When performing welding work, it is very important to have high-quality and reliable wire feeders on hand. The main advantages are that, that they make work easier, as this functionality will provide wire supply to the destination of welding.
For semi-automatic welding, such a feed mechanism will be a key node and will simplify the work of even a professional welder. What are the advantages of this mechanism, which today there are modern blocks for stretching the welding wire?
Semiautomatic welding machine
This welding unit is a device with an incomplete cycle of automation. The welding process takes place in an inert gas (argon), active (carbon dioxide) or in a mixture of gases. The principle of welding is, that in the semi-automatic electric arc, produced by direct electric current, always burns between the product and the welding wire. When working through the burner, the gas covers the welding zone, creating protection from the effects of air. Such semiautomatic devices are good in work with sheet metal.
The semiautomatic device allows to reduce working time considerably, increase the quality of welded joints. The popular model of the MIG MAG semi-automatic welding machine works together with the mechanism of a stretching of a welding wire. The device must be located in the welding machine in its housing or be remote and connected if necessary to the power supply via a power cable.
The wire wound on the spool should be located in the coil of the semiautomatic device and then passed through the mechanism of wire feed into a special channel. A welding torch is attached to it, from the cylinder the gas supply goes to the burner by a specially attached tube. You can use flux-cored wire and in this case you will not need a gas cylinder.
Feeding mechanisms
Until recently, a pulling or pushing device was used for feeding, but now everything has changed and began to use a multifunctional mechanism with an electronic control system. Control of the operating mode parameter allows to simplify essentially all welding process. There are three types of material feeders, which are separated due to the method of wire drawing.
- Pushing action is the most common type, it does not burden the welding torch and facilitates the welding process. It must be installed near the welding machine and push the wire through the guide channel, so that it reaches the tip of the burner.
- Pulls action - such a mechanism is assembled inside the semiautomatic device in the burner housing, he feeds the material to himself. It gives the advantage to work with sleeves of the increased length if necessary. The downside is that, that he makes a burner, and this affects the efficiency of the welder and slows down the process.
- Combined - they combine pulling and pushing mechanisms, such devices are very rare.
The mechanism uses 2 and 4 roller circuits, it depends on the diameter of the wire. For small diameter - 1-1,2 mm used two-roller scheme, it consists of a leading and clamping roller. If there is to be work with thicker wire, then the mechanism with two clamping and two leading rollers is applied. They provide the whole mechanism with a more stable supply to the desired area, even in that case, when it is a short distance from the burner.
The wire is fed by pressing between the rollers. The diameter of the wire should be smaller, than the diameter of the channel and if the diameter is larger, then the mechanism will not be able to ensure stable promotion of the material.
Modern types of feed mechanisms
Today you can buy modern wire feeders, which are complex electronic devices, they can significantly reduce the time of welding.
The mechanism is equipped with a control panel, by means of which the signal on a torch moves, it is connected to the remote control. At the moment of pressing the button there is a wire supply, the supply stops at the moment, when the button is released. Next time, when it is necessary to submit material it is necessary to press only the button of the panel slightly. All devices can work for a long time with short welding stitches. Thanks to the electronic system, all the necessary functions are performed.
- Stabilizes wire feed speed
- Ability to adjust the speed
- Some models have a memory function, she remembers to 10 programs in welding mode.
- The cold broach function helps to deliver the wire to the burner quickly and easily.
- The gas purge function allows the equipment to operate for a longer period of time. Before and after the end of welding it is necessary to do gas purging.
- Some models are equipped with a function to adjust the annealing time of the welding wire.
All modern mechanisms are equipped with informative displays, indicators, they help control the current settings during the operation of the program. All models are quite easy to operate, even home builders can understand them.
Features in working with the device
Autonomous operation of the mechanism is one of its main advantages, it can work outside the semi-automatic welding machine. When work is carried out in inconvenient and hard-to-reach objects, it is possible to install the mechanism separately at a great distance from the welding machine.
In addition to the positive moments, there are also downsides, which are worth mentioning. The unit needs quality and timely maintenance, so if you do not know his device well, it will be difficult to deal with.
Mechanisms can be stationary and portable, for jobs, which require the transfer of the device, usually use portable units, and for places, where it is impossible to transfer it use stationary type. Portable mechanisms are considered more practical and convenient to operate.
There are some parameters to consider when choosing a device:
- Maximum wire feed
- Permissible material diameter
- Speed and available settings
- Mobility, weight and dimensions of the unit.
Conclusion
Many craftsmen, having drawings and necessary materials, who with their own hands create a mechanism for pulling the wire. Such homemade devices can not be compared with the capabilities of modern mechanisms of domestic and foreign production, they are usually chosen by those, who works at a professional level.