Useful Tig Settings - AHP WELDS alphaTIG 203Xi Operator's Manual

Useful TIG Settings

It is very hard to recommend a welding setting that is good for all
applications. In reality, there is no such setting. However we have
compiled a few basics that you can use to help you in many different
settings. Keep in mind these are only general settings and will need
to be fine tuned. Welding position, joint design and even ambient
temperature will play a part if the exact settings you will need.
For TIG welding in DC use the following recommendations:
Pre-Flow: .3-.5 Seconds
Post-Flow: 3-5 Seconds, or 1 second for every 25 Amps
Start Amps with Pedal: 5-20A (Use more Start Amps with larger tung-
sten diameters. For Example: 1/16 Tungsten =5 Amp min. start 1/8
Tungsten= 20A min start)
End Amps with Pedal: 5-15A
Downslope with Pedal: 0 Seconds
Start Amps with torch switch: 10-20A (depending on tungsten size)
End Amps with torch switch: 5-20A (depending upon arc tail-off con-
cerns and tungsten size)
Down Slope with torch switch: 3-5 seconds
Amps: With pedal, 1 amp per thousandth of an Inch with pedal. Sub-
tract 15% to 25% with torch switch. (up to .125", after that consider
using multiple passes)
For TIG welding in DC using Pulse, the above basic recommendations
except:
Welding Amps: 1 amp per thousandth of an Inch plus 5-15%
Pulse Amps: 40-65% of Welding Amps
Pulse Frequency: 100-150Hz for heat control, 1 to 2 Hertz for appear-
ance
Pulse Time-On: 50-75%
For TIG welding in AC use the following recommendations for general
use.
Pre-Flow: .1-.5 Seconds
Post-Flow: 5-10 Seconds, or 1-2 seconds for every 25 Amps
Start Amps with Pedal: 20A (30A with 1/8" Tungsten)
End Amps with Pedal: 20A
Downslope with Pedal: 0 Seconds
Start Amps with torch switch (recommend using foot pedal, but if
required): 1 amp per thousandth of an inch thickness plus 25 to 50%
(may overball tungsten or consume it rapidly if Tungsten is under-
sized)
End Amps with torch switch: 20A
Down Slope with torch switch: 4-7 seconds
Amps: With Pedal 1 Amp per thousandth of an inch plus 25%
With torch switch, one Amp per thousandth
AC Frequency: 90-100Hz
AC Balance: 20-40%
For welding with AC pulse, use the above settings except:
Welding Amps: 1 Amp per thousandth of an Inch plus 25%
Component Identification and Explanation of Function
Pulse Amps: 50– 75% of Welding Amps
Pulse Frequency: 1.5 to 3 Hz for appearance; 100 to 200 Hz for Heat
control.
Pulse Time On: 50-65%
Notes on Rapid Set Operation
Rapid Set mode is useful for quick setup and adjustment of Amper-
age without having to refer to complicated charts or computer apps.
However, you will need to know and input several pieces of infor-
mation about what you are welding to accurately use the Rapid Set
mode. For TIG you'll need to know and enter the following:
•
Material (metal being welded) thickness, or closest approxima-
tion. If welding on metric or odd thickness, select the closest
fractional equivalent.
•
Tungsten Diameter. This helps to determine the maximum am-
perage that can be used with the given tungsten diameter. For
example 1/16" electrodes will not be able to weld at a full 200A.
In this case maximum Amperage will be capped unless a larger
tungsten is used.
For Stick you'll need to know and enter the following:
•
Electrode type (listed on the side of the electrode)
•
Electrode diameter. This helps to determine minimum and maxi-
mum Amperage range of the electrode.
•
Metal thickness. This helps the machine know what amperage to
select given the electrode type and electrode diameter.
Keep in mind that the machine assumes that you are welding with
either steel or stainless in DC TIG mode, and Aluminum in AC TIG
mode. With more exotic metals or alloys, the Rapid Set mode may not
be useful or accurate. Also remember that the machine will limit
some choices while operating on 120V , and may limit Amp range
with smaller diameter Tungsten electrodes and stick electrodes while
operating on any voltage (120V or 240V).
You can always fine tune any recommended factory setting in Rapid
set mode simply by turning the adjustment knob. You can increase
the recommended factory setting up to 10A above the setting. Simi-
larly, you can decrease the recommended factory setting by up to
10A. This allows for a total adjustment range of 20A total. In case
you forget the recommended setting, the clock dial gauge indicates
the programmed setting when the arrow points vertical and turns red.
When increasing above or below the recommended factory setting the
arrow will rotate right or left on the gauge and the arrow will turn
white once the gauge leaves the factory recommended setting.
Rapid Set only sets Amperage. It does not set any other setting.
You'll still need to set all other parameters before entering the Rapid
Set mode such as pre/post flow, start/end amps, pulse, start type etc.
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