Arc-Force" Function - Paton StandardMIG-160 Instruction Manual

Manual Adjustment: This feature enables users to set the function level to its minimum
value, resulting in a significant decrease in energy consumption during the initial ignition
phase. This allows the power source to start with voltage levels close to the minimum
achievable range, although it does impact the quality of the ignition moment (making the
apparatus similar to a transformer source). Alternatively, the function can be increased to
its maximum value to enhance the ignition moment (when working with a stable power
grid). However, it's crucial to remember that using the increased current from this function
can lead to the workpiece burning through when welding thin metals. Therefore, we
recommend reducing the value of the "Hot Start" function in such situations.
Operational Illustration: For an arc initiated with a 3mm electrode at a primary welding
current of 90A, the "Hot-Start" functionality temporarily augments the welding current by
a default of 40%. Consequently, the resultant "Hot-Start" current becomes: 90A × 1.40=126
A
In the Advanced settings, you have the option to adjust both the "Hot Start" power [H.St]
and the "Hot Start" time [t.HS]. It's crucial not to increase these values excessively. When
set too high, a robust mains supply is required. If the mains supply is not sufficiently strong,
the ignition process may not succeed.
In the advanced settings, you can change both the strength of the "Hot Start" [H.St] and
the time of the "Hot Start" [t.HS]. Do not exceed the "Hot Start" force and time
unnecessarily, because at high limit values it requires a very strong power supply, and in the
absence of a good power supply, the ignition process will even be disrupted.
To change the value of any function in the current welding mode, see section 6.1.

3.3 "ARC-FORCE" FUNCTION

Advantages of the function:
- increased welding stability at short arc;
- improved metal dripping into the weld pool;
- improved arc ignition;
- reduces the probability of electrode sticking, but it is not an "Anti-Stick" function,
which will be discussed in the next paragraph;
Manual adjustment: allows the function level to be set to a minimum value, which slightly
reduces the energy consumption and also the concentration of heat input during welding of
thin metals, which reduces the probability of burnout, but also reduces the stability of the
short arc (the machine becomes similar to a transformer source). It is also possible to
increase the function value to a maximum value to achieve even higher short arc stability,
but this requires a better mains supply and increases the probability of burning through the
welded workpiece.
How it is achieved: If the arc voltage drops below the minimum allowable voltage for a
stable arc, the welding current increases by the default level of +40%.
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PATON StandardMIG DC MMA/TIG/MIG/MAG