CO2 gas shielded welding power sources are required to have a flat or gradually decreasing external characteristic and possess arc self-regulation.
Traditional rectifier power sources mainly include tapped silicon rectifier power sources and self-saturating reactor-type silicon rectifier power sources. Tapped silicon rectifier power sources mainly consist of three parts: a main transformer, a rectifier, and a DC output reactor. Their external characteristic curve is basically flat, offering advantages such as simple structure and reliable operation, but lacking the ability to compensate for grid voltage fluctuations. Self-saturating reactor-type silicon rectifier power sources mainly consist of four parts: a main transformer, a self-saturating reactor (magnetic amplifier), a three-phase rectifier, and a DC output reactor. Their external characteristic regulation is achieved by the magnetic amplifier.
Modern digital and inverter power supply technologies are constantly developing. Digital carrier inverter-controlled welding machines, such as the YD-500EL3, use carrier technology to achieve bidirectional high-speed carrier communication between the main power supply and the wire feeding device, and feature multiple welding processes and carrier line short-circuit protection. Fully digital low-spatter gas-shielded welding machines, such as the Artsen Nova 350DR, are equipped with an expert database and can achieve advanced processes such as cold arc short-circuit transfer, smooth short-circuit transfer, and high-speed intermittent welding. Cold arc short-circuit transfer reduces heat input by precisely controlling the necking process of the molten droplet during short-circuit transfer and the reignition current value. Smooth short-circuit transfer utilizes a patented droplet necking detection and control system to precisely control the short-circuit droplet transfer, allowing the droplet to enter the molten pool smoothly. High-speed intermittent welding involves a sharp drop in current after each macroscopic molten pool is formed, quickly completing a spot welding cycle. Medium-frequency three-phase welding power supplies convert grid frequency to medium-frequency electrical energy through inverter technology, improving energy conversion efficiency and arc stability. This enables more precise heat control and provides excellent dynamic response and precise current control performance in automated production lines and robotic welding systems.
Digital welding machines offer excellent system flexibility, better stability, higher control precision, and good interface compatibility. Digital welding power supplies will become the future trend.
