It is recommended to have a margin of 30% or more.

In addition, the actual current may differ from the rated current if long network wires with a small cross section are used (the same applies to welding cables).

Dust and moisture protection system

This setting is abbreviated "IPxy", where "x" is protection against solid objects larger than 12 mm and "y" is protection against vertically falling drops of water. With this parameter, everything is very tricky. Why?

Most inverters are rated "IP21" which means that they have virtually no protection against dust and moisture. At the same time, some expensive inverter models are rated "IP23", and are considered to be protected from "oblique water flows", i.e. from the rain. In fact, no welding machine can be well protected from water and dust, otherwise it will instantly overheat during operation. And even more so, you can’t work welding in the rain.

It turns out that all these "classes of protection" in practice affect only the price, and you can not focus on them.

Additional nice bonuses

How to choose welding machines for additional useful options? Most often, these parameters include the following:

Welding helmet is an essential attribute

• "anti-sticking" - if the electrode sticks to the workpiece, the output of welding current stops;
• "hot start" - the excitation of the welding arc occurs instantly;
• “arc afterburner” - additional features when welding vertical seams (if the arc suddenly breaks, then an additional surge of welding current occurs).

As a rule, almost all modern inverters are equipped with such a set. However, there may be other interesting bonuses. Is it worth focusing on them? In fact, these functions are auxiliary. Well, if they are. But they should not be given priority. First of all, you need to pay attention to the main parameters of the device.

Possibility of repair

Before choosing an inverter welding machine, it would be nice to ask if there are service centers nearby that can repair this equipment. If the nearest service center is located in China, then in the event of a breakdown, you will definitely have to repair the unit yourself. Not everyone has such an opportunity (and desire). And often you will also need specialized equipment for repairs, which is difficult to get. Therefore, it is better to choose brands that have service centers nearby.

Warranty periods

When there is a guarantee for a welding machine, it is better than when it is not. And if it is 2-3 years instead of 2-3 months, that's even better. It is not known when the device may fail. It can work without breakdowns for five years, or it can fail in a week. So the availability of a guarantee should not be underestimated.

Potential empowerment

You won’t surprise anyone with an ordinary inverter. And how to choose a welding machine with the possibility of improvement in the future? Such models are commercially available. For example, they allow you to connect gas supply mechanisms from a cylinder, which makes it possible to use an inverter for welding in an argon environment.

Video: How to choose a welding machine

What is a jack-of-all-trades without a welding inverter? Do-it-yourself welding is not just an opportunity to learn new things, it is a win-win option to save a lot on tasks such as welding hinges, making iron gates, and even fixing children's sleds.

Learning how to work with a welding machine is the cherished desire of many men. However, the concept of a welding transformer often stops - a non-lifting unit that is transported on a trolley and connected by wires directly to the network. We hasten to please you - such devices are not used in everyday life, although they are used, but only in production. So you can safely cast aside your doubts and begin to comprehend the basics of this craft, even if you have absolutely no experience. The way out for beginners is obvious - a welding inverter. It is easy to use and has a range of features that make the job of the inexperienced welder easier.

3 classes of welding inverters

Of course, there are many classifications of welding inverters. Let's take one of them.

household- mainly used in the garage or in the country. Devices of this particular class should be chosen by all beginners, those who are just learning to cook. Of course, they are also suitable for experienced welders who plan to use them for one-time short-term jobs of small volume. The welding current range for household inverters ranges from 120 to 200 A.

Professional- are especially popular with employees of housing and communal services and employees of small commercial firms. Devices of this class are ideal for repairing pipes, manufacturing frame structures, etc., since in such cases high demands are placed on the quality of work. Unlike household appliances that can only cook for short periods of time, professional inverters are used for extended periods of time under harsh operating conditions. Welding current values ​​for professional inverters range from 200 to 300 A.

Industrial- have found wide application in the construction of critical structures made of various metals and in the installation of pipelines and other facilities. Such devices can cook without interruption with large volumes of work and very high requirements for the quality of the weld. The welding current of industrial devices varies from 250 to 500 A.

Needless to say, the devices of each class are designed for specific work of a certain volume. Of course, the cost of welding inverters of each group differs significantly. However, they more than justify their price with characteristic virtues.

