Advanced Features - Image Industries Smartweld SW1200 Operation Manual

Section 3

ADVANCeD feATUReS

PILOT ARC
 

 
 

low current arc for a short duration that is used to establish the main arc. The pilot
arc allows for a smooth transition to the main arc and improves welding results.
To access the Pilot Arc screen from the home screen, press the
button twice. If the last row of the Pilot Arc screen displays the  lock symbol then
the pilot arc can not be changed without entering the unlocking code. (See Code
Section for details on entering the code).
The pilot arc is adjusted the same way as the main arc (See Normal Operation). A
time value of 0 disables the pilot arc phase of the weld. The display will show OFF
when a time value of 0 is selected.
hAMMeR MODe
From the home screen, press the
the Hammer Mode screen. This mode is most useful when welding on dirty, rusty, mill scale or painted surfaces (painted
 

  
 
code. (See Code Section for details on entering the code). The upper rotary knob cycles the hammer mode between on
and off. The lower rotary knob adjusts the number of hammers between 1 and 15 hammers; a setting of 5-10 is usually
sufficient.
Lift Check
If the hammer mode is off and the system does not detect ground (i.e. the weld tool is air triggered), the weld tool
will cycle once without welding. This is useful for checking lift settings in the weld tool. If gas flow is enabled, gas will flow
during lift check. This can be used on power up to purge the gas line.
Pilot arc control is an advanced topic. If you do not have a good understanding
of the stud welding process do not adjust these values. The factory default
setting of 100 Amps for 0.050 seconds is sufficient for most stud welding
purposes.


The weld sequence is broken into two
phases: the pilot arc phase and the main
arc phase. The pilot arc is typically a
scroll down button 3 times to access
surfaces require a special stud). The system automatically detects ground. If
ground is not found the weld tool lifts and plunges to break through the scale or
paint. It will repeat this lift/plunge (hammer) sequence until ground is detected
at which point the stud will weld. After the set number of hammers the system
stops and returns to the ready state.

If the lower left corner of the Hammer Mode screen displays the à lock symbol
then the Hammer Mode can not be changed without entering the unlocking
Normal Operation
scroll down
0
Hot Plunge
Pilot Arc Phase
Main Arc Phase
Time (ms)