Inverter-Based Power Source Enables High-Productivity Welding

Esab says its Aristo Mig 4004i Pulse power source, coupled with the Aristo Feed 3004 or Aristo Feed 4804 wire feeder, forms a complete MIG/MAG package for high productivity and quality welding applications. Together, the products are said to boost productivity, enhance weld quality, and reduce operating costs through lower energy consumption.

The lightweight power source can be used for MIG, pulsed MIG, MAG, MMA or TIG (LiveTig) welding. Its pulse function makes it suitable for spatter-free welding in aluminum and stainless steel. According to the company, the electronically controlled source’s light weight and smaller footprint make it easier to transport and use in confined spaces. Applications include automotive, trains, wind turbine towers, structural steelwork and general industrial fabrication, among others.

The power source delivers a welding current of 300 amps and voltage of 32 V at a 100-percent duty cycle. At a 60-percent duty cycle, it delivers 400 amps and 36 V. The machine operates from a 380- to 460-V (±10 percent), three-phase supply at 50/60 Hz, and can be powered by a generator when no main supply is available. Creep start, gas preflow, and hot start functions help provide a soft and more direct start with less spatter, the company says. The QSet intelligent welding system automatically fine-tunes the welding so the operator only has to adjust the wire feed speed.

The Aristo Feed 3004 and 4804 wire feeders are offered with U6 or U82 machine interface options, which accommodate as many as 250 pre-programmed synergic lines to set the optimum welding parameters. The LiveTig start function electronically limits the start current to 12 to 15 amps, reducing the possibility that tungsten will be transferred into the weld puddle and cause a weld defect.