Benefits of inverters

Why have inverters gained such widespread popularity? Let's consider their advantages.

• Stable welding current even with power surges in the network, it means that the seam will always turn out to be even.
• Minimum spatter- the slag layer formed during welding is much thinner than when working with transformers or rectifiers. This means that you will have to make less effort to remove it and polish the adjacent surfaces.
• Smooth current regulation allows you to choose optimal value to work with specific material.
• Versatility The inverter facilitates work with any materials: aluminum, stainless steel, etc.
• Protection systems exclude overheating of the device, overcurrent, long operation in one mode, etc.
• Thanks to low weight the inverter can be held in hands for a long time.
• Low power consumption- 2 times less than that of rectifiers and transformers.

Welding inverters vs transformers

Disputes about which is better - an inverter or a transformer, are still ongoing, and there is simply no consensus today. Statistically, transformers still hold the lead in distribution, but inverters are confidently taking the lead in domestic use. What are the main criteria by which they are usually compared? These are the cost, working conditions and a number of technical parameters. Consider the arguments in favor of each device in more detail in the table.

Comparison criteria / type of welding machine	inverter	Transformer
The amount of electricity consumed	Several times less compared to a transformer. For example, when working with an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm, it consumes less than 4 kW	Significantly squanders the network. For example, when working with an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm, it consumes more than 6 kW
Dimensions and transport options	Weight about 4 kg and small size - it is convenient to hang on the shoulder and work. Easily move to the right place	Weight and dimensions exceed the dimensions of the inverter by 2 times or more. Difficulties with transportation
Operating conditions	Particularly sensitive to the content of dust and moisture in the air, as well as to sub-zero temperatures. These factors can lead to rapid failure	Able to work in almost any environment
maintainability	Difficulties arise during repairs: if the I.G.B.T. buying a new one is 1/3 of the total cost of the inverter	Easy to find parts and repair
Duration of welding work	Overheating of the equipment should be excluded, allow it to cool down	Continuous operation possible
Surge resistance	Low. The arc burns unstable, except for devices that have protection against drops of this parameter in the network	The arc is resistant to power surges. Minimal spatter is generated during welding. This is achieved thanks to a stable welding current, which is not affected by fluctuations in the input voltage.
Additional functions	Hot Start guarantees stable ignition of the arc; Arc Force reduces the likelihood, and Antistick eliminates the "sticking" of the electrode to the part	Not
Price	High	2 - 3 times cheaper than an inverter device

As you can see, any type of welding machine has its pros and cons. And already everyone decides for himself which factor to put in the forefront - cost, ease of operation, dimensions, etc.

Welding inverters vs rectifiers

Compared to a welding inverter, a welding rectifier costs 2 to 3 times cheaper. It is characterized by reliability and maintainability and can work in harsh conditions - in the presence of dust and moisture in the air.

The disadvantages of the rectifier include large dimensions (albeit smaller than that of a transformer) and significant power consumption - in this the welding rectifier is similar to a transformer, it also sags the network.

Useful functions of welding inverters

hot start- the value of the current increases for a few seconds at the moment when the arc is ignited. That's why it burns steadily, and even a beginner can strike the arc without problems. When working with transformers, only a welder with extensive experience can perform this operation.

Antistick- prevents the electrode from sticking to the workpiece. The current stops flowing if the tip of the electrode touches the surface of the workpiece. As a result, you will easily tear off the electrode. If this is not done, a short circuit will occur.

Arc Force- increases the current strength if the electrode is very close to the surface of the workpiece. This makes it possible to reduce the likelihood of sticking.

How to choose an inverter by technical specifications

Each welding inverter has a set of basic parameters, based on which one or another model is preferred. However, it is worth noting that the algorithm for choosing a device for a beginner and a professional is significantly different. Let's explore both options.

Inverter for home use

Step 1. We determine the value of the rated welding current - the power of the equipment

You can easily find this indicator in the product passport or in the product card in our online store. It means the current strength at which the inverter will not work at the limit of its capabilities and overheat (subject to PV% of the periods of work and rest).

