TECHNOLOGY
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Using Waveform Control
The amount of current applied in varying time
intervals can be charted as a waveform. This
waveform characterizes the weld output. Changing
specific values during specific periods of the
waveform directly affects the characteristics of the
weld. Lincoln Waveform Control Technology Welding
Systems use high-speed electronics to monitor the
electrical signals from the welding arc and make
appropriate changes to the current waveform. All the
desired factors which control the welding arc from
“arc start to arc stop” are written in software.
Changes to the waveform can be made in real-time,
(that is, during the weld), or after the weld if it is
evident that the weld does not meet requirements.
Arc Control: Controlling the Waveform
Waveform Control Technology Welding Systems provide the
operators with a simple control knob, “Arc Control”, also
known as “Inductance” or “Wave Control”. It allows the
operator to vary the arc characteristics from “soft” to “crisp”
in most weld modes. It is adjustable from -10.0 to +10.0,
with a nominal setting of 00.0. The following are descriptions
of the arc control functions for different weld processes.
Arc Force - (SMAW)
Range: -10 (soft) to +10 (crisp)
Arc force adjusts the short circuit current for a soft arc, or
a forceful driving arc, to prevent sticking and shorting of
electrodes. Arc force is especially effective for the
root pass on pipe with a stainless electrode, and helps
minimize spatter.
Pinch - (GMAW CV)
Range: -10 (soft) to +10 (crisp)
Pinch controls the current applied at a short circuit during
short arc welding.
Frequency Modulation - (GMAW-PP)
Range: -10 (low frequency) to +10 (high frequency)
Frequency Modulation controls the spacing of the ripples in
the pulse-on-pulse weld. Low frequency modulation is used
for slow travel speeds, while high frequency modulation is
used for narrower welds.
Pulse Frequency - (GMAW-P)
Range: -10 (low frequency) to +10 (high frequency)
Pulse frequency controls arc “stiffness” The lower the
frequency of the pulse, the wider and softer the arc.
Trim - (Synergic GMAW, GMAW-P)
Range: 0.5 to 1.5
Trim controls the length of the arc. Trim values less than 1.00
decrease the arc length, while values greater than 1.00
increase the arc length.
The future of welding is here.
®
Waveform Control Technology
Waveform Control
Software
WaveDesigner
Lincoln Electric created the Wave Designer software
program to simplify the operator’s experience with
controlling various attributes of the waveform. Wave
Designer is a tool that allows the manipulation of
current waveforms and arc characteristics with a live
welding arc. It can also monitor and analyze the critical
parameters of the actual waveform at high resolution.
ArcScope
The ArcScope utility allows the operator to view the
actual arc voltage in real-time. This provides the
necessary information to manipulate the arc
characteristics to achieve a quality weld.
Custom Waveforms
Customized welding software means even the most
difficult materials can be welded with the Power
Feed/Power Wave system. Copper, Nickel, and Silicon
Bronze are a few of the unusual alloys the Waveform
Control system welds with ease when special software
is loaded. Lincoln Electric will build custom waveforms for
those customers experiencing difficulty with unique
materials or joint configurations.
Wave Designer and
ArcScope display
real-time readouts of
welding arc activity.