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Inverter Technology
POWER ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY
Inverter-based welding power
sources operate at frequencies
above 20 kHz, whereas
traditional power sources
operate at a line frequency
of 50 or 60 Hz. Some of the
advantages an inverter has
are smaller magnetic
components (chokes and
transformers), higher
efficiency, and a fast
response to the welding arc.
Inverter power sources were
first introduced into the
welding industry in the early
1980s. The initial attraction of
the inverter was its small size
and easy portability. For
example, a rectifier-based
machine, like the Lincoln CV305,
weighs four times more than the
Invertec V350-PRO. Less space
is needed and the inverter unit is
easily moved around the job site.
As the popularity and reliability of
What is
Inverter Technology?
The Power Wave
®
455M/STT
Inverter Technology
The future of welding is here.
®
The Invertec
®
V350-PRO
The Power Wave
®
AC/DC 1000™
The Power Wave
®
355M
Inverter Technology is
showcased in Lincoln’s
Invertec
®
V350-PRO, and
Power Wave
®
welding systems
How
Inverter Works
Incoming 50 to 60 Hz alternating
current (AC) is converted
to direct current (DC) by a full
wave rectifier.
The DC power is inverted into high-frequency AC power,
using semiconductor switches above 20 kHz. High-speed
switching improves welding. Switching above 20 kHz
improves efficiency, reduces weight, and is above the
maximum frequency people can hear. Digital controls
dictate the switching rate of the transistors.
The high-frequency AC voltage
requires a step-down
transformer. The transformer
takes high voltage, high
frequency AC and converts it to
low voltage, high frequency AC.
The current is “smoothed”
by a rectifying and
filtering circuit to make it
suitable for welding.
the inverter increased, the capabilities
were expanded. Inverters are now
designed for many different
processes: SMAW, GTAW, FCAW,
SAW, and are capable of operating in
extreme environments. Over the last
decade, Lincoln Electric has invested
heavily in developing inverter
technology, producing highly reliable
inverter machines.