Let's give an example

You will need an inverter of approximately 120 A to cook workpieces with a thickness of about 3 - 4 mm using an electrode with a diameter of 3 mm. Do not rush to buy a device with back-to-back current - be sure to add a margin of 30 - 50% and look at a 160 A inverter. Why? Everything is simple.

1. With constant operation at maximum current, the device will function at the limit of its capabilities, which means it will quickly become unusable.
2. In the garage and in the country - in places where household inverters are most often used, there are frequent cases of sudden changes in mains voltage. As a result, instead of 220 V, the output is only 170 - 180 V. This means that the nominal current value will be much less than stated in the documents and you will not be able to complete the intended work.
3. Welding cables of great length - more than 4 - 5 m also reduce the welding current.

Expert advice

For household appliances - inverters, the set of operations performed is standard, therefore, by purchasing a device with a value of 160 or 200 A, you will not lose.

Step 2. Decide on the mains voltage

Household inverters mainly operate from a single-phase 220 V network. It would seem that it could be easier to opt for a single-phase welder. However, even here there are subtleties, ignorance of which can lead to the fact that the purchased device simply will not fit your working conditions. What is this "secret" knowledge? There are two types of single-phase networks.

• Stable single-phase network- the voltage in it does not deviate by more than 10 - 15% from the norm, it varies from 188 to 254 V. This type includes urban and industrial systems. At these voltage values, the welding device will continue to work, albeit with small deviations.
• Unstable single-phase network- it happens if you connected the inverter to a generator or in places with regular voltage drops in the network: garages, garden plots if you use extension cords, etc. In such cases, the voltage differs from the norm by 20% or more. If you know that you will use the device in such circumstances, then you need to choose one that has an operating voltage range indicated in the passport or there is a note about the possibility of power supply from a generator.

Next, choose price category and brand. Even if we filter out many models according to the parameters discussed above, the choice is still huge. Now it's just a matter of how much you are willing to spend on acquiring a faithful au pair.

Inverter for professional use

Here the choice is made for more than complex scheme, as other specifications must be taken into account.

Step 1. Decide on the thickness of the parts you plan to work with

It is on this condition that the determination of the current strength, the duration of inclusion, the diameter of the electrode, etc., depends.

Step 2. Find out the diameter of the electrodes and the current strength

The dimensions of the electrodes are selected based on the thickness of the workpieces to be welded. The welding current, respectively, depends on both parameters (parameters of the electrodes plus dimensions of the parts). You can find out the approximate ratio from the table.

Electrode diameter, mm (for example, rutile ones are indicated)	Workpiece thickness, mm	Welding current value, A (indicated for the lower position of the electrode)
2	1,5	35 - 50
2,5	2	45 - 80
3	3	90 - 130
3	4	120 - 160
4	5	130 - 180
4	8	140 - 200
4 - 5	10	150 - 220
4 - 5	15	160 - 250
4 - 5	16 and over	180 - 320

Step 3. We determine the intensity of use of the inverter apparatus

This directly affects the inverter's intermittent running time, medium duration time and continuous operation time. Thus, based on the value of the working welding current, you can find out the rated welding current. To do this, you need to add a margin of 40 - 50% to the power value.

Be sure to consider duty cycle (df%)- this is the period of time when you can cook, and the duration of rest with a cycle of 10 minutes. For example, at a duty cycle of 70% at 40°C, you can work without interruption for 7 minutes and allow the machine to rest for 3 minutes.

Step 4. Determine the type of electrical network

Conventionally, all one- and three-phase networks are divided into 4 groups:

• stationary single-phase network (stable);
• single-phase network from the generator (unstable);
• stationary industrial three-phase network (stable);
• autonomous three-phase network (unstable).

We considered the first two types of networks when choosing a household welding inverter. Now let's focus on three-phase networks. If you understand that a stable industrial three-phase network is suitable for you, in which the maximum voltage surge is 10 - 15%, then an inverter with a suitable operating voltage range is sufficient.

If you plan to power the device from a generator, then look for a model where the manufacturer will indicate the possibility of working from gasoline or electric generators.

Also consider protection of the welding inverter from power surges. This is especially important when running on a generator. The point is that his output voltage subject to sudden surges, so protecting the inverter will help prevent a quick breakdown.

/