March 29, 2012

Welder fix - tool List

There are thousands of fix Centers throughout North America that assistance and fix Welders. This tool is used by Hobbyists, Farmers, and industry professionals for both Hand and Automation applications. The Welders can be generally classified as being Transformer based, Transformer based with Scr switching, Chopper or Inverter based. High end products such as machine Driven Welders, Synergic Mig Welders, and Plasma Welders fall into these same normal categories.

Eventually, this tool will fail and need repair. Large organizations take on in-house repairs but the majority of work occurs in secretly run small businesses. Efficient Welder assistance and fix requires that the fix Centers have a full range of Test tool and Welding Accessories. The following list outlines a good starting point for procurement of this Equipment:

1. Primary Ac Power (Mains): 115V, 208/230V single and 3 Phase, 460V 3 Phase.




These Voltages are used to encompass varied input power requirements for multiple Welder configurations. Not all Welders run off the same Primary Ac Voltage. A Welder must be tested at the same voltage as it is being used in the field. Any Welder that is capable of 460V doing must be tested at this voltage. Any Bus voltage equilibrium problems will be noticeable only at the higher Ac input voltage.

2. Dvm (Digital Volt Meter) and Analog Meter.

A Dvm provides great precision for all measurements. Ensure that your Dvm has a Diode Test position, and is capable of measuring Capacitance. These are important features to have. An Analog Meter is also useful. It can provide a good indication of Power provide ripple on a Dc provide straight through judgment of Meter needle stability.

3. Battery powered Dso (Digital storage Oscilloscope).

Mains powered Oscilloscopes have grounded Alligator clips on the Oscilloscope Probes. I.e. The Bnc outer is electrically associated to Mains ground. This can cause signal shorts when a determination is being carried out. To avoid this question a Mains Isolation Transformer and/or Isolated Probes will need to be used. Battery powered Dso's do not have this issue. tool portability is also important in a Workshop environment.

4. Igbt & Mosfet Tester or Component Analyzer.

Tests the functionality of Igbt and Mosfet switching components when a gating signal is applied. A Component Analyzer provides further pathology of the D.U.T (Device-Under-Test) and alleviates the requirement for the Technician to know the configuration of the component leads.

5. Scr Component Analyzer.

Tests the functionality of Scr's with an applied gating signal. A Component Analyzer provides further pathology of the D.U.T (Device-Under-Test) and alleviates the requirement for the Technician to know the configuration of the component leads.

6. Stator Winding Analyzer.

Tests the Stator Windings on machine Driven Welders. Analyzes the windings to determine issues with continuity, and shorted turns. Can be used on both single phase and 3 phase yield windings.

7. Capacitance Meter.

Invaluable for measuring the capacitance of Excitation Capacitors in machine Driven Welders, and other equipment. Some Dvm's do not consist of a Capacitance range.

8. Esr Meter.

Used to measure the Efficient Series Resistance of Capacitors. Capacitor failures can occur at the lead bonding point. This question can not be seen with a Capacitance Meter, but can catalogue for internal losses. Provides a distinct perspective on Capacitor fault analysis.

9. Ac / Dc Current Clamp Meter, capable of measuring up to 1000 Amps.

Allows precise determination of Primary Ac Power (Mains) Input current, Welder yield current and Wirefeeder Motor current. Provides confirmation of Welder calibration.

10. Load Bank (Active or Passive).

Dissipates Weld yield current at rates carefully by adjustable resistance settings. Used to validate yield current capabilities and for Burn-in testing. Active Load banks can provide variable yield characteristics in real time.

11. Hi-Pot Tester or Insulation Tester.

Used to test for High Voltage leakage conditions (typically to ground).

12. Soldering Iron.

Weller makes some great offerings. Look for Soldering Stations with Esd safe housings. Having the right tips for the job is important.

13. Air Compressor. Up to 120 psi and 600 Scfh.

For normal cleaning- Metal dust, and debris. Also used for Plasma Cutter operation.

14. Cylinder gases (Argon, Ar/Co2 75/25).

For Weld testing of units after Repair/Functional Test.

15. varied Hand tools.

Screwdrivers, Socket wrenches, Wrenches, Pliers, Hammers, Allen keys etc.

16. Torque Driver.

Most screws and bolts need to be torqued correctly to the Manufacturers specification. This is very important where thermal conductivity properties are important. Igbt's, Mosfet's and Hockey Puck Scr's must be correctly torqued to their Heatsink assembly.

17. Flow meter for torch testing.

Used to check gas flow rates straight through the torch. important for Plasma Welding and Mig applications.

18. Coolant Conductivity Meter.

Used to test the conductivity of coolant that is used in Plasma Welding Systems. If the coolant becomes conductive this can cause the Plasma Welding Torch to come to be shorted. This causes permanent damage.

19. Wireless or Cell phone.

Allows the Technician to characterize to Technical retain staff (Manufacturers representatives) while troubleshooting the Welder.

20. Wirefeeder.

Used for Weld testing Mig (Cv) Welders.

21. varied Stingers, Mig torches, Tig torches, Leads.

Most Welding Power Supplies don't come in with accessories, unless requested. These need to be available in distinct configurations for Weld testing the product.

22. Loading Dock with Fork Lift or Hoist.

Used to move heavy tool in and out of the workshop.

23. Computer (Desk Top or Laptop) with Internet access.

Used to way Manufacturers sites for retain inquiries, and downloading of assistance Manuals. Also, making ready of Word documents, Database way etc.

24. Esd stoppage materials and equipment.

Suitable lengths and quantities of Static Dissipative Matting, Wrist Straps, Foot Straps, Cords, Bonding Points, etc for setting up an Epa (Esd Protected Area). This designated area will be used for change of electronic components and Pca's (Printed Circuit Assemblies).

Welder fix - tool List